A training workshop for stakeholders in the criminal justice system responsible for child protection on "Online Child Abuse and Exploitation: Judicial Response and Victim Support" was held yesterday in Kaolack. The activity is part of the project "Strengthening the Rule of Law and Transparency to Promote Social Cohesion."

The Ministry of Justice, through the Directorate of Judicial and Social Protection (DGPJS), is the lead agency for this training session on combating online exploitation and abuse of children. Aïssé Gassama Tall, Director General of Judicial and Social Protection, indicated that this meeting is part of the ongoing efforts of her department.

"Two weeks ago, with the support of GIZ, we were in Saint-Louis for a workshop on the same theme. Today, we are in Kaolack to train judicial and social actors on the issues related to the online exploitation and abuse of children," she explained.

This meeting brings together magistrates, social workers, and judicial police officers to promote holistic management of this phenomenon. "We believe that a collective and coordinated response is needed to better protect children from the abuses of digital technology."

According to her, in Senegal, eight million people use the internet, 62% of whom are children. This figure reveals the scale of the challenge. Digital developments present undeniable advantages for children's education, socialization, and civic participation. But they also pose numerous dangers that must be anticipated and managed.

"The figures are worrying: in 2023, the National Platform for Combating Cybercrime recorded a 40% increase in reports related to the online exploitation of children. In the same year, three cases of radicalization were dismantled in Saint-Louis. Social networks and encrypted messaging are now being used to recruit children into sects or extremist movements. We are also seeing an increase in cases of cyberbullying and the dissemination of compromising images," she lamented.

On the legislative front, Senegal has taken major steps. "The State has amended the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure to criminalize new forms of cybercrime and strengthen the powers of investigating judges and judicial police officers, particularly in the administration of evidence," the Director General recalled.

However, texts alone are not enough. Hence the need, according to her, to accompany these reforms with increased awareness and better coordination between the different actors.

"It's not just about training magistrates," explained Gassama Tall. "Specialist educators, social workers, and investigators must also be equipped to detect, report, and support child victims. Everyone must play their part to ensure complete and effective protection."

This multi-sectoral approach, supported by GIZ, aims to strengthen local capacities and create sustainable synergy between justice institutions, social services and security forces.

The Kaolack meeting illustrates the Ministry of Justice's commitment to placing child protection at the heart of its priorities, in a context of rapid digital transformation. Through these regional training sessions, the government and its partners intend to build a safer digital environment.