Today, the Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus an initiative on countering cyberbullying against persons with disabilities, which was brought forward by Argentina,
Germany, Greece and Israel. This is the second iteration of an Israeli-led initiative, which was first presented and adopted in September 2022, then with a focus on cyberbullying against children (resolution A/HRC/RES/51/10).
Argentina successfully led this year's negotiations on behalf of the core-group.
Ambassador Daniel Meron, Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva said after the adoption, โI am proud that Israel leads the international effort on the growing issue of countering cyberbullying, pushing all relevant stakeholders to take on their responsibilities. The rights of persons with disabilities, older persons, children and other individuals in vulnerable situations, must be protected, both online and offline. Todayโs adoption by consensus demonstrates that Israel has a strong place in contributing to the improvement of human rights across the world. I thank Argentina, who took the leadership this year, alongside our friends from Germany and Greeceโ.
This resolution, which at the time of its adoption received the co-sponsorship of 59* countries from across the world, highlights that cyberbullying is a challenge faced by individuals in all countries worldwide and requires comprehensive and inclusive
responses to prevent, address, and eradicate it. It specifically recognizes that persons with disabilities must be at the centre of efforts to prevent and address this phenomenon.
The resolution calls on States to take specific actions to expand reporting on cyberbullying, including through effective education and training, and encourages business enterprises to put in place mechanisms and channels available for the reporting
of cyberbullying that are accessible to all persons with disabilities. The resolution also mandates the OHCHR to produce a report on countering cyberbullying against older persons to be submitted to the Council in June 2026.
ENDS
*Countries that co-sponsored the resolution as of the time of its adoption:
Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala,
Hungary, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic
of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America. (Countries have until 25 October 2024 to register their support)
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