UN Report Reveals 1.5 Million Pakistani Children Face Online Abuse Risks

WASHINGTON: A staggering 1.5 million children in Pakistan who use the internet have encountered sexual exploitation or abuse facilitated by digital technology in just one year, according to a recent study. This alarming statistic was highlighted by Najat Maalla M’jid, the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, during her final report presented to the UN General Assembly.

In her address on Monday, M’jid emphasized the urgent need for governments to enhance protections for children who are increasingly vulnerable due to multiple crises, including conflict and climate change. “Almost 45 million children are displaced because of conflict, natural disasters, and the climate crisis,” she stated, underscoring the dire circumstances many young people face. The rapid advancement of technology, while offering educational opportunities, has also opened new avenues for child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and the recruitment of minors into criminal activities.

This report marks the 20th anniversary of the first UN global study on violence against children, highlighting the ongoing and evolving threats that children face in the digital age. The implications are profound, as the intersection of technology and exploitation poses significant risks not only to individual safety but also to societal stability and the future of youth in Pakistan.

Looking ahead, M’jid called for immediate action from governments worldwide to implement stronger protective measures for children. The international community is urged to convene discussions on enhancing child safety in the digital realm, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and present new challenges.