Telefono Azzurro promoted a discussion between Institutions, companies and national and international experts in order to celebrate Italian "National Day Against Paedophilia".

The internet and new digital technologies have increased the risk of child sexual abuse. In addition, in the context of the pandemic, violence and abuse against children, both online and offline, are on the rise, with important social repercussions. For instance, victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to develop emotional and behavioural disorders and also to attempt suicidal acts.

On May 5th, 2021, on the occasion of the Italian "National Day Against Paedophilia", Telefono Azzurro organised an event at the Embassy of Italy to the Holy See, which saw the participation of national and international institutions, including Ylva Johansson, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and tech companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft.

In the afternoon session, which took place in English, the debate focused on the main actions put in place at the international level. First, the participants addressed the EU strategy for a more effective fight against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Then, they discussed the agreement on a temporary derogation from the ePrivacy Directive, reached on April 30. Furthermore, the speakers mentioned the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the EU Child Guarantee, published in March 2021.

Finally, the event was an opportunity to bring together relevant stakeholders combating the phenomenon of child sexual abuse online and offline.

Watch the recording of the event here.