[IRP] Comments on IGF Programme Paper

[Max Senges]

thanks lisa!  i think the piece is well worded and contains all the key
points we should make.

Naturally i am happy to send it to the secretariat tomorrow

greetings
max



On Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 1:44 PM, Lisa Horner <lisa at global-partners.co.uk>wrote:

>  Hi all
>
>
>
> I?ve drafted a response from the coalition to the latest IGF programme
> paper. It?s pasted below and on the wiki (I hope I?ve put this on right ?
> those in the know, please change if I?ve done it wrong!):
>
> http://internetrightsandprinciples.org/node/78
>
>
>
> Sorry for the late notice with this, but I think it?s important that we do
> submit a comment as a coalition.  So please do say in the next 24 hours if
> you are happy for this to go out, or if you would like to make suggestions
> or changes (directly to the wiki please if possible!).  Max, if people are
> happy, please could you send it by the deadline TOMORROW, and we can also
> paste it on the discussion forum.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Lisa
>
>
>
> *Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition:*
>
> *Comments on the 2009 IGF Programme Paper (23rd March 2009)*
>
>
>
> The Dynamic Coalition on Internet Rights and Principles would like to thank
> the IGF Secretariat for the publication of the Programme Paper dated 23rdMarch 2009, and for the opportunity to submit comments.  We respectfully
> request that the following points are taken on board in future open
> consultations and MAG discussions.
>
>
>
> *1) Internet Rights and Principles as a cross-cutting theme*
>
>
>
> We are disappointed that ?*Internet Rights and Principles*? has not been
> accepted as a cross-cutting theme for the 2009 Forum, and are worried about
> the wording of the explanation for this in the Programme Paper:
>
>
>
> *?While some favoured the inclusion of ?Internet rights and principles? as
> a cross-cutting theme, the view was also held that there was no established
> definition of this theme and that therefore it should not be discussed at
> the Sharm El Sheikh meeting? *(Page 3).
>
>
>
> We hope that this wording will be changed, with a guarantee that space will
> be given in plenary and workshop sessions to discuss this important theme.
> This is necessary in order to further collaboration to address the critical
> issues that the theme encompasses, ranging from freedom of expression and
> privacy to ensuring equal access and participation for all cultural and
> linguistic groups.  Such discussion space is also necessary in order to
> build understanding and consensus around the meaning of the *Internet
> Rights and Principles theme* if, as the paper suggests, an established
> definition is currently lacking.
>
>
>
> *2) The main session on Security/Openness*
>
>
>
> We are pleased that the issue of *Openness* remains on the main agenda,
> but urge the Secretariat to re-name the session *Human Rights, Security
> and Openness.  *This would help to encourage discussion about the
> opportunities that the internet presents for advancing a range of human
> rights, including education, participation in government, culture and
> expression.  This would help to realise the articles contained in section
> B10 of the WSIS Declaration relating to the ethical dimensions of the
> information society.
>
>
>
> The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an internationally accepted
> framework of ethical standards, commitment to which was reaffirmed in the
> WSIS Declaration.  There is an urgent need to apply this framework to the
> internet so that the fundamental rights of everyone can be protected and
> advanced.  Moreover, the Declaration provides a framework for balancing
> competing demands between individuals and the public interest.  It should
> therefore form the basis of discussion in this main session, particularly
> concerning the balancing of security, openness and privacy in order to
> produce a ?win-win situation? (Programme Paper, p. 3).
>
>
>
> *3) Proposals for new discussion and working formats*
>
>
>
> We welcome the suggestion of new meeting formats, and think it is important
> to provide space for both large group discussion and smaller, focused
> working groups.  This is important for developing practical strategies for
> action on specific issues, whilst at the same time maintaining dynamic and
> inclusive debate.  However, we hope that the roundtable discussions will not
> be closed, but rather remain open to observation and participation.
>
>
>
> We would like to offer to host a roundtable discussion on protecting and
> expanding human rights in internet governance processes.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
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>
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