1b children facing abuse globally
abu dhabi — One billion children experience violence every year, including sexual abuse, whether physically or on the online world, experts divulged on Monday.
In a bid to tackle online crimes against children, the UAE gathered 450 high-level delegates, NGOs, policy makers and leaders from different faiths in the Capital at the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities: Child Dignity in the Digital World.
Held on the eve of World Children’s Day, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the two-day forum focuses on what world leaders and policy-makers can do to combat crimes against children in the digital world.
Lt-Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, delivered the keynote address.
“We are here today, following in our predecessors’ footsteps to reinforce the messages of tolerance that they shared with us.
“Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan would have approved of this conference, as it falls in line with his dedication to humanity and tolerance. The late Sheikh Zayed learnt directly from the teachings of the prophets, and he shared this wisdom with the current leaders of the UAE and its people,” he said.
Lt-Gen Sheikh Saif pointed out that the majority of the world’s countries and religions are focused on improving the world, adding “as leaders within your communities, it is your role to spread the spirit of humanity and tolerance.”
Scriptures from all major religions are unambiguous regarding the safety and security of children. Religious leaders must engage collectively.”
Howard Taylor, executive director, Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children
Online child abuse on the rise
During the forum’s sessions, Howard Taylor, executive director, Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, revealed that one billion children are being abused every year, both in the “real world” and in the “online world”.
“This means that one in every two children experience violence and neglect.”
He pointed out that because of the massive scale of child abuse and exploitation found online, governments, legislators and faith leaders must work together to eradicate the “growing issue”.
“Scriptures from all major religions are unambiguous regarding the safety and security of children. Religious leaders must engage collectively because we need the whole society to work together.”
Robert Van Den Berg, executive director, ECPAT International, shared concerning figures about child sexual abuse and sexual images found online.
He said a research conducted with the Interpol revealed that 70 per cent of the victims are young girls, while 30 per cent are boys. Moreover, 60 per cent of the victims are younger than 12 years, while four per cent are between one and two years old.
The study also revealed that the younger the victim the more violent the image will be, especially if it is a boy. He pointed out that there is no typical offender.
“It happens in all ages, all backgrounds, but what they have in common is that they come from the circle of trust.”
Van Den Berg said the offenders are often closely involved in the victim’s community, with the parents and even with the school.
He added that 95 per cent of the offenders are male, while five per cent are female.
“The perpetrators either work alone, or work in criminal networks. The interfaith leaders thus have a moral responsibility to address these crimes,” he added.
Prof Ernesto Caffo, child psychiatrist and founder of iI Telefono Azzurro, said child abuse has lifelong consequences on children, stressing that it often turns into depression and even self harm.
“Mental disorders and self harm are increasing, and the experience in digital world is affecting the child’s brain immensely.”
He added that the victims in the digital world experience the same pain as in the real world.
Martha Santos Pais, special representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, said that values to protect children are universal.
“In 2015, the international community agreed on a new global agenda to build a world where each and every child is given the opportunity to grow up free from fear and violence by 2030.”
“Well, 2030 is around the corner and that is why this forum is so crucial,” she added.
She applauded the UAE for holding the ground-breaking forum, which is an expansion of the Child Dignity in the Digital World Congress held in October 2017 in the Vatican, and resulted in the Rome Declaration endorsed by Pope Francis.
The perpetrators either work alone, or work in criminal networks. The interfaith leaders thus have a moral responsibility to address these crimes.”
Robert Van Den Berg,
executive director, ECPAT International
Child abuse has lifelong consequences on kids. Mental disorders are increasing, and the experience in digital world is affecting the child’s brain.”
Prof Ernesto Caffo, founder of iI Telefono Azzurro