GSL- SWITZERLAND

AGENDA- Addressing Digital Gender-Based Violence

and Promoting safe online spaces for women and girls

“Technology should be a force for equality, not a weapon of oppression.”

— Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, Former Executive Director of UN Women

Honourable Chair and esteemed delegates,

I am honoured to represent Switzerland in this vital discussion today.
The internet has become a double-edged sword. Globally, online harassment is no longer
just about hateful comments; it’s also targeted campaigns, deepfakes, and cyberstalking.
From the UK, where a journalist quit her job after relentless abuse, to Australia, where
victims wait months for justice due to legal gaps, to parts of Asia, where women stay silent
out of fear of stigma. To address this, We’ve adopted the Council of Europe’s Istanbul
Convention framework to address digital violence against women. Our “Cyber Safe”
initiative launched last year, trains both police and prosecutors to handle tech-based abuse
swiftly. If I talk about the recent case, In February 2025, Operation Cumberland was
carried out across 19 countries, leading to 25 arrests and con scating of 173 devices. In
Switzerland, three suspects were arrested for purchasing AI-generated child sexual abuse
material. Yet, challenges remain. Anonymous abuse continues to thrive, often going
unreported or unpunished. Tech platforms lack accountability. This is why Switzerland
urges two decisive measures. First, we must establish an international rapid-response
system for online abuse — a network where countries exchange evidence instantly and take
coordinated action before any mishappening. Take the case of the 2020 “Deepfake
Telegram” incident — over 100,000 women across 20 countries had their photos altered
into explicit images shared in private groups. Many of them never got justice as
investigations were slow across borders. The current reality is that too many cases get lost in
slow bureaucracy, allowing abusers to strike again. Second, we need widespread digital
literacy programs for girls and women — teaching them how to recognise scams and
manipulative tactics early, so the harm is prevented before it begins.
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 Istanbul Convention

• Full Name: Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women
and domestic violence.

• Purpose: Sets legally binding standards to prevent violence, protect victims, and prosecute
perpetrators, including online violence.

• Switzerland’s Status: Signed in 2013, rati ed in 2017. Applies to physical and digital forms of
violence.

• Digital Relevance: Encourages member states to adapt laws for cyberstalking, non-consensual
sharing of images, and online harassment.

Cyber Safe Initiative (Switzerland)

• Launched: 2024.

• Aim: To train police of cers, prosecutors, and educators on recognising, investigating, and
prosecuting technology-facilitated abuse.

• Focus Areas:

◦ Fast-tracking online abuse cases.

◦ Providing psychological support to victims.

◦ Collaborating with tech platforms for quicker takedowns.

Operation Cumberland (Feb 2025)

• Scope: Coordinated by Europol and INTERPOL across 19 countries.

• Results: 25 arrests, 173 devices seized.

• Swiss Involvement: Three suspects arrested for purchasing AI-generated child sexual abuse
material.

• Signi cance: Proved that even AI-generated content falls under existing child sexual abuse laws and
is criminalised.

• Impact: Strengthened arguments for cross-border rapid-response units.

Deepfake Telegram Incident (2020)

• Location: Originated in Russia but affected women globally.

• Scale: Over 100,000 women’s images altered into sexualised content without consent.

• Countries Affected: At least 20, including the US, UK, Italy, and India.

• Problem: No uni ed cross-border law enforcement; many victims never saw justice.

• Lesson: Cross-border cooperation and rapid evidence sharing is essential.

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POIS THAT CAN BE ASKED-

1. POI: Switzerland talks about rapid-response systems, but isn’t it unrealistic to expect countries to cooperate
instantly across borders?

Answer:
While instant cooperation is ambitious, Switzerland believes it’s achievable with clear protocols, digital platforms for
evidence sharing, and pre-agreed procedures under international law. Operation Cumberland shows that cross-border
coordination works; a formal system would just make it faster and more ef cient.

2. POI: How does Switzerland ensure that initiatives like “Cyber Safe” don’t just become training for show
without real results?

Answer:
Results are tracked through measurable outcomes: number of trained of cers, speed of investigations, arrests, and
convictions. For instance, after “Cyber Safe,” Switzerland saw faster handling of AI-generated abuse cases and
successful prosecutions, proving its effectiveness beyond just training sessions.

3. POI: Aren’t rapid-response systems likely to violate national sovereignty or privacy laws?

Answer:
Switzerland’s proposal respects sovereignty by involving only authorised law enforcement agencies. Evidence sharing
follows strict legal frameworks and international human rights standards. The system enhances cooperation without
bypassing national laws.

4. POI: Digital literacy programs sound like prevention, but do they really reduce online abuse?

Answer:
Yes. Prevention is more effective than cure. Educated users can recognise scams, report abuse early, and avoid falling
into traps, which reduces overall harm. Studies from countries with targeted digital literacy programs show a marked
decrease in victimisation, especially among women.

5. POI: Switzerland mentions AI-generated child sexual abuse material, but is focusing on women really
addressing the root problem?

Answer:
While AI-based abuse affects many demographics, women and girls are disproportionately targeted online.
Switzerland’s approach is inclusive: tackling systemic abuse, holding perpetrators accountable, and strengthening
protection for the most vulnerable. Addressing women’s safety also builds frameworks that protect all users.

6. POI: How can Switzerland enforce these measures on tech giants headquartered elsewhere?

Answer:
Through international cooperation, legal agreements, and holding companies accountable to global standards.
Switzerland advocates for mandatory reporting of abuse, cooperation with law enforcement, and sanctions for non-
compliance. Multilateral pressure ensures compliance even when headquarters are abroad.

7. POI: Isn’t the rapid-response system just reactive? How does Switzerland plan to prevent abuse before it
happens?

Answer:
Prevention is key. Rapid-response addresses incidents swiftly, but combined with digital literacy programs, AI
monitoring, and awareness campaigns, Switzerland focuses on reducing incidents before they escalate. Prevention and
rapid intervention work hand-in-hand.
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🇦🇫 Afghanistan

POI: "In 2024, Afghan journalist Farahnaz Forotan led a campaign exposing online harassment targeting Afghan
women journalists. How does your country address the digital safety of journalists, especially women?"Coalition For
Women in Journalism

🇩🇿 Algeria

POI: "Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif led a harassment case after a gender row, naming prominent gures in
her complaint. What measures does your country have in place to protect individuals from online gender-based
harassment?"Al Jazeera+1

🇦🇷 Argentina

POI: "In Argentina, 63.5% of female journalists have experienced digital violence, with 85.6% reporting harassment or
trolling. What steps is your country taking to combat online harassment against journalists?"Amnesty International

🇦🇺 Australia

POI: "In Queensland, stalking offences have tripled between 2022 and 2025, with many cases involving online
harassment. How does your country address the rise of online stalking and harassment?"Courier Mail

🇦🇹 Austria

POI: "Austria has implemented training initiatives and legislation to combat online misogynistic hate speech and
harassment. How effective have these measures been in reducing online gender-based violence?"Portal

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

POI: "In 2024, Bangladesh Police Cyber Support Centre for Women received 9,117 complaints of online
harassment.What improvements are being made to the reporting and handling of online harassment cases?"Prothomalo

🇧🇷 Brazil

POI: "Brazil ranked fourth in the number of cyberbullying cases worldwide between January 2022 and May 2023.
What initiatives are in place to address the high prevalence of cyberbullying?"The Library of Congress

🇧🇪 Belgium

POI: "The Committee to Protect Women Journalists reported online harassment against Belgian journalist Samira
Atillah. How does your country protect journalists from online threats?"Coalition For Women in Journalism
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🇧🇹 Bhutan

POI: "Bhutan has limited reports on online harassment. What measures are being taken to raise awareness and address
potential digital violence?"

🇨🇦 Canada

POI: "In 2024, Canadian journalist Lauren Pelley endured online abuse and threats. What steps is your country taking
to protect journalists from online harassment?"Coalition For Women in Journalism

🇨🇱 Chile

POI: "In Chile, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇨🇳 China

POI: "In China, a scandal involving deepfake pornography and hidden cameras exposed severe gaps in protecting
women from digital exploitation. What reforms are being considered to address these issues?"The Guardian

🇨🇴 Colombia

POI: "In Colombia, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇭🇷 Croatia

POI: "Croatia's action plan for violence prevention in schools tackles online hate speech and cyberstalking. How
effective have these measures been in reducing online abuse?"European Institute for Gender Equality

🇨🇺 Cuba

POI: "In Cuba, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇩🇰 Denmark

POI: "In Denmark, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇪🇬 Egypt

POI: "In Egypt, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"
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🇪🇪 Estonia

POI: "In Estonia, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇫🇮 Finland

POI: "In Finland, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇫🇷 France

POI: "In France, the national action plan for open government mentions both cyber sexism and cyberbullying. How
effective have these measures been in reducing online abuse?"European Institute for Gender Equality

🇬🇪 Georgia

POI: "In Georgia, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇩🇪 Germany

POI: "In Germany, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇬🇷 Greece

POI: "In Greece, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇮🇸 Iceland

POI: "In Iceland, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇮🇳 India

POI: "In India, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat this
issue?"

🇮🇩 Indonesia

POI: "In Indonesia, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"
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🇮🇷 Iran

POI: "In Iran, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat this
issue?"

🇮🇪 Ireland

POI: "In Ireland, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇮🇱 Israel

POI: "In Israel, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇮🇹 Italy

POI: "In Italy, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇯🇵 Japan

POI: "In Japan, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to combat
this issue?"

🇰🇪 Kenya

POI: "In Kenya, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇱🇺 Luxembourg

POI: "In Luxembourg, online harassment is prevalent, particularly against women. What initiatives are in place to
combat this issue?"

🇲🇾 Malaysia

POI: "In Malaysia, online harassment cases often involve political gures. How does your country address politically
motivated digital abuse?"

🇲🇽 Mexico

POI: "Between 2018 and 2024, Article 19 documented 979 attacks on women journalists in Mexico, including online
harassment and threats. How does your country address the digital safety of journalists, especially women?"ipi.media
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🇳🇱 Netherlands

POI: "A 2023 survey revealed that nearly 82% of 300 surveyed women journalists in the Netherlands experienced
online harassment, threats, and intimidation on various platforms. What measures are in place to protect journalists from
online abuse?"Committee to Protect Journalists

🇳🇿 New Zealand

POI: "Research indicates that Māori women journalists in New Zealand experience the highest rates of of ine threats
and violence, highlighting the intersectional nature of online harassment. How does your country address the unique
challenges faced by indigenous women journalists?"Taylor & Francis Online

🇳🇬 Nigeria

POI: "A study in Lagos State examined the various types of online harassment faced by female journalists, exploring
coping strategies and support systems. What initiatives are in place to combat online harassment against
journalists?"biarjournal.com

🇳🇴 Norway

POI: "Norway has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇵🇰 Pakistan

POI: "Pakistani TikToker Samiya Hijab revealed she attempted suicide twice after a viral MMS leak scandal, which she
claimed was a deepfake shared by her ex-boyfriend. What measures are in place to protect individuals from online
harassment?"Indiatimes

🇵🇪 Peru

POI: "Women journalists in Peru are constantly on high alert due to increasing attacks, harassment, and the
normalization of mistreatment. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"UNESCO

🇵🇭 Philippines

POI: "Philippines Press Freedom condemned the doxxing of journalist Menzie Montes, highlighting the growing issue
of online harassment against journalists. What measures are in place to protect journalists from online abuse?"Coalition
For Women in Journalism

🇵🇱 Poland

POI: "Poland has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"ipi.media
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🇵🇹 Portugal

POI: "Portugal has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇷🇼 Rwanda

POI: "Rwanda has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇰🇷 South Korea

POI: "The tragic death of South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron, presumed to be a suicide at age 24, sparked discussions
about the treatment of celebrities by the public and on social media, highlighting the need for reforms in online culture.
What measures is your country taking to address online harassment?"AP News

🇷🇺 Russia

POI: "Russian spies allegedly plotted to kidnap opposition journalists, including investigative journalist Christo
Grozev, highlighting the risks faced by journalists in the country. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists
from online and of ine threats?"The Times

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

POI: "Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"ipi.media

🇸🇬 Singapore

POI: "Singapore has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇸🇰 Slovakia

POI: "Slovakia has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇿🇦 South Africa

POI: "South Africa has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇪🇸 Spain
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POI: "Spain has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇸🇪 Sweden

POI: "Sweden has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇨🇭 Switzerland

POI: "Switzerland has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇹🇭 Thailand

POI: "Thailand has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

POI: "The United Arab Emirates has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online
harassment of journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇺🇦 Ukraine

POI: "Ukraine has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online harassment of
journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

POI: "The United Kingdom has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online
harassment of journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"

🇺🇸 United States

POI: "The United States has been recognized for its press freedom, yet challenges remain in addressing online
harassment of journalists. What steps is your country taking to protect journalists from online abuse?"