[governance] Inputs for synthesis paper

[Parminder]

Milton

 

>> > Conceptions of 'rights and the Internet' extend to the area of
>> > positive
>> > rights - for instance in the area of access, where a 'right to the
>> > Internet' is being articulated by some groups, and to collective rights
>> > like cultural rights, including the right to have an Internet in ones
>> > own language, which can underpin the
> > important IGF thematic area of cultural diversity.

>I oppose this language. As I have made clear, I don't think there is such a
thing as a collective right, or a positive right that is meaningful in this
context, and have no >idea what is meant >by "cultural rights" -- except
that people have spent centuries violating all kinds of rights --
expression, association, life -- in an attempt to >protect collectivities or
cultures. (Milton)

I cant start explaining the meaning of cultural rights here because there
are many UN documents on it, and much existing scholarship. You may sit with
someone from indigenous rights group to learn what are cultural and
collective rights. As late as last year UN general assembly adopted the "
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations> United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples". But what you really mean to say is that
that you just don't agree with all these rights. That's your political
position, and that's fine. 

 

Cultural rights are mentioned in human rights instruments quoted repeatedly
in the WSIS documents. There is express mention of these rights in civil
society declarations during the WSIS. You may want to distance yourself from
these documents, but I have reason to believe that a big majority of IGC
members are of 'not' of this view. However, the issue is open for comments,
and let us hear what the members have to say on it. 

 

The proposed input is not written in the form of a definitive exposition of
what are rights in relation to the Internet but as a tentative exploration
of territory of rights in this new context with a purpose of seeking a
clearer and stronger engagement of all in this area. I would not be
comfortable if IGC proposes any such tentative exploration without
mentioning rights like cultural rights and positive rights at all. What you
are saying is that the very categories of positive rights and collective
rights do not pass muster with you, and I cannot accept this position for
making the caucus statement.  

 

I would request IGC members to give their views on, and text proposals for,
the proposed drafts for IGC inputs into the synthesis paper for IGF
Hyderabad. We are running short of time now. So if you are going to say
anything at all, please say it now. 

 

Parminder 

 

 

  _____  

From: Milton L Mueller [mailto:mueller at syr.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 9:30 AM
To: governance at lists.cpsr.org
Subject: RE: [governance] Inputs for synthesis paper

 

 

>> > Conceptions of 'rights and the Internet' extend to the area of
>> > positive
>> > rights - for instance in the area of access, where a 'right to the
>> > Internet' is being articulated by some groups, and to collective rights
>> > like cultural rights, including the right to have an Internet in ones
>> > own language, which can underpin the
> > important IGF thematic area of cultural diversity.

I oppose this language. As I have made clear, I don't think there is such a
thing as a collective right, or a positive right that is meaningful in this
context, and have no idea what is meant by "cultural rights" -- except that
people have spent centuries violating all kinds of rights -- expression,
association, life -- in an attempt to protect collectivities or cultures.

I see that Parminder has chosen to ignore extensive evidence of contention
around this issue on the list, and apparently thinks he can put his own
views into our mouths. As always, we can engage with these disagreements
honestly, or dishonestly; i.e., we can recognize in the statement
differences of views about what rights are and how they are defined, or we
one faction that is temporarily dominant and holding the pen.






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