The Third National Forum for Human Rights in Qatar opened in Lusail yesterday with a focus on the importance of developing a digital system to protect the rights of children in the face of rapid changes in the digital world. With over 600 participants, including officials, experts, specialists, and students, the two-day forum aims to address the theme ‘Protecting Children’s Rights In A Secure Digital Environment-Challenges And Prospects For Empowerment and Protection’. The event is being organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in partnership with various government ministries and international organizations such as UNICEF.
During the opening ceremony, H E Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad emphasized the need for wisdom in guiding children in using technological advancements to benefit society, while also protecting them from the dangers of the digital world. She highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on children’s mental, psychological, and moral development, with studies showing high rates of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful digital content. The Minister stressed the importance of developing innovative solutions to safeguard children from these risks and called for united efforts from government institutions and the private sector.
H E Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Chairperson of NHRC, echoed the importance of discussing the protection of children’s rights in the digital environment at the forum. She emphasized the need for a stronger digital system to protect children’s rights and best interests, while engaging the private sector in promoting safe digital spaces. Al Attiyah called for educating children, parents, and teachers on responsible behavior in the digital environment and ensuring children’s informed consent in digital design. She urged for the development of a guiding code to respect and protect children’s rights in the digital realm.
Al Attiyah highlighted the State’s responsibility in protecting children’s digital rights, calling for the consideration of digital issues in upcoming child protection laws and legislation. She also commended Qatar’s efforts in drafting a convention to combat cybercrime, emphasizing the need for ratification to prevent internet crimes, especially those targeting children. Al Attiyah proposed the development of a national guide on respect for human rights in using the internet and making children’s rights a priority, calling for collaboration at the Gulf and Arab levels to develop similar codes. The forum aims to address these crucial issues to ensure the protection and empowerment of children in the digital age.
