61th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Item 3 - Interactive Dialogue with SR on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children.
Statement by Republic of Lithuania, delivered by H.E Ambassador Darius Staniulis on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
09.03.2026
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States.
We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her instrumental work and efforts over the past six years on this agenda.
We echo the Special Rapporteur’s call for comprehensive legislation and for a coordinated global response, including the ratification and full implementation of international instruments on children’s rights and cybercrime, to effectively prevent and address child abuse and exploitation online.
We believe that the emphasis should be placed on strengthening digital literacy, enhancing child safeguarding and empowering children through education to become critical, resilient internet users. At the same time, the meaningful education and involvement of parents is just as essential.
As the report highlights, although technological developments create new risks, they also provide powerful opportunities to detect, prevent, and combat technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse – opportunities that must be responsibly harnessed to strengthen child protection.
We remain committed to addressing risks linked to technological developments and enhancing the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation online, and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur enjoys our full support.
Mrs Special Rapporteur, what guidance would you offer on how companies can strengthen efforts to prevent and detect online child sexual exploitation and abuse while ensuring respect for children’s rights?
I thank you.