[IRP] Urgent - Statement on Egyptian Internet restrictions

[parminder]

Yes, Lisa, we shd issue this statement. Parminder

Lisa Horner wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
>  
>
> I?d like to suggest that the IRP coalition issues a statement on the 
> Internet cuts and media disruptions in Egypt, in solidarity with the 
> protestors there.  Seeing how we?ve discussed in depth Internet access 
> and accessibility as a fundamental component of the Charter and of 
> human rights online, I really feel that we should condemn what?s going 
> on in Egypt.  Dixie and I have drafted a statement below.  Please 
> could you respond ASAP (by 15.00 GMT) to say whether you?re happy for 
> this to go out.  We can then all send far and wide.
>
>  
>
> Thanks and all the best,
>
> Lisa
>
>  
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>  
>
> The Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition urges the 
> Egyptian government to end its violation of the Egyptian people?s 
> rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by lifting 
> restrictions on access to the Internet and other Information and 
> Communication Technologies. 
>
>  
>
> The Egyptian government has cut off all Internet access in the 
> country.  Mobile phone networks have also been severely disrupted.  
> Restrictions have also been placed on Egyptian and international 
> media, including the blocking of Al Jazeera?s broadcast signal and 
> seizure of its equipment.
>
>  
>
> These actions are direct and serious violations of the rights of the 
> Egyptian people to freedom of expression and assembly. The right to 
> freedom of expression is enshrined in international law in Article 19 
> of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 
> which Egypt has ratified.  The right includes freedom to seek, receive 
> and impart information through any media, regardless of frontiers.   
> In modern society, the Internet is fundamental for the fulfilment of 
> the right to freedom of expression.  It is also an essential tool for 
> peaceful assembly, whether online or offline, as protected by Article 
> 21 of the ICCPR. 
>
>  
>
> These restrictions on communications access are a disproportionate and 
> unnecessary response to legitimate political protest.  The UN Human 
> Rights Council Resolution 12/16 states that it is never permissible 
> for any government to restrict peaceful demonstrations and political 
> activities, including those for democracy.  It also states that 
> placing restrictions on access to, or use of, information and 
> communication technologies is never permissible.  This includes access 
> to radio, television and the Internet.
>
>  
>
> The explosion of information and communication technologies across the 
> world has brought with it unprecedented opportunities for the 
> fulfilment of human rights, social and economic development and 
> democracy. These opportunities must not be lost through misguided 
> efforts to control online communication.
>
>  
>
> The Dynamic Coalition calls on the Egyptian government to restore the 
> right to freedom of expression and assembly in Egypt through removing 
> all restrictions on communication.  All professional and citizen 
> journalists in Egypt must be free to report on unfolding events 
> through any media platform, to national and international audiences.  
> All people must have full access to the Internet, to mobile phones and 
> SMS, and to national and international media. 
>
>  
>
> *About the Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition*
>
> The IRP DC is an international network of people who are working to 
> uphold human rights on and through the Internet.  The coalition is 
> currently undertaking a major project to draft a Charter of Human 
> Rights and Principles for the Internet.  This applies international 
> human rights standards to the Internet environment.  It outlines what 
> human rights people have when operating online, and what elements of 
> Internet architecture need to be protected in order to realise human 
> rights to the fullest extent possible.
>
>  
>
>  
>
> ___________________________________________________________
>
> *Lisa Horner*
>
> *Head of Research & Policy  **Global Partners and Associates***
>
> 338 City Road, London, EC1V 2PY, UK
>
> Office: + 44 207 239 8251     Mobile: +44 7867 795859
>
> *LisaH at global-partners.co.uk <mailto:lisah at global-partners.co.uk>  
> **www.global-partners.co.uk <http://www.global-partners.co.uk/> *
>
>  
>
>  
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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-- 
PK

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