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International News Updates |
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19 May 2009 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has
emphasized on the Internet’s exciting possibilities
for nurturing children and helping them grow into
creative, productive adults.
In his message on World Telecommunication and
Information Society Day, May 17, 2009, he also urged
policy makers and industry leaders to find the means
to make the rapidly evolving virtual world safe for
everyone.
According to a press release issued by the UN
Information Center (UNIC) issued here on Sunday, the
full text of his message reads:
“World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
marks the founding of the International
Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865, and
commemorates its role in connecting the world.
“Over the past two decades, the Internet has been
transformed into an unmatched global resource that
spans the worlds of knowledge and entertainment. Now
with more than 600 million users in Asia, 130 million
in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 50 million in
Africa, it is an ever-expanding means of
communication. It lies at the fulcrum of our
increasingly interconnected and networked societies,
driving the world’s economies, fostering trade and
commerce and promoting better health care, food
production and education. With these tremendous
strides, safeguarding the Internet’s vital systems and
infrastructures against attack by cybercriminals has
taken on great importance.
“The theme of this year’s observance is "Protecting
Children in Cyberspace”. Children and young people are
among the most prolific users of the Internet and
mobile devices. As they surf through cyberspace
seeking information and entertainment and building
social networks, they are also among the most
vulnerable to exploitation. Without safeguards, their
precious lives are at grave risk in the vicious world
of cybercriminals and paedophiles that prey on easy
targets.
“The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child recognizes the right to education and access to
information, as well as the right to engage in play
and recreational activities. The Convention also
accords the child protection against all forms of
exploitation and inducement to engage in any unlawful
activity. It is our duty to ensure that the provisions
of the convention are applied rigorously so that
children can safely access the Internet and other
online resources without fear of falling prey to
unscrupulous predators.
“The virtual world has exciting possibilities for
nurturing children and helping them grow into
creative, productive adults. But we must mind the
pitfalls that could scar them for life. I urge policy
makers and industry leaders to find the means to make
the rapidly evolving virtual world safe for everyone.”
-- IRNA
EsinIslam.Com
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