The Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) has submitted a detailed report to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, offering a comprehensive analysis on digital education and the online protection of young people in Bangladesh.
Authored by Priya Ahsan Chowdhury and Henrique Napoleão Alves, the document aims to contribute to the global discourse on youth empowerment through digital literacy and safe online environments.
Engaging with the UN's Call for Action
In response to the UN's resolution on "Youth and Human Rights," the Institute leveraged its expertise to address the pressing issues of digital education access and online threats. The UN's initiative seeks to harness the potential of digital literacy in empowering young people and ensuring their active participation in sustainable development efforts.
Addressing Digital Education and Online Safety
The report underscores the critical challenges facing Bangladesh's youth in the digital realm, including significant disparities in access to digital education, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning outcomes, and the urgent need for comprehensive online safety measures. Despite governmental efforts to bridge the digital divide, obstacles such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, slow internet speeds, and a lack of digital literacy programs persist.
Government Initiatives and Recommendations
Highlighting several key government initiatives like the Digital Bangladesh vision and the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041, the report acknowledges the strides made towards integrating digital technologies in education. However, it emphasizes the need for more targeted actions to ensure that these efforts translate into tangible benefits for all segments of the youth population, particularly those from marginalized communities.
* Researcher Priya Ahsan Chowdhury
Safeguarding Online Rights and Privacy
The document raises concerns over existing and proposed regulations that may inadvertently restrict young people's online freedoms and privacy. It calls for a balanced approach to legislation that safeguards against online threats while upholding fundamental human rights. The report points out the importance of enhancing digital literacy, fostering safer online spaces, and ensuring active youth participation in policy-making as crucial steps towards a more inclusive digital future for Bangladesh.
A Call to Action for Inclusive Digital Progress
Through its submission, the Facts and Norms Institute aims to catalyze a more inclusive dialogue on digital education and youth protection online, urging stakeholders to consider the unique challenges faced by young Bangladeshis. The report serves as a call to action for concerted efforts to harness digital technologies as a force for good, ensuring that young people are equipped, empowered, and protected in the digital age.
For more insights and recommendations, the full report is available for review, providing a roadmap for enhancing digital education and safeguarding young people's rights in the online world.
To read the full report, click here:
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