General comment No. 25 (2021) on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment

General comments and recommendations

General comment No. 25 (2021) on children’s rights in relation to the digital environment

Published

02 March 2021

UN symbol

CRC/C/GC/25

Focus

Children's rights

Background

This general comment draws on the Committee’s experience in reviewing States parties’ reports, its day of general discussion on digital media and children’s rights, the jurisprudence of the human rights treaty bodies, the recommendations of the Human Rights Council and the special procedures of the Council, two rounds of consultations with States, experts and other stakeholders on the concept note and advanced draft and an international consultation with 709 children living in a wide variety of circumstances in 28 countries in several regions.

Summary

In this general comment, the Committee explains how States parties should implement the Convention in relation to the digital environment and provides guidance on relevant legislative, policy and other measures to ensure full compliance with their obligations under the Convention and the Optional Protocols thereto in the light of the opportunities, risks and challenges in promoting, respecting, protecting and fulfilling all children’s rights in the digital environment.

Version

See available official languages

Inputs received (2019)

In March 2019, the Committee invited all interested parties to comment on the concept note of the general comment, and received 136 submissions on the concept note. In parallel, 709 children and young people in 28 countries were consulted.

States

Regional organizations and United Nations agencies

National human rights institutions and Children’s Commissioners

Children’s and adolescent groups

Other stakeholders:

Inputs received (2020)

In August 2020, the Committee invited all interested parties to comment on its draft general comment, and received 142 submissions from States, regional organizations, United Nations agencies, national human rights institutions and Children's Commissioners, children's and adolescent groups, civil society organizations, academics, the private sector, and other entities and individuals.