The Third National Human Rights Forum in Doha, Qatar, will take place on September 10 and 11, focusing on the theme ‘Protecting Children’s Rights In A Secure Digital Environment-Challenges And Prospects For Empowerment and Protection’. Organized by the National Human Rights Committee in partnership with various government agencies and organizations, including the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event aims to enhance legislation, public policies, and administrative measures related to children’s rights in the digital space.
The forum will bring together 17 entities from Qatar, such as the Public Prosecution, Qatar University, and Al Jazeera Media Network, to discuss developments and challenges facing children’s rights in the digital environment. The goal is to identify best practices at the national, regional, and international levels to protect children online while promoting their access to the digital world in line with Islamic values and national identity. The event will also focus on raising awareness about potential risks and educating children, parents, and civil society about the importance of a safe digital environment.
With six sessions spread over two days, the forum will cover topics such as policies and technical measures to empower and protect children in the digital world, national strategies for safeguarding children’s rights online, and children’s participation in designing a safe digital space. The closing session will include recommendations from the chairpersons of the sessions to guide future actions in protecting children’s rights in the digital realm.
Qatar has made significant strides in protecting children’s rights, with the Permanent Constitution of the State emphasizing the importance of caring for the young and providing them with the necessary conditions to develop their talents through sound education. The country has also adopted legislation such as Law No. 14 of 2014 on combating cybercrimes to safeguard children from exploitation online. Additionally, the Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to ensure children’s rights are protected by providing a safe and healthy environment, high-quality education, and good healthcare services.
As part of Qatar’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, various government ministries and agencies have implemented measures to empower children in the digital space and protect them from online risks. The Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the National Cyber Security Agency, among others, have organized programs to raise awareness of digital rights and educate children about the dangers associated with the digital world. These initiatives aim to create a safer online environment for children and promote their digital literacy while upholding their rights.
