Brave Movement welcomes announcement of French Survivor Council as key moment in fight to end all violence against children

PARIS, 17 November 2025 – The Brave Movement of survivors of sexual violence and their allies has welcomed the announcement of the confirmation of a council of survivors in France as “a key moment in the fight to end all violence against children.”

French High Commissioner for Childhood Sarah El Haïry made the announcement during an interview on France TV’s Dimanche en Politique programme, six months after the then French Prime Minister François Bayrou gave his public backing to the creation of a council.

Speaking on the show, Ms Haïry confirmed that a “victim’s council” will now be set-up.

Mié Kohiyama, co-founder of the Brave Movement and BeBraveFrance said:

“We welcome this announcement confirming a council of survivors and victims, something we and so many other groups representing survivors have long campaigned for. Our lived experience means we should play a major role in advising on how to end the scourge of violence against children. 

The confirmation of this Council is a key moment in that journey. The Brave Movement is ready to support the set-up of the Council. It must be able to amplify survivor voices, provide an exchange platform for experts and survivors and serve as an invaluable resource in the development of policies tackling child sexual violence.

Violence against children is a global crisis. We hope other governments will follow France’s lead and also take this step in creating national councils where survivors can play their vital role in keeping all children safe.”