52nd session of the Human rights Council
Interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children.
Statement dellivered by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries
Geneva, 16. March 2023
Thank you, Mr. President.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Representative for the latest report and her actions taken on elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against children.
The Nordic-Baltic countries also thank the Special Representative for focusing on the protection of children in the digital environment. We are alarmed by the high number of children cyberbullied and subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse.
We are equally highly concerned over the lack of comprehensive data on violence against children and believe the remaining gaps must be filled. An evidence-based approach in tackling violence against children is vital and can only be achieved when child- and gender-sensitive data is available.
To ensure that children are protected, respected and empowered online, safety standards and regulations must be mandated.
As the report confirms, many organisations are working on a wide range of actions on violence against children online. How can this work be better synchronized to meet the best interest of the child?
I thank you.