Violent pornography: a test for human rights

Recommendation 2310 (2026)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate on 25 June 2026 (26th sitting) (see Doc. 16422, report of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination, rapporteur: Ms Laura Castel; and Doc. 16444, opinion of the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development, rapporteur: Mr Joseph O'Reilly). Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 June 2026 (26th sitting).

1. The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 2670 (2026) “Violent pornography: a test for human rights” and underlines that violent pornography is a threat to gender equality and the well-being of women, girls and society at large, as it normalises and even glamourises violence against women.

2. The Assembly believes that addressing violent pornography requires better knowledge of the issue, its prevalence, its effects, the legislation and policies adopted to prevent and counter it, and an assessment of their impact.

3. The Assembly considers that, because violent pornographic material is inherently transnational as it is hosted on platforms operating across borders, often beyond the reach of European jurisdictions, enhanced international co-operation is necessary to address it effectively. The Council of Europe is best placed to take the lead in combating this scourge.

4. In this context, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers promote international action in this area and in particular:

4.1 launch, in co-operation with UN Women, the European Union and other relevant organisations and bodies, a worldwide campaign against violent pornography;

4.2 consider co-organising with the World Health Organization (WHO) a conference or panel of independent experts in neuroscience, psychology, public health and other related fields, to exchange information on the addictive effects and neurological impact of violent pornography as well as on real-world correlation between consumption of violent pornography and violence against women.

5. The Assembly urges the Committee of Ministers to adopt without delay a recommendation on comprehensive sexuality education that is mandatory, age appropriate, medically accurate and evidence based, drafted in line with the indications provided in several texts adopted by the Assembly. This education should cover topics such as gender equality, consent, bodily autonomy, respectful personal relationships, emotional education and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.