Jun 24 2021
Past event

Ensuring the Human Rights of Children Online: Examining the Role of the Private Sector

‘Ensuring the Human Rights of Children Online: Examining the Role of the Private Sector’ a virtual side event of the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 24 June 1:00-2:15pm CEST / 7:00AM-8:15AM EST co-convened by the World Benchmarking Alliance, Universal Rights Group, Global Child Forum, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, and the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva. 

Growing up online and using digital technologies offers limitless opportunities to all, including children. As the world embraces digitalization, children are getting access to digital platforms and spending more time online than before. Children learn and connect with peers through computers, gaming devices, smartphones, among other technologies.  However, these opportunities brought about by the Internet have come with serious risks such as cyberbullying, data breaches, sexual exploitation and other forms of peer-to-peer violence affect young people each time they log in to social media platforms. 

UN Human Rights Council Resolution ‘The promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet’ (38/7) recognizes that business enterprises have a responsibility to respect human rights as set out in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework.    

With this context, this event would bring together global stakeholders to discuss the role of the private sector and standard setting in protecting the rights of children online; discuss the current landscape of business action to ensure the rights of children online, including frameworks and assessments of leading practices; and identify solutions to operationalize and implement policies pertaining to children’s rights online, including meeting calls to action from UNHRC Resolution 38/7. 

Panel 

  • H.E. Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Sweden to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva (Keynote) 
  • Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children  
  • Andrew Mawson, Chief, Child Rights and Business, UNICEF  
  • Filippa Bergin, Head of Research and Development, Global Child Forum 
  • Andrew Buay, Vice President of Group Sustainability, Singtel and Optus 
  • Lourdes Montenegro, Digital Benchmark Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance 
  • Marc Limon, Executive Director, Universal Rights Group (Moderator) 

Registration & Other Information

Please click here to register.  Additional information on the event concept is available here. This conversation is considered on-the-record and will be recorded. Please join and amplify the conversation online using #HRC47. If you have questions, please email Nicholas Sewe, WBA’s Digital Engagement Manager, at [email protected].

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  • Jun 24th 2021
  • 13:00 - 14:15
  • Public event