UNICEF, NASSCOM sign MoU to strengthen child rights

UNICEF and NASSCOM Foundation Monday signed an agreement to strengthen child rights through "meaningful business interventions", an official statement said.

With this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organisations will work collaboratively on two key areas including national sensitisation on 'child online protection' and 'encouraging innovations for child rights' in the country, a statement by UNICEF said.

"Cyber offences against children are spreading and diversifying across India as new methods are used to harass, abuse and exploit children," it said.

"Together, UNICEF and NASSCOM Foundation hope to help parents, teachers and children by letting them know of these risks and guiding them to a safer, more secure Internet learning experience," it added.

As partners, both The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) India, a trade association of Indian information technology companies will co-create sensitisation workshops across India, it said further.

The NASSCOM Foundation volunteers armed with key knowledge sources from UNICEF will also be involved in amplifying the sensitisation through online and offline interventions suchas Tweet chats, webinars, meetups and roadshows, it said.

It is critical to create an awareness about the right usage of technology and the tools and mechanisms available for protection from any of its adverse effects, Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF India Country Representative said in the statement.

Shrikant Sinha, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation said his organisation and UNICEF India were working together for the last few years to realise the goal of a safer internet for children across India.

"This partnership will further this cause and provide a much-needed focus to an India who is experiencing digital empowerment at a fast pace with great emphasis on its benefit but limited attention to its risks, especially to the children, he said.