DUBAI: Women's rights activists in the United Arab Emirates are optimistic over the Virtual Global Taskforce announcing it will host its 5th biennial international conference this December in Abu Dhabi. Activists told Bikyamasr.com on Sunday that they believe it can be a watershed moment for battling online child sexual abuse and bring attention to child pornography. “It is really exciting and we all are hopeful that it will develop the region and the UAE in the direction to battle against these harmful practices,” said activist Mona Gahrem in Dubai. The conference, titled International Collaboration: An Enabler for Prevention, said it will look at the motivating factors behind pedophile activity and attributes associated to their victims. “By focusing on child sexual abuse victims and offenders and maximizing global partnerships, the conference will provide a unique opportunity to challenge ideas and explore technological solutions,” the Taskforce announced. Delegates at the three-day meeting will be given the opportunity to look at a vast number of new methods to police online sexual exploitation and goals for change. VGT Chair Neil Gaughan said that one of the VGT's most effective strategies against internet-facilitated child sexual abuse is “cooperation.” “No single agency can deal with this crime in isolation. We continually work together with our partners to ensure the safety and security of children, regardless of where they live. This international conference provides an opportunity for all of us to learn, understand, and develop collaborative response strategies that highlight child protection,” said Gaughan. Experts from across the region and the world are expected to attend the conference, with registration already having begun. “The conference will harness unique international networking opportunity with experts specializing in child protection,” said a statement from the conference published by the official UAE news agency WAM. “Delegates can also expect an opportunity to discover and explore new technology-enabled crime methodologies, issues and challenges. The conference will also expose delegates to high-caliber speakers and thought-provoking strategies being developed by global law enforcement.”
