In recognition of its security and police work in the field of child protection, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior (MoI) was awarded a permanent seat on the #WePROTECT International Advisory Board (IAB). With this accolade, the UAE, represented by the MoI, will have two seats on the Board; as chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) for the next three years and a permanent member of the #WePROTECT IAB – similar to the UK Home Office. Ernie Allen, chair of the #WePROTECT IAB, made the announcement Tuesday at the second Global Summit on Ending Online Child Sexual Exploitation, organized by the MoI in Abu Dhabi.
Allen praised the UAE’s organization of the summit and the speech delivered by Lt. General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. In his speech, HH asserted that the summit convened in order to protect the most treasured possession; and to build a bulwark that protects children from falling prey to predators. His Highness continued by saying that success depends on joint efforts and collaboration to create a safe and stable international environment– it cannot be done alone. HH said that this joint cooperation will utilize all available resources, and will work hand-in-hand with others around the world in order to achieve prosperity and development.
Major Dana Humaid Al-Marzouqi, Manager of the Executive Office of the VGT Chair, said: “Reaching an agreement on how we will deliver what has been discussed at this summit is a great success. We are convinced that the Statement of Action for governments, industry, and capacity building are turning points in how we tackle online child sexual exploitation.”
She said the summit facilitated 40 countries in signing the Statement of Action, with 17 commitments from industry and 16 organizations committing to capacity building. She added that the Statement included a National Response Model, and provides guidance for countries regarding the necessary capabilities to combat this crime in partnership with law enforcement, NGOs and technology companies.
Al-Marzouqi mentioned that the Chinese internet giant Tencent was amongst the signatories this year – which is a major development. She said the Statement of Action for capacity building brings together the civil society and international organizations; and through coordinated action, organizations promise to amplify their existing expertise and influence to maximize collective resources. She said the Statements of Action in London and Abu Dhabi fully support establishing the WePROTECT Advisory Board by March 2016.
Microsoft Corporation presented its vision regarding private sector support for the #WePROTECT initiative to protect children. Jacqueline Beauchere, Chief Online Safety Officer, announced the launch of a guideline to promote international response and reinforce preventative efforts.
Cosimo Ferri, Italian Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, said that Italy believes in mutual efforts to eradicate child abuse material online and apprehend offenders via international cooperation. Ferri also called for establishing a unified center to standardize response efforts, including an internationally cooperative database, necessary support through modern technology, coordinated investigations, and support for private sector institutions.