For a Safe and Compassionate Digital Future for Women and Children

A Joint Commitment to Cyber Safety and Human Rights

The conference emphasized international cooperation to address the rising threats of online child sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. Colonel Le Hoang Duong, Deputy Director General of the Department of External Relations (Ministry of Public Security), noted that while nearly 90% of Vietnamese adolescents aged 12–17 are Internet users, only one-third have received online safety education. He highlighted that 13% of women have experienced sexual violence, yet no national data exists on online abuse.

“Ensuring cybersecurity is fundamental to Vietnam’s digital transformation. We are committed to enhancing legislation, community awareness, and enforcement capacity to protect all citizens, especially women and children,” Colonel Duong stated.

Colonel Le Hoang Duong, Deputy Director General of the Department of External Relations under the Ministry of Public Security, delivers the opening remarks at the conference. (Photo: Tin Tuc Newspaper - Vietnam News Agency)

UNICEF Representative Silvia Danailov commended Vietnam’s leadership in aligning the Hanoi Convention with international human rights instruments such as the CRC, CEDAW, and the ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. She emphasized that the Convention should be “a living mechanism that strengthens protection systems through cooperation.”

Global Dialogue for Shared Solutions

Professor Michael Saltec (Australia) presented recent global evidence linking online child exploitation to gender-based violence in digital spaces. Experts from Australia, Thailand, and New Zealand shared their national experiences in cyber protection for women and youth. Representatives from UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, and UNODC explored intersections between technology, gender, and child safety in Vietnam.

In later sessions, Vietnamese government agencies, technology enterprises, and social organizations discussed concrete measures to implement the UN Cybercrime Convention. Participants stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration — combining policy, technology, and public engagement — to ensure holistic online safety.

Toward an Integrated, Empowering Digital Future

Beyond discussion, the conference showcased innovative prevention models and urged collective action to make technology a tool for empowerment. Delegates agreed that tackling Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) and Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV) requires integrated, multidisciplinary approaches that combine education, law enforcement, and digital governance.

The event formed part of the UN Joint Programme on Ending Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC), supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), marking a significant step in Vietnam’s commitment to online safety and human dignity in the digital age.

Representatives from Vietnamese ministries, technology enterprises, and social organizations discuss ways to strengthen intersectoral cooperation in ensuring online safety during the second discussion session. (Photo: Ha Anh)

The international conference highlighted Vietnam’s leadership in promoting cybersecurity and human dignity. As the Hanoi Convention moves toward signing, Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to building a safe, compassionate, and sustainable digital space for all — especially women and children.