Child Protection Workshop: Key Insights and Collaboration
Second Workshop on Child Protection for Civil Society Organizations
Mr. Chayanont Rungruangsuk, Deputy Director of HSF; Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit, Managing Director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand; Mr. Bernhard Egger, former Superintendent of the Bavarian Criminal Police, Federal Republic of Germany; along with representatives from 17 organizations across Thailand.
HSF
The primary aim of the workshop was to identify key challenges and solutions for improving child protection in Thailand, while providing opportunities for networking and fostering collaboration among practitioners in the field.
Mr. Chayanont Rungruangsuk, Deputy Director of HSF, extended warm welcoming remarks to all participants.
The first day of the workshop began with opening remarks from Mr. Chayanont Rungruangsuk, Deputy Director of HSF, and Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit, Managing Director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand.
Mr. Bernhard Egger, former Superintendent of the Bavarian Criminal Police from the Federal Republic of Germany
Day 1 also featured a session led by Mr. Bernhard Egger, former Superintendent of the Bavarian Criminal Police from the Federal Republic of Germany. Mr. Egger shared his extensive experience in child protection, focusing on topics such as the structure of the police justice system in criminal prosecution and prevention, current trends and challenges in addressing child pornography, and effective strategies for cooperation between law enforcement and civil society organizations.
Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit, Managing Director of the Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand
Dr. Srida Tanta-atipanit's presentation addressed online child abuse and legal offenses against children, offering best practices for child protection in Thailand. She also presented a case study from the Netflix series Adolescence, which explores critical issues such as domestic violence, school bullying, and juvenile justice. The case study highlighted the role of social media in investigations and the impact of digital interactions on children's lives.
A participant presenting the outcomes of the group session on finding solutions to protect children on Day 2
The final day of the workshop featured a group session focused on reflecting upon Day 1's discussions and identifying solutions for enhancing child protection. A key takeaway from this session was the importance of continuous collaboration among organizations and ongoing training for staff and communities to ensure the protection of children.
The workshop received strong support and active participation from a broad network of partners, including representatives from The Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand, the Center for the Protection of Children's Rights Foundation (CPCR), Bangkok Shelter for Children and Families, the Department of Children and Youth, the Department of Children and Youth of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Pathum Thani Shelter for Children and Families, Nonthaburi Shelter for Children and Families, Samut Prakan Shelter for Children and Families, Bannareesawat Welfare Protection Center for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (Nakhon Ratchasima), Ban Kret Trakan, Alliance Anti-Trafficking Thailand (AAT), Labour Protection Network Foundation (LPN), Ban Song Khwae Welfare Protection Center for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (Phitsanulok), Thai Hotline, Surat Thani Welfare Protection Center for Victims of Trafficking in Persons, and Scientia.
In conclusion, the workshop provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing challenges, and identifying solutions to enhance child protection in Thailand. The insights shared by experts, coupled with the collaborative discussions among participants, highlighted the critical need for continued cooperation between organizations, law enforcement, and communities.