Vietnam strives to build safer digital environment to protect children online
The Ministry of Justice and UNICEF with support from the European Union Delegation through the EU Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme convened a policy dialogue on child protection in the digital environment on August 21 em em
The Vietnam government convened a policy dialogue to discuss measures for protecting children online, bringing together officials from various sectors, including ministries, law enforcement, judiciary, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The discussions centered on enhancing the country's legal and policy framework and translating these into practical actions to safeguard children's online safety.
Research by the 'WeProtect' Global Alliance indicates that over 300 million children under 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse. In Vietnam, a 2022 study by ECPAT, INTERPOL, and UNICEF revealed that 89% of 12-17-year-olds use the internet and 2% of 15-17-year-olds exchanged sexual images for money or gifts.
Vietnam ratified the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in April 2026, making it the second country to do so, which highlights the nation's dedication to international cooperation and child online protection. Minister of Justice Hoang Thanh Tung emphasized that protecting children in the digital realm is a collective responsibility demanding a whole-of-society approach.
European Union Ambassador Julien Guerier stressed that every child's right to safety, dignity, privacy, and justice must be upheld equally in the digital world. UNICEF Representative Silvia Danailov affirmed the organization's commitment to supporting Vietnam in advancing child online protection laws and policies. Participants stressed that, while laws are crucial, effective protection necessitates well-trained professionals, child-friendly reporting mechanisms, accessible support services, digital literacy, and collaboration across sectors.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
