BY: MOHAMED SAHR
The joint publication by Child Fund International and the Africa Child Policy Forum sheds light on a disturbing trend of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children across Africa. Maureen Siele, the Communication Advisor of Child Fund International, emphasized the alarming rise in such incidents among children under 17, with a significant number receiving unsolicited online requests related to sex or sexual acts. This trend extends to face-to-face meetings, with South Africa ranking prominently.
Dr. Joan Nyanyuki, the Executive Director of Africa Child Policy Forum, highlighted the dangerous misconception that online crimes are not as serious as physical ones, contributing to an environment of virtual lawlessness. The statement suggests that Africa may be becoming a new frontier for online sexual predators.
The report reveals shocking statistics, including the involvement of extremely young victims, with a substantial proportion being infants and toddlers. Chege Ngugi, Africa Regional Director at ChildFund, pointed out the inadequacy of laws and services to address this issue, emphasizing the urgent need for greater protection and safeguarding for children online.
Policy briefs accompanying the publication provide further insight, indicating high percentages of children sharing personal information with strangers online and receiving unwanted sexual solicitations. Disturbingly, a significant portion of children aged 12-17 in various countries reported being threatened or blackmailed into sexual activities online.
The report identifies various types of perpetrators, including traders of child pornography, groomers, and traffickers. Ngugi stressed the similarity of factors driving online sexual exploitation and abuse in Africa to those in other parts of the world, underlining the urgent need for action by technology companies and improvement in legislation and policies.
The recommendations put forward by Child Fund International and the Africa Child Policy Forum target various stakeholders, including the African Union, national governments, and civil society organizations, aiming to address the gaps in legislation and policy and enhance protection measures for children online.