Topic: 2025 – Protecting and Empowering Youth in Digital Spaces
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Raksha Karunanithy
Human Rights Council
Protecting Youth in Digital Spaces
Republic of Iraq
Raksha Karunanithy
Forest Hills Eastern
As technology becomes more accessible worldwide, protecting and empowering youth in digital spaces has become a major global priority. According to UNICEF, more than 70% of people worldwide are online, but lack the skills needed to navigate digital risks like cyberbullying, misinformation, and online exploitation. For countries recovering from conflict, like Iraq, digital spaces present both opportunities for education and economic growth, and challenges related to safety, access, and digital literacy. While internet access has expanded across Iraq, online spaces still have risks that can affect vulnerable young people, especially in regions where infrastructure or awareness remains limited.
The Republic of Iraq believes that protecting and empowering youth in digital spaces is essential for national development, long-term stability, and human rights. Iraq recognizes that young people represent one of the fastest-growing online user groups in the country, and the government has already taken steps to improve digital access by expanding internet infrastructure, supporting school technology programs, and working with organizations like UNICEF Iraq on digital learning initiatives. However, Iraq also realizes that youth safety online must be addressed with urgency. Studies by UNICEF show that Iraqi youth face risks like cyberbullying, online hate speech, digital harassment, and exposure to extremist content. This is concerning, due to Iraq’s history with extremist groups (ISIS) that have used the internet for recruitment and propaganda. Iraq believes that digital safety must protect against these threats, while giving young people the tools to think critically and responsibly online. Iraq stresses that the digital divide between urban and rural areas must be narrowed so that all youth have equal access to reliable internet. Many places still lack stable connections and digital education programs. Iraq recognizes that empowering youth means not only protecting them from online harm but also expanding opportunities for digital literacy and online participation. The country believes that creating safe, educational digital spaces can help them build futures that contribute to both national reconstruction and global innovation. Iraq emphasizes that state sovereignty must be respected in discussions on digital policy. Iraq is willing to work internationally, but any digital regulations or data protections must align with Iraqi laws. The nation believes that international cooperation should focus on capacity-building, resource-sharing, and support. Iraq views digital empowerment as an investment in its youth, who will shape the nation’s post-conflict recovery and future stability.
Iraq supports collaborative approaches to improving digital safety and access for youth. Iraq encourages expanding digital literacy programs in schools and communities so young people can better recognize online risks. Iraq supports assistance to improve rural internet infrastructure and ensure safe, equitable access. Iraq believes countries should share strategies to combat online extremism and cyber threats while respecting national sovereignty. Iraq encourages the creation of youth-focused online platforms and educational tools that inspire creativity, learning, and responsible digital citizenship.
