[IRP] Comments on IGF Programme Paper

Tue Apr 21 16:40:39 EEST 2009

Although I agree that unfortunately it is not very likely that we will
actually get our roundtable, I would maintain the third point worded
as something like "We would like to offer to host a roundtable
discussion on internet rights and principles". That makes our point
clear. Thanks to Lisa for putting this up.

Best,
Carlos

2009/4/21 Anja Kovacs <anja at itforchange.net>:
> Hi Lisa and all,
>
> Thanks for this, I think it makes for a great submission on behalf of the
> IRP DC.? With regard to the third point, I just wanted to note that it in
> any case seems unlikely that the proposal for a roundtable on protecting and
> expanding Internet rights and principles will be accepted at this stage,
> seeing that the idea seems to be to have roundtables on issues that have
> reached a certain "ripeness".? As the first point of our submission makes
> clear, that is hardly the case where rights (and principles) are concerned -
> although that need, of course, not stop us from nevertheless making the
> suggestion!
>
> With regard to the first point of the statement, I thought I'd share with
> you a comment on the program paper that IT for Change submitted last week:
>
> "IT for Change would like to express its disappointment that despite
> widespread public support, 'Internet Rights and Principles' has not been
> accepted as the overarching theme of the forthcoming IGF. The WSIS
> declaration of Principles speaks of an 'information society where everyone
> can create, access, utilize and share information'. Without a rights-based
> approach to the Internet to operationalise this clause, these will, however,
> remain empty words. It is of great importance that all IGF stakeholders
> share a platform to deliberate on this important issue and discuss how to
> take its implementation forward. We call upon the MAG to heed the many
> voices that have called upon it to make 'Internet Rights and Principles' the
> overarching theme for the IGF in Egypt, and to reconsider its decision not
> to do so".
>
> Thanks,
> Anja
>
>
> Lisa Horner 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 23rd
> March 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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>
>
> --
> Dr. Anja Kovacs
> Senior Research Associate
>
> IT for Change
> Bridging Development Realities and Technological Possibilities
> Tel: (00-91-80) 2665 4134, 2653 6890
>
> www.ITforChange.net
> www.IS-Watch.net
> http://India.IS-Watch.net
>
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