Disrupting harm in North Macedonia key findings
A hidden child protection crisis in the digital age
- English
- Македонски
- Shqip
Highlights
Every child has the right to be safe, protected and supported, both in-person and online. Yet the findings of Disrupting Harm in North Macedonia reveal that thousands of children are experiencing sexual exploitation and abuse facilitated by digital technologies. Far from being isolated incidents, these harms are part of a broader child protection challenge that is evolving alongside children's increasing digital engagement.
Drawing on the first nationally representative evidence on technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse in North Macedonia, this report exposes the scale, nature and impacts of abuse, as well as the barriers that prevent children from reporting and accessing justice and other services. The findings demonstrate an urgent need for stronger prevention, more effective protection systems, trauma-informed, child-centred and gender-transformative support services and greater accountability from digital platforms and institutions responsible for safeguarding children.
The key findings and recommendations that follow are grounded in the voices and experiences of those subjected to these forms of violence as children, as well as evidence from professionals working across child protection, education, law enforcement and justice sectors. Together, they offer a roadmap for government, civil society, the private sector and communities to take decisive action to protect children and uphold their rights in the digital age.
