Leaving No One Behind: Protecting Women and Children from Online Abuse and Exploitation

Leaving No One Behind: Protecting Women and Children from Online Abuse and Exploitation

Time: 45 minutes, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, 26 October 2025

Venue: Room R313, National Convention Center, Hanoi, Viet Nam

Language: English (interpretation TBC)

Background

Victims of cybercrime, particular women and girls, suffer severe psychological, social, and economic harm, while perpetrators exploit gaps in legal protections and the ease of digital distribution to act with impunity. The non-consensual dissemination of intimate images is an increasingly prevalent and harmful form of online gender-based violence.

Recognizing the seriousness of this offense, Article 16 of the UN Convention against Cybercrime establishes it as a criminal offense under international law. It affirms the need for states to adopt appropriate legislative, administrative, and other measures to criminalize the intentional, unlawful dissemination of intimate images without consent. This provision marks a significant step forward in addressing online harms, especially those rooted in gender-based violence and privacy violations.

As the Convention opens for signature, this roundtable offers an opportunity for Member States participating to the ceremony to share how their countries are responding to this crime, the importance of Article 16 in national and international frameworks, and the measures needed to strengthen legal protections and support for victims.

Objectives

This roundtable aims to:

• • – Highlight the significance of protecting women and children, vulnerable groups in cyber space, particularly Article 16 in addressing image-based abuse and promoting online safety and dignity.
  • – Share national legislative approaches and enforcement strategies to ensure protection of vulnerable groups in cyber space.
  • – Examine the challenges in implementing effective legal, technical, and victim-support measures.

• – Promote international cooperation and exchange on best practices to protect and leave no one behind and ensure justice for victims in the digital age.

Methodology

The 45-minute session will be structured as a moderated plenary featuring four speakers from member states attending the signing ceremony. Each speaker will provide a concise presentation outlining their country’s perspective on Article 16, including current practices, implementation plans, and lessons learned from cross-border data preservation efforts.

The session will be facilitated by a moderator who will ensure a coherent flow of discussion and alignment with the session’s objectives. Time will be allocated for concluding remarks or brief interventions to synthesize key takeaways. The format is designed to highlight political commitment and practical readiness to implement Article 16 as part of a broader strategy for international cybercrime cooperation.