Challenge

As the first ‘digital generation’, technology is now part of most children and young people’s everyday lives, from the way they learn to the way they communicate. However, their rights in the online sphere are frequently left unprotected. Around the world, they are being subject to misuse of their personal data, cyber bullying, online abuse and digital surveillance. Despite these harms, tech executives and governments are not protecting the rights of children in online spaces in the same way they would in the physical world. There are also issues around access to technology, as some young people are left behind. We now need to use data and evidence, to shape the human rights of children and young people in the digital world.

Solution

Amnesty International and Fondation Botnar believe urgent action is needed, and our joint programme – RIGHTS Click— has been designed to address these challenges.

The first phase is undertaking research to better understand the challenges of children and young people, and provide evidence-based policy recommendations. Building on that evidence, the second phase will work to increase awareness of digital risks to children and young people, creating a global movement to drive change and ensure youth perspectives are heard by governments and technology companies. The programme is active in several different geographies and combines global initiatives with national-level insights and strategies.