Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 :Interactive Dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Childrenat the 52nd Session of Human Rights Council (27 February – 4 April 2023) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India,
Geneva, 16 March 2023
Mr. President,
We thank the Special Representative for the presentation of the report focusing on violence against children in the digital environment.
2. Violence against children continues to be manifested in various forms under different settings. It is disconcerting that a large number of children are victims of violence aggravated by new technologies, climate change, spread of terrorism and violent extremism. To tackle such global challenges, enhanced cooperation from all stakeholders at the global, regional and national levels is important.
Mr. President,
3. Ending violence against children remains a high priority for the Government of India. India has moved from child welfare policies to a rights-based approach for a holistic child protection system.
4. Digital space opens up enormous opportunities for children to learn and connect to the world, but it also brings serious challenges, including violence and abuse of children.Therefore, we need measures to strengthen digital literacy and safety, including enhancing understanding by children of the digital environment and stronger framework to ensure that children enjoy the benefits of the digital technologies without compromising their well-being.
5. In India, effective measures are put in place to prevent and protect children against cyberstalking and cyberbullying, child marriage, sexual harassment, pornography and trafficking in persons.
I thank you.
