Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall last week visited Montenegro to see how UNICEF is using a new digital application to help children stay safe on the internet and protect themselves from online sexual exploitation.
The app was developed through UNICEF’s work with #WeProtect – a global initiative created by the UK government to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation that includes UNICEF’s programme to address the issue in 17 countries.
The Duchess of Cornwall met with teams to see an exclusive preview of the new app and to discuss how it will protect children online. On her visit The Duchess of Cornwall also met with a classroom of children to find out how UNICEF is supporting them develop essential skills and competencies so they can thrive in school and their future careers. The programme, developed and conducted in partnership with the Jubilee Center and University of Birmingham, aims to help children grow into well-rounded human beings with strong social and emotional skills as well as a formal education.
The Duchess of Cornwall also met children in foster care and their foster families as part of UNICEF Montenegro’s Every child needs a family campaign. The initiative aims to encourage more people to become foster parents so that vulnerable children are not placed in institutions.
Actor Nicholas Lyndhurst, a long term supporter of the Unicef work in Montenegro, was also at the event to meet The Duchess of Cornwall.
Unicef UK Executive Director David Bull, said: “We are delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall spent time with UNICEF in Montenegro to understand how we are protecting children from danger. Online sexual exploitation of children is a huge and deeply disturbing issue that needs urgent attention and we are working with #WeProtect to keep more children safe online.”
