Statements & positions: Freedom of expression

Title Abstract Datesort icon Languages
APC Statement of Support for An Expert Panel on Freedom of Expression and the Internet at the UN

APC puts out a statement strongly endorsing the proposal of the Swedish Government for an expert panel on human rights and the internet at the United Nations.

 Sep 2011
Human Rights Council: Oral statement by APC on violence against women Jun 2011
Human Rights Council: Oral statement by APC May 2011
Human Rights Council: APC's comment on human rights with regard to the internet and transnational corporations May 2011
APC at the Human Rights Council 17th session May 2011
Internet rights are human rights, claims APC before the Human Rights Council

APC calls on the Human Rights Council to treat freedom of expression online as a human rights issue.

 May 2011 English, Español, Français, APC Oral Statement at General Debate on 30 May 2011, APC statement TNC 29 May 11.pdf
WikiLeaks: Human rights of whistleblowers under attack, says APC

If we don’t consider the recent actions —particularly by the US government— against people connected to WikiLeaks as human rights violations, then a dangerous precedent is set says APC in a statement.

 Mar 2011
Why should we care about internet rights? Because internet rights are human rights, says APC

The world has witnessed in Egypt and Tunisia that when governments feel threatened not only do they censor individuals but they also try to take away the tools they use to contact and inform each other and organise. APC thinks that internet rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of association, should not be taken from granted, and is working both globally and locally to make them a reality for all.

 Feb 2011
Egypt: Regimes cannot overcome the power of people communicating in solidarity

“The power of people communicating in solidarity and joint action is a power that even the most over-confident rulers and regimes cannot overcome, not in the long term”, said APC’s executive director Anriette Esterhuysen. “What is happening in Egypt and Tunisia is a demonstration of people’s outrage and courage in the face of long term repression – now played out on and supported by the internet and mobile technologies.” APC joins the global solidarity with the Egyptian people as they take to the streets in the struggle for democratic reform and human rights.

 Jan 2011
APC says, A stand for WikiLeaks is a stand for freedom of information online

APC has issued a statement to express our deep concern about recent attempts by governments and businesses to close down the whistleblower website WikiLeaks. We call on all governments and the internet community to explicitly reject any form of online content control that limits freedom of expression and information, particularly information that contributes to making governments more transparent, and that empowers citizens to hold their governments accountable.

 Dec 2010
APC statement: Venezuelan reforms must not affect human rights and freedom of expression on the internet Dec 2010
Analysis of the broadband policy of South Africa

The Broadband policy of South Africa was approved by Cabinet in June 20101. This paper analyses the main differences between the draft policy and the final policy. It looks at the shortcomings in the policy development process and makes recommendations on how to salvage the situation.

 Oct 2010
Submission by South African civil society organisations on Intellectual Property Amendment Bill

The Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill seeks to address an important issue. However the way it does so threatens to hinder the preservation of traditional knowledge, severely diminish the South African public domain and limit access to knowledge.

 May 2010 English
Internet Governance and Information Society: Developing an African Strategy - An agenda for African MPs Presentation on internet governance, information society and developing a strategy for African MPs. The presentation looks at current processes an institutions, how MPs can approach Internet governance and finally suggests some activities for MPs. Nov 2009 English
Submission to the ITU: The Case for “Open Access” Communications Infrastructure in Africa: The SAT-3/WASC cable May 2008
The Holy Family Communique from African Electronic Communicators

The Holy Family Communique from African Electronic Communicators came out of an APC Africa meeting held in early February 1997. A full report of the meeting is available on the IDRC website.

 Feb 1997

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