The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), in cooperation with the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI), hosted the Network’s annual conference on Protecting Children in the Digital Space, held alongside its 25th General Assembly, with the participation of ministers, senior officials and representatives of national institutions, international organisations and civil society.
During the opening session, the NIHR assumed the presidency of the ANNHRI General Assembly, succeeding Jordan’s National Centre for Human Rights.
Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, NIHR Chairman, stressed the need to strengthen joint Arab action to protect children’s rights amid growing digital challenges, highlighting the importance of updated legislation, effective preventive measures and modern protection mechanisms. He also outlined Bahrain’s efforts in this area and expressed hope that the conference outcomes would enhance digital governance and support the role of Arab national institutions.
Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi, Minister of Social Development and Chairperson of the National Committee for Childhood, said the conference provided a key platform for cooperation and the exchange of expertise on child protection. He affirmed that Bahrain places child protection at the forefront of national priorities through legislation, policies and initiatives, including the National Childhood Strategy (2023–2027), and underscored the importance of partnership among government bodies, national institutions and civil society.
The conference discussed online risks facing children, including harmful content and digital exploitation, international child protection standards, preventive and awareness strategies, and the use of technology to enhance protection.
It concluded with recommendations calling for stronger national legislation to criminalise digital violations against children, enhanced data protection and privacy, preventive national policies, the integration of digital safety into education, capacity-building, and expanded regional and international cooperation to ensure a safe digital environment for children.