Sana'a: A specialized workshop discussing the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution issued on July 10, 2024, concerning child safety in the digital environment began on Sunday in Sana'a. The event is organized by the National Human Rights Authority.
According to Yemen News Agency, the two-day workshop, supported by the Ministries of Justice and Human Rights, Communications and Information Technology, and the Public Telecommunications Corporation, brings together 30 participants from 20 governmental and civil society entities. The aim is to address digital risks faced by children and explore ways to enhance their legal, social, and technical protection amidst rapid digital transformation and increasing access to cyberspace.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Human Rights Judge Ibrahim Al-Shami, in his opening remarks, emphasized that the national legal framework, supported by relevant international conventions, mandates the development of protection tools and criminalizes violations affecting children. He highlighted the unique digital challenges in Yemen, given the rapid digital transformation and wide internet access, which have been coupled with reduced family monitoring, increasing children's exposure to significant risks.
Al-Shami stated that organizing the workshop is an urgent response to a national need. He urged participants to examine the Human Rights Council resolution in light of Islamic Sharia and national laws, assess the current situation and its challenges, and propose developments to the existing legal framework. Al-Shami also called for learning from international practices while considering Yemen's cultural and religious identity.
He pointed out the opportunities and risks the digital environment poses, including issues like bullying, harassment, blackmail, and privacy breaches. Al-Shami stressed that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive national response.
Chairman of the National Human Rights Authority, Ali Taseer, stated that the workshop addresses global challenges related to the digital environment, especially concerning children. He noted the benefits of digital environments when used consciously and emphasized the importance of parental supervision.
Taseer mentioned that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, along with the National Human Rights Authority, is studying a draft law to protect society from the negative impacts of digital use. He expressed hope that the workshop would yield significant recommendations.
The first session featured an analysis of the Human Rights Council resolution in light of Islamic legislation and international agreements, presented by NAHRI advisor Suleiman Tabrizi. The workshop also discussed Yemen's legal framework for protecting children in the digital environment, in a presentation by Mohammed Hatrim from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.
Engineer Abdulftah Dhomran from the Public Telecommunications Corporation reviewed regulatory and technical tools to protect children online. The day concluded with group discussions and presentations aimed at developing practical proposals to support national efforts in protecting children in the digital environment.