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Webinar Series on

Access to Justice in the Digital World

EPISODE 2

Access to Justice:  Children’s Perspective ( 2nd March 2024 )

EPISODE 3

Access to Justice: A Regulator’s Perspective ( 4th April 2024 )

INTRODUCTION TO

Every year on February 20th, the world commemorates the World Day of Social Justice, a day dedicated to addressing pressing social and economic issues and promoting equitable opportunities for all. The day is rooted in the principles of equality, fairness, and human rights, and because of this, observing it serves as an important reminder of the ongoing struggle to create a world where justice is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for every individual, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

Equally, on the 6th of February every year, the world celebrates Safer Internet Day, a day that aims to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, especially for children and young people. According to the Disrupting Harm Report (2021) by End-Violence, digital and online platforms are a great space for children to; Express themselves, Connect with friends, and Learn new things. There are however risks involved mentioning that 20% of children across the world experience sexual violence and exploitation. The report further mentions that the effects of this are that the children are 2 to 4 times more likely to commit self-harm including suicide. This poses great challenges for law enforcement and judicial authorities in effectively combating these crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. The report further

As a child-centric organisation, Mtoto News looks at this from the context of children, considered a vulnerable group whose access to justice is a particularly critical issue that demands our attention. Children, especially those in conflict with the law or victims of abuse, often find themselves marginalised and overlooked within legal systems designed for adults. They face numerous barriers, including lack of legal representation, procedural complexities, and societal stigma, which hinder their ability to seek and obtain justice.

Moreover, the digital age has brought forth new challenges, highlighting the vulnerabilities of children and exposing

 them to unprecedented risks. Online platforms, while offering opportunities for learning and connection, also serve as breeding grounds for various forms of violence and exploitation against children, posing digital risks and harm. 

In this context, we acknowledge groundbreaking initiatives such as the electronic register

 for sexual offenders that was launched by the Chief Justice at Kibera Law Courts in June 2023. This plays a pivotal role in safeguarding children’s rights and promoting access to justice. By centralising information on convicted offenders and enhancing collaboration between law enforcement agencies, these platforms provide invaluable tools for preventing reoffending and ensuring the safety of children in our communities.

As we convene for this webinar, we must confront these realities and reaffirm our commitment

 to protecting and empowering children within the justice system. By harnessing the potential of digital technology, amplifying the voices of children, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can strive towards a future where justice is not only accessible but truly inclusive for all. Together, let us work towards finding new ways of intervening and preventing these forms of risks to our children as this will build a world where every child can grow and thrive in safety, dignity, and equality through timely interventions, and having the right programs to address the issues.

  • Access to Justice in the Digital World: A practitioner’s Perspective. (22nd February 2024)
  • Access to Justice in the Digital World: Children’s Perspective. (2nd March 2024)
  • Access to Justice: A Regulator’s Perspective ( 4th April 2024 )