Statement by India under Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child on the “Theme: Rights of the child and the digital environment” at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023), Geneva, 10 March 2023 Statement by India under Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child on the “Theme: Rights ..

Statement by India under Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child on the “Theme: Rights of the child and the digital environment” at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023), Geneva, 10 March 2023

Statement by India under Annual full-day meeting on the rights of the child on the “Theme: Rights of the child and the digital environment” at the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023)

        Geneva, 10 March 2023

Mr. President,

At the outset, India would like to thank the panelists for their insightful presentations. The theme of this meeting is timely and pertinent.

Mr. President,

  1. India is home to around 20% of the world’s child population. The Government has been pursuing its agenda of inclusive development, keeping in mind the best interests of children with strong support and partnership with our state governments and other relevant organisations.
  1. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in India is a statutory body that ensures that laws, policies, programmes and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the rights of the child and holistic development as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mr. President,

  1. Digital space opens up enormous opportunities for children to learn and connect to the world, but it also brings serious challenges including cyber bullying. It also impacts cognition, behavior as well as physical and mental health of children.
  1. Therefore, we need measures to strengthen digital literacy and safety, including enhancing understanding by children of the digital environment and a stronger framework to ensure that children enjoy the benefits of digital technologies without compromising their well-being.

Mr. President,

  1. In India, effective measures are put in place to prevent and protect children against cyberstalking and cyberbullying, pornography and trafficking in persons.
  1. In addition to the IT Rules of 2011, the Government of India has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the National Database on Sexual Offenders to strengthen reporting and response to cybercrimes.

8.​       In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that India remains committed to leave no child behind and to protect, uphold and promote child rights.

I thank you.