PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate release)
ATMIS PR/12/2023
ATMIS commemorates the Day of the African Child
Mogadishu – The Africa Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) joins with the rest of the continent to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.
This year attention is focused on the rights of the child in the digital environment reflecting the massive growth of the internet penetration across Africa in the recent years.
ATMIS acknowledges the enormous opportunities of the digital age for connectivity, learning opportunity and ease of work but would also like to highlight the inherent risks of the spread of disinformation, social disconnect and compromised personal privacy.
To mark the day, the Head of ATMIS, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, in an interview said it was important to secure the digital environment and equip children with the right skills to manage the risks of digital technology – cyberbullying, sextortion, and privacy concerns just to mention a few.
The SRCC also reaffirmed ATMIS commitment to implementing Resolution 17/2022 adopted by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of Children which provides guidance to Member States, the Private Sector and Civil Society on the need to protect and promote children’s rights.
He said ATMIS, through the Protection, Human Rights and Gender Cluster, will continue to safeguard and promote the rights of Somali children by supporting various activities including capacity development, policy formulation, implementation and partnerships.
“ATMIS will continue to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and development partners to ensure the rights of all including children are respected, protected and fulfilled,” said Ambassador Souef
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For more information contact
Snr. Communications Officer Ms. Gifty Bingley
or Force Spokesperson Lt. Col. A. Ganale
Email: atmismediacenter@gmail.com
Cell phone: (Somalia) +252 617 682 175/+252 613 665 356; (Nairobi) +254 722 586005