The digital environment is dynamic, constantly evolving and expanding. The digital environment encompasses information and communications technologies, including digital networks, content, services and applications, connected devices and environments, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, automated systems, algorithms and data analytics, biometrics and implant technology. The digital environment is becoming increasingly important across most aspects of children’s lives, such as in times of crisis, societal functions, educational sphere, government services and commerce, and have progressively come to rely upon digital technologies. It affords new opportunities for the realization of children’s rights, but also poses the risks of their violation or abuse1. The rights of every child must be respected, protected, and fulfilled in the digital environment. Innovations in digital technologies affect children’s lives and their rights in ways that are wide-ranging and interdependent, even where children do not themselves access the Internet. Meaningful access to digital technologies can support children to realize the full range of their civil, political, cultural, economic, and social rights. Although access to the internet has repeatedly been recognized as a human right, children that are online today are typically viewed as the privileged ones. They are the ones whose parents or guardians can afford devices and data that allow them to access the internet. Such children could continue their schooling at a time when COVID-19 closed many a school or alternative access points to education. However, even with access to technology, the pandemic has interrupted education and curtailed various opportunities for learning. This is at least partly why safeguarding children’s digital futures is becoming increasingly important. In a world where everything is increasingly moving online, where everything from dolls to dice are being digitized; children can scarcely afford to lack access, the skills and capacities needed to benefit from the opportunities that technologies may proffer for their futures2. The Internet exposes children to a wealth of opportunities, but also risks that may have a detrimental impact on their human rights. Some of these risks include cyberbullying, data protection issues, online grooming, cybercrimes and online child sexual abuse.
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- We are working with the ACERWC to enable participants get their visa on arrival. The invitation letters will be shared with you. If you would however like to process your own visa, please use this link.
- We hope that you have booked your accommodation and organized your transport to the venue, to avoid inconveniences. Please refer to the logistics note for more details on this. In any case, when you reach the venue, kindly state that you are part of the CSO Forum so as to be considered for the discounted rate.
- We shall host a Fundraising Gala Dinner on Tuesday 22nd November. Dress code is traditional wear (African), dress to impress.
- We begin the programme on Sunday 20th November at 0830h SAT. Detailed programme will be shared in good time.
In case of any queries, please reach out to anitann@eacrn.net (+254702390757) or innocentia@crnsa.net (+27784986007)