Combating the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Explotation, Human Rights

The world is undergoing a boom in accessible artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. New tools and capabilities present novel opportunities for criminal and malicious actors to exploit children. As lawmakers, policymakers and law enforcement work to keep up with criminal innovations, children are growing increasingly susceptible to AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). New technologies are […]

The exploitative practices of Guatemala’s adoption industry

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Explotation, Human Rights, Indigenous people

Since 1996, Guatemala has been facilitating international adoptions, which has led to unethical practices by baby brokers deceiving Indigenous mothers into giving up their children. Fortunately, in 2008, responding to public outcry, the country banned these unhealthy international adoption practices. Yet, many Guatemalan adoptees, now adults raised abroad, face distressing realizations. The reality of adoption […]

Young citizens, young voters: Belgium lowers the voting age to 16 for the European elections

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Empowerment, Human Rights

The 2024 European Parliament election will have a new age group voting in Belgium. For the first time, 16 and 17-year-olds will vote for their representatives in the European Parliament, following the model of Austria, Greece, and Malta. After several interpretations, the Belgian Constitutional Court ruled that young Belgians would be subjected to compulsory voting […]

The intrusion of media sexualization in childhood

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education, Explotation

Children today are inundated with explicit content across media platforms, fueled by marketing strategies that exploit their innocence for profit. Recent studies reveal a sharp increase in the exposure of children to sexualized content, from music and television to social media and advertisements. This harmful practice, particularly targeting adolescents, poses serious risks to children’s mental […]

Adverse effects of global economic instability on children

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education, Health, Labour, Poverty

In today’s world, economic instability – characterized by swings in employment, income, and resource availability – has become a common occurrence. Even though adults are most affected by financial crises and economic downturns, the effects of this instability go well beyond their financial concerns. Particularly, children are frequently the silent victims of economic instability, suffering […]

Crisis spillover in the Sahel: bruised childhood lacks support and protection

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education, Explotation, Health, Human Rights, Poverty, violence

The evocation of conflicts, terrorism, and violation of children’s rights is, unfortunately, nothing new, given the events that have affected the Sahel region in recent years. As a result of the inherent violence in conflicts, major migratory flows, and desperate humanitarian needs, children are deprived of their fundamental rights and protection against the dangers threatening […]

Climate crisis threatens Indigenous children living on reserves in Canada

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Environment, Human Rights, Indigenous people

While the climate crisis is experienced by all, marginalized groups are often disproportionately impacted by its negative effects. This is the reality for Indigenous children living on reserves in Canada. The climate crisis not only threatens Indigenous children’s right to health and safety but also results in their loss of land, culture, and livelihood. Canada […]

How education system struggles in North Macedonia affect children

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education

The education system in North Macedonia is facing a unique set of challenges. The current landscape is marked by unprecedented obstacles, notably the scarcity of textbooks stemming from political complexities and the frequent occurrence of false bomb threats. Consequently, these challenges have compounded, prompting the youth of the country to face significant setbacks in their […]

Social exclusion and poverty in France: an alarming reality made worse by the immigration law

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Explotation, Human Rights, Migration, Poverty, refugees

Although France is considered in Europe to be a rich country that safeguards human rights, it is home to many people, especially children, who live in an alarmingly precarious situation, threatened by social exclusion on a daily basis. European regulations and France’s commitments may purport to guarantee children’s rights and access to essential services, but […]

Realities of the entertainment industry in the USA: child performers and their right to education

Posted on Posted in Children's Rights, Education

While child labor laws typically prohibit minors from working, the United States carves out exceptions for child performers, reflecting the nation’s fascination with show business. In the glitzy world of American entertainment, child performers, that is,  children under 18 years of age who perform work or supply services for monetary compensation in the entertainment industry, […]