More focused investments and greater cooperation to increase children’s access to safe online content – says UNICEF

Tirana, 4 July 2018- Today, a multi stakeholder meeting on ‘Child Protection Online in Albania” was held to discuss the measures for the protection of children from access to materials of harmful or illegal content on the internet.

Despite the profound benefits of the Internet, children and young people can face several risks when using Information Communication Technology, such as exposure to inappropriate content, inappropriate contact, or violation of their privacy. These online risks may cause adverse impacts on children that can violate their rights—from their rights to protection from sexual exploitation and violence to their right to privacy.

In late April, this year, UNICEF formally launches a multiyear program #iamsafeonline, in collaboration with Government of Albania to elevate the overall efforts for prevention and protection of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) online in Albania.

The recent inclusion of the protection of children online in the Albanian legislation, unfamiliarity of educational and other public institutions with this domain (harmful and illegal content online), has surfaced the need for a careful review of the current situation and address challenges that institutions, teachers, caregivers, parents and children themselves face.

In his greetings remarks Dr Roberto De Bernardi, UNICEF Representative in Albania said: “I wish to extend my deep appreciation to the Government of Albania for supporting the efforts to further develop the role of national mechanisms for promoting safer internet for all children in the country. UNICEF will continue to provide its leadership to the safety online national plan of action and will continue to foster a spirit of cooperation between various partners including private sector to better understand what can harm children online and what is the best way to protect them”.

The national authorities and key stakeholders gathered today at National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security premises, proposed concrete recommendations on the protection of children from accessing materials of harmful and/or illegal content on the internet to ensure the effective protection of children online. The results of the discussions will inform the drafting of the by-law requested by Article 27 of the Law on the Rights and Protection of the Child, that is being led by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and that UNICEF together with its partner TLAS are supporting.

To protect children online UNICEF is calling for Ministry of Health and Social Protection; State Agency for the Rights and Protection of the Child; Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; Education Development Institute; Private Sector (Internet Service Providers), parents and other caregivers, school’s teachers to better protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation while giving all children opportunities to take advantage of the benefits offered by ICTs.