Where Data Tells the Story
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The following data tracks the number of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases per 10,000 people in each country within the UNICEF-classified South Asia region for 2023–2024. While most countries reported lower rates in 2024 compared with 2023, the numbers remain high, highlighting persistent risks to children online. Experts emphasize that declines do not eliminate the underlying threat.
India recorded the largest drop among the countries in the dataset, falling from 62 to 15.5 per 10,000 people. Nepal also reduced its figure sharply, from 58.9 to 19.4. Bangladesh moved from 145.2 to 64.1. Despite these reductions, the data reflect substantial exposure to harmful content in these countries.
Smaller countries also reported declines. Bhutan’s rate fell from 75 to 41, and Sri Lanka’s decreased from 59.8 to 27.8. Afghanistan moved from 47.5 to 28.9, while Pakistan reduced its rate from 77.8 to 41.3. The Maldives continues to have the highest rate at 94, despite a forty percent decline. Its dispersed geography makes consistent monitoring particularly challenging.
Experts caution that the problem has not disappeared. Children are spending more time online, and new platforms continue to emerge, creating ongoing exposure risks. Reporting systems, educational programs, and law enforcement measures must continue evolving to address these challenges.
The overall trend shows some progress at the national level, but CSAM remains a serious issue. Sustained attention, coordinated action, and resources are essential to protect children. Reductions are relative, not definitive, and the underlying risks persist across the region.