[governance] Freedom of Expression on the Internet Cross-regional Statement

[Asif Kabani]

Fouad,

Thanks for the speech.

Regards



On 21 June 2011 17:28, Fouad Bajwa <fouadbajwa at gmail.com> wrote:

> This may be of interest if you have not read it earlier:
>
> SPEECH
> Human Rights Council 17th session 10 June 2011
> Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs
> (Jan Knutsson, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Sweden in Geneva)
> Freedom of Expression on the Internet Cross-regional Statement
>
> http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/14194/a/170566
>
> Freedom of Expression on the Internet Cross-regional Statement
> Check against delivery.
>
> Mr President,
> I have the honor of addressing the Human Rights Council on behalf of
>
> Austria, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia,
> the Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Guatemala, India, Indonesia,
> Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, fmr Yugoslav Rep of Macedonia,
> Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, the
> Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palestine, Peru, Poland, Senegal,
> South Africa, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine,
> the United States, Uruguay
>
> Mr President,
> The Vienna Declaration and Program of Action asserted that all human
> rights are interdependent and interrelated. The positive potential in
> that statement has been amply demonstrated by the incredible spread
> and use of modern communication technologies. As was stated also in
> this general debate in the Human Rights Council one year ago, these
> technologies have enabled ordinary citizens in all corners of the
> world, to disseminate their views and to communicate with others on a
> scale that was quite unimaginable not long ago. Internet, social
> media, and mobile phone technology have played, and should continue to
> play, a crucial role as instruments for participation, transparency
> and engagement in socio-economic, cultural and political development.
>
> For us, one principle is very basic: The same rights that people have
> offline - freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek
> information, freedom of assembly and association, amongst others -
> must also be protected online.
>
> We were pleased to see the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
> endorse that same principle in his most recent report. That report,
> based on wide-ranging global consultations, including two expert
> meetings in Stockholm, is a timely contribution. But it will now be up
> to us, as member states, to translate several of its key
> recommendations into practical steps that will make a difference, as
> part of our work in this field.
>
> The Internet should not be used as a platform for activities
> prohibited in human rights law. However, we believe, as does the
> Special Rapporteur, that there should be as little restriction as
> possible to the flow of information on the Internet. Only in a few
> exceptional and limited circumstances can restrictions on content be
> acceptable. Such restrictions must comply with international human
> rights law, notably article 19 of the ICCPR. We consider
> Government-initiated closing down of the Internet, or major parts
> thereof, for purposes of suppressing free speech, to be in violation
> of freedom of expression. In addition, Governments should not mandate
> a more restrictive standard for intermediaries than is the case with
> traditional media regarding freedom of expression or hold
> intermediaries liable for content that they transmit or disseminate.
>
> We call on all states to ensure strong protection of freedom of
> expression online in accordance with international human rights law.
>
> We also underscore the importance of privacy protection, which goes
> hand in hand with freedom of expression in the use of new
> technologies. Arbitrary or unlawful interference with anyone's
> privacy, family, home or correspondence as well as unlawful attacks on
> people's honor and reputation can undermine freedoms of expression,
> association and assembly. This right to privacy also applies to online
> communication and activities. With limited exceptions, individuals
> should be able to express themselves anonymously on the Internet.
>
> Recognizing the global nature of the Internet, we share the key
> objective of universal access. Internet is a formidable force in
> generating development and promoting economic, social and cultural
> rights, and the present digital divide must be bridged to enable
> participation of all.
>
> We also want to preserve and promote diversity on the Internet, both
> cultural and linguistic, and to promote local culture, regardless of
> language or script.
>
> All users, including persons with disabilities, should have greatest
> possible access to Internet-based content, applications and services,
> whether or not they are offered free of charge. In this context,
> network neutrality and openness are important objectives. Cutting off
> users from access to the Internet is generally not a proportionate
> sanction.
>
> Decisions on Internet governance and policy issues, at global as well
> as regional levels, should be consistent with international human
> rights law, including protections for freedom of expression and the
> right to privacy, and reached in multilateral, transparent and
> democratic environments. In such environments, it is important that
> the multistakeholder principle is respected and that governments, the
> private sector, civil society, academic community and the entire
> Internet technical community work together to build greater trust in
> the ICT networks, including necessary cross-border co-operation.
>
> As governments, we should encourage cooperative efforts by the private
> sector to promote respect for human rights online. Such efforts can
> address human rights impacts of action taken by the private sector and
> can encourage respect for human rights. Yet, while adherence to human
> rights principles by businesses has become essential to ensure online
> freedom of expression, it cannot be a substitute for the
> responsibility of governments to uphold human rights and the rule of
> law in all Internet and telecommunication policy and regulation.
>
> Mr President,
>
> The Internet has expanded the reach of freedom of expression for
> hundreds of millions of people around the world. We wish to join the
> efforts to protect these advances, while also working to make access
> to the new technologies affordable and universal.
>
> We welcome all other states to associate themselves to this statement.
>
> Thank you.
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>


-- 
Asif Kabani
Email: kabani.asif at gmail.com


“The fundamental cure for poverty is not money but knowledge" Sir William
Arthur Lewis, Nobel Prize Economics, 1979
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