Seoul – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) intensify their joint efforts to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence. A new agreement signed in Seoul aims to enhance support for both law enforcement agencies and civil society in addressing online violence.

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence includes online harassment, cyberstalking, and digital abuse. It has serious physical and emotional consequences for survivors, primarily women and girls, as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals and persons with disabilities. With online violence on the rise, the need for stronger responses is critical.

To share knowledge, strategies, and lessons learned in combating digital violence, UNDP and KNPA organized a global policy dialogue in Seoul on November 19-20, 2024. Over a hundred of law enforcement officers, legal practitioners, academics, security and tech experts, and members of civil society organizations (CSOs) from around the world shared data and best practices for dealing with technology-facilitated gender-based violence through a survivor-centered approach. These discussions contribute to shaping global, regional, and national policies for combatting gender-based violence in cyberspace.

"Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a complex global issue with devastating effects on victims and survivors. Investing in law enforcement to address these abuses in an evolving digital landscape is increasingly urgent. Together with the Korean National Police Agency and all partners gathered here today, UNDP is committed to enhancing survivor-centered policing, which is vital for combating these crimes and ensuring that victims have access to justice and the support they need," – said Shoko Noda, UN Assistant Secretary General and the Director of Crisis Bureau, UNDP. 

KNPA Commissioner General CHO Ji-Ho expressed his hope that “this gathering of wisdom and international cooperation will lead to the establishment of a global partnership for eradicating digital sex crimes.” Emphasizing the importance of “practical and innovative methods to protect victims and thoroughly track down perpetrators to ensure they face justice,” he pledged to “lay the groundwork for an effective global response to this pressing issue through our collaboration with UNDP.”

The new partnership agreement is a continuation of the strategic collaboration between UNDP and KNPA. UNDP’s broad mandate and integrative role within the UN system, coupled with a strong country presence, complements the work of KNPA, one of the world’s most effective, efficient and people-oriented police forces. Korea’s recent steps to criminalize specific forms of digital violence is a model to follow. 

With UNDP support and learning from the Korean experience, seven countries in different regions strengthened their police capacities and civil society action to address digital violence, protect survivors and raise awareness of this new global concern. This includes police capacity building in Indonesia and Cote d’Ivoire, online campaigns for youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, as well as UNDP’s eMonitor+ in Georgia and Maldives – technology powered by artificial intelligence to detect online violence. 

The next phase will equip law enforcement agencies in additional partner countries with new methods to effectively prevent and address cybercrimes, particularly technology-facilitated gender-based violence. 

UNDP extends its gratitude to the Republic of Korea for their generous contribution. This partnership empowers UNDP to advance its commitment to a people-centered security agenda, focusing on eradicating cybercrimes including the ones of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.