ChildFund has partnered with the African Union in efforts to make the digital space more children friendly and safe.
In the partnership, the two organisations will work together to advocate for AU member states to establish legal frameworks and legislative instruments for protection and advancement of children’s rights online.
This comes amidst concern at how digital technology is exposing children to risks.
“AUC seeks to counter the growing negative influence of online exploitation and abuse of children across Africa,” the AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Amb. Minata Samaté Cessouma said.
The two organisations will also mobilise the private and public sectors to help create a safe online environment.
As internet penetration deepens in African economies, online exploitation and abuse of children are raising concern among stakeholders.
ChildFund is leading the push for policies and laws to curb online sexual exploitation and abuse of children through an MoU signed with AUC at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
ChildFund Africa Regional Director Chege Ngugi, said while increased access to the internet has had several benefits for children such as access to education opportunities and health information, it has exposed them to more dangers online.
“Parents, teachers, governments, policymakers, tech companies, regulators, law enforcement agencies and children must work together if we are to make substantial progress,” he said.
ChildFund and the AU will also mobilise international and regional public and private partners to rally behind the call to end online exploitation and abuse of children.
They will also sensitise various organs and committees of the African Union – such as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights of the Child and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) – to promote and protect children’s rights online.
