[IRP] Urgent - Statement on Egyptian Internet restrictions

[shaila mistry]

HI All 
Good statement . Only comment is on the reference to the government being behind 
this . Do we have evidence? If not we say something that asks Egyptian 
Government to restore peoples rights and freedoms and the internet .
regards 
Shaila 


From: Lisa Horner <LisaH at global-partners.co.uk>

To: "irp at lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org" 
<irp at lists.internetrightsandprinciples.org>
Sent: Tue, February 1, 2011 3:14:39 AM
Subject: [IRP] Urgent - Statement on Egyptian Internet restrictions


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
 
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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  www.global-partners.co.uk 
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