UN Security Council Condemns Exploitation of Digital Technologies to Violate Children's Rights in Conflicts

The UN Security Council strongly condemned violations committed against children in armed conflicts and called for urgent measures to prevent their recruitment and use in combat operations, including through digital technologies and social media platforms.

In a new resolution adopted unanimously by Council members this Monday evening under symbol 2832, it expressed deep concern over the increasing use of digital technologies by parties to armed conflicts, including social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted communication tools, to commit or facilitate violations and abuses against children. These include recruitment and use in armed conflicts, abduction, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.

Special Measures to Protect Children

It demanded that all relevant parties immediately end these practices and take special measures to protect children. It called on parties that recruit or use children in violation of their international obligations, including through digital technologies, to cease such practices immediately.

The resolution encouraged the Secretary-General of the United Nations to work in coordination with his Special Representative, UNICEF, and relevant UN entities to collect information and lessons learned regarding the risks and benefits of digital technologies in protecting children affected by armed conflicts, enhancing their safety and digital capabilities.

The resolution also called for appropriate measures, in accordance with international law, to prevent the use of children in harmful activities in the digital space and to protect them from violations facilitated or exacerbated by technology, paying particular attention to the growing risks faced by girls due to violence related to the use of digital technologies.