Programme launched to stop online exploitation in Nepal on Safer Internet Day

On 7th February, 2023 the SCROL project in Nepal observed the ‘Safer Internet Day’ by launching its advocacy initiatives. The event, held at Kathmandu, saw the participation of officials namely, Mr. Nabinda Aryal (Senior Superintendent of Police, Cyber Bureau),  Mr. Indra Prasad Mainali, (under secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and Mr. Subash Khadka (CEO, Internet Service Provider’s Association, Nepal). The Chief Guest was Mr. Bam Bahadur Baniya (Vice President, Child Rights Council).

Through local organisations, communities, coordination with government bodies along with the internet and tech industry, the three year programme aims to ensure that children are free from Online Sexual Exploitation. The project will contribute to safe online behaviours among children and communities, support the improvement of legal frameworks, prevention and reporting systems, and increase the protection of child victims.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in Nepal received 63,366 CyberTipline (suspected child sexual exploitation reports) that increased to 178,371 in 2020 and 263,130 in 2021. As per a 2020 study by Child Safe Net and ECPAT Luxemborg, Rapid Assessment of Live Streaming of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children and Young People, 12.80% children and youth (18.58% boys and 6.88% girls) experienced live streaming of sexual abuse and exploitation. Although there have been previous OCSE interventions in the country, the issue is still a concern as access to technology and online networks by children becomes easier and cheaper, in a context that lacks regulation and awareness from communities and decision makers.

 At this event, panel discussions focused on matters such as the passing of the Cyber Security Bill, the need for censorship and a more active judiciary system to address the issue. Children staged a skit on a case of trafficking via online means and how the issue was addressed. Children voiced out that while the internet was a gift in terms of the opportunities it offered, it is important that it be made a safe place. They also spoke about the importance of peer to peer awareness on safe online behaviour.

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“With a surge in the use of the internet, there is also a rise in dangers for children online. There is an immediate need to address pressing issues of online child safety”, said Mr. Thangaperumal Ponpandi, TdH NL Country Manager, Nepal.

“SCROL will work towards creating an enabling environment for children to be safe online. It will also create awareness and empower children to advocate for their rights online”, added Mr. Subrat Kumar Panda, TdH NL’s project lead of SCROL Nepal.

Online exploitation of children is a long-term problem that needs urgent attention and solution. Children continue to be vulnerable and become victims online. TdH NL and its partners operate in Asia and East Africa to support children who are protected from OCSE and are in a safe family and community environment.

For more information, please contact:

Subrat Kumar Panda at TdH NL in Nepal, Tel: +91 9381329716 , Email: s.panda@tdh.nl

Rilian Agunos at TdH NL RO, Tel: +855 17 482 070, Email: r.agunos@tdh.nl

Note to Editor

Terre des Hommes Netherlands aims to prevent child exploitation, to remove children from exploitative situations and to ensure that these children can continue their development in a safe environment. The organisation focuses on addressing sexual exploitation of children, the worst forms of child labour, child trafficking and migration, sexual and reproductive health and rights and on child protection in humanitarian crises. For each of these forms of child exploitation, Terre des Hommes is developing and implementing projects and programmes through local partners and one of these is the SCROL programme, which is funded by the Dutch Postcode Lottery (NPL) and it is implemented in four countries: Cambodia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Kenya.