Intergovernmental organisations

Intergovernmental organisations: uniting nations to protect children online 

The sexual exploitation and abuse of children online is a deeply complex global challenge. In a world where the internet allows abusive content and offenders to operate across borders instantaneously, protecting children requires a coordinated, international response. Intergovernmental organisations play an essential role in this mission, working with governments around the world to build a digital environment where there are no safe spaces for offenders and children everywhere are protected. 

These organisations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union, bring together member nations to align policies, create global standards, and promote international laws that safeguard children. Their work is crucial to developing unified frameworks that hold countries accountable and empower law enforcement to act against online child exploitation beyond national boundaries. By fostering cooperation across regions, intergovernmental organizations help ensure that no country or jurisdiction lags in protecting children from online abuse. 

At WeProtect Global Alliance, our intergovernmental partners contribute vital expertise and resources, enabling us to create a truly global movement for child protection. Through initiatives like the Alliance’s Global Taskforce, our Global Summit and through international and regional forums, these organisations work closely with governments, the private sector, and civil society to close gaps in protection and ensure that every child, regardless of their location, is safe from harm online. 

Online harms do not occur in isolation: there is a continuum between the violence children face online and offline. The work of WeProtect Global Alliance to tackle child sexual abuse online is an integral part of the wider work to end violence against children. It plays a key role in supporting strong linkages between protection in the online and offline spheres.

Dr Najat Najat Maalla M’jid, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children