Saudi Arabia urges stronger global action to protect children in cyberspace at UN

Saudi Gazette report GENEVA — Saudi Arabia has delivered a unified international call for enhanced protection of children in cyberspace during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Speaking on behalf of more than 70 countries, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, the Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, emphasized the urgent need for capacity building and international cooperation to safeguard children online. In his statement, Ambassador Khothaila underscored that protecting children in the digital realm is not just a technical concern, but a vital investment in global security and sustainability. The statement noted significant disparities in resources and infrastructure that leave many developing countries ill-equipped to address the growing digital risks facing children. The ambassador urged stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to establish effective, practical, and sustainable solutions. He also called on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide targeted technical support to countries in need — particularly in developing national legislation, training law enforcement, and implementing secure mechanisms for reporting abuse. The statement concluded by highlighting the shared global responsibility to create a safe digital environment that upholds children's rights and dignity. It also pointed to the Kingdom's leadership in this arena through the recent launch of the Child Protection in Cyberspace (CPC) Global Summit by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman — an initiative aimed at unifying international efforts against online threats to children.

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