Session
5Rights Foundation
The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in November 1989 and is the most ratified treaty in history. It was visionary and at the same time set out a clear set of requirements, on behalf of children, that are binding on the signatory states
Thirty years later, childhood has been transformed. In parts of the world with high connectivity technology mediates and augment all areas of a child’s education, family and social life. What once were billed as the three pillars of a child’s socialisation; family, peers and school, have been joined by a fourth; the digital environment. In those parts of the world that are yet to be connected, or for those children who do not have access, the lack of access is fundamental to their life chances.
At the invitation of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, 5Rights Foundation is coordinating a General Comment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which will set out, for the first time on a global scale, how states should apply children’s rights in the digital environment. Our session at the IGF comes at a crucial midway point of the process, after world-wide consultations with experts and children and before the first draft of the General Comment is read by the full Committee on the Rights of the Child.
This provides a unique opportunity for IGF delegates to contribute directly to the formation of the General Comment and to meet key players on our journey. The session will be chaired by Baroness Beeban Kidron, Chair 5Rights Foundation. We plan a highly interactive session which will include contributions from;
Mason Rikard, Gifted Young Generation Podcaster – A Child’s Right to be Heard
Professor Sonia Livingstone OBE, London School of Economics and lead author - Outlining the key areas of the General Comment
Jutta Croll, Stiftung Digitale Chancen, Chairwoman of the Board, Project Manager Child Protection and Children’s Rights in the Digital World – Outlining the importance and status of the general comment
Professor Amanda Third, Western Sydney University – Key findings from consultations with children
Alpesh Shah, Senior Director of Global Business Strategy & Intelligence at the IEEE Standards Association
We will invite a high-level representative from the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and a UK representative for closing comments.
Once adopted, the General Comment to the UNCRC will set a new international standard for children's rights in the digital world and will be applicable in the 196 countries that are signatories to the Convention.