Hamla – The Arab Center for Social Media Advancement, in partnership with Dar al-Kalima University, concluded the Digital Safety Conference held at the University's campus in Bethlehem under the title "Our Digital Safety, Our Future: The Digital Space Between Freedom and Security." The event brought together experts, researchers, human rights advocates, and activists, with the participation of approximately 200 university students and individuals interested in digital rights.
The conference took place amid increasing digital violations against Palestinians and addressed key issues including children's online safety, gender-based digital violence, privacy and freedom of expression, as well as approaches to strengthening protection and developing fair and safe digital policies.
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, President of Dar al-Kalima University, emphasized that digital safety has become an essential part of contemporary human rights, stressing the importance of building critical digital awareness and strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations to ensure a safe digital space that respects human dignity and rights.
Representatives from Hamla highlighted the importance of empowering youth and promoting digital rights. The main sessions addressed risks facing children online, digital violence against women, violations of privacy, censorship policies, and the realities faced by Palestinians on digital platforms.
The conference concluded with practical workshops focusing on digital safety for parents and activists, as well as gender-sensitive digital safety training, aiming to enhance practical skills, protection tools, and advocacy efforts, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation among institutions to develop fair digital policies.
