[governance] Fwd: spec rapp on freedom of expression

[Vittorio Bertola]

 From the Plenary list, this is the part of the report of the UN Special 
Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression that pertains to IG. I'm apparently 
not the only one who jumped on the chair when reading the start of the 
second paragraph.

=====
The final phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, held in
Tunis from 16 to 18 November 2005, was marked by strenuous debates
around issues like the global access and exploitation of Internet
resources, and enhanced dissemination and availability of information.
The Internet revolution has definitely opened a new era for freedom of
opinion and expression, especially for the numerous opportunities for
the dissemination of education and knowledge.  Internet availability may
have a terrific impact on the quantity and quality of information at the
disposal of the most disadvantaged classes, especially the rural poor.
The international community at large, including private enterprises,
should take this opportunity to provide a chance for substantial human
and economic development in the less developed countries through the
exploitation of Internet resources.

The establishment of an intergovernmental organization on Internet
governance must be solidly anchored to the principles of freedom of
opinion and expression as enshrined in international human rights
instruments.  Private corporations, which have been playing a crucial
role in the promotion of modern technologies, the United Nations, States
and civil society, will need to cooperate closely in order to make sure
that human rights will be a fundamental and unavoidable component of the
future of Internet governance.

However, much has still to be done to reach a collective concept of
Internet Governance.  Regrettably, I have received numerous reports of
harassment, arrest, trial and detention of Internet writers in several
countries. Law-enforcement agencies closed several websites and arrested
ordinary customers and bloggers, who have subsequently been charged of
opinion-related offences, such as defamation or slander, and
terrorist-like activities such as "acts against State security".
-- 
vb.             [Vittorio Bertola - v.bertola [a] bertola.eu.org]<-----
http://bertola.eu.org/  <- Prima o poi...
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