If you are a designer, an artist, an illustrator or passionate about freedom of expression, internet rights and the power of tech, we invite you to take part in this contest! Deadline is on 17 May 2019.
This 2019 edition of GISWatch will focus on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) systems on human rights, social justice and development in the local context, with a specific focus on countries in the global South.
"The forced removal of Julian Assange from the Ecuadorian embassy in London and the sudden termination of his political asylum should be seen as a violation of human rights, an attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to undermine international laws."
Expanding the EROTICS network in South Asia
As a continuation of the previous work to deepen the EROTICS network in Asia, this two-year project will expand the network of sexual rights and digital rights activists from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal and include new partners in Bangladesh, as well as strengthening the network with partners in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Connecting the unconnected: Supporting community networks and other community-based connectivity initiatives
This project will contribute to an enabling ecosystem for the emergence and growth of community networks and other community-based connectivity initiatives in developing countries. It is part of a multi-year, multi-donor strategy envisaged to address the human capacity and sustainability challenges, along with the policy and regulatory obstacles, that limit the growth of community-based connectivity initiatives.
Securing human rights online in Africa through a strong and active "African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms" network
In order to more effectively address threats and advance human rights online in the region, this project will build the capacity of the African Declaration Secretariat and Coalition and of civil society organisations who use it in policy development and in responding to internet-related human rights violations.
Challenging hate narratives and violations of freedom of religion and expression online in Asia
This project seeks to protect and promote respect for freedom of religion and expression on the internet, particularly by countering hate speech online on the basis of religion, and generating narratives and discourse that defend secular and diverse opinions touching upon religion. The three-year project focuses on five countries in South and Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Pakistan.
A session introducing the CYRILLA database was hosted at the Internet Freedom Festival for legal researchers, journalists, civil society advocates and human rights defenders seeking to shape rapidly evolving legal frameworks for digital rights worldwide.
During its first and second Universal Periodic Review cycles, 395 recommendations were made to the DRC. The government supported more than 80% of the recommendations made, but none of these recommendations touched on human rights online.
Among human rights defenders (HRDs), those working on land, indigenous peoples’ and environmental rights are the most targeted group. This session aimed at sharing collective digital security strategies used by rural communities and environmental HRDs to mitigate the risks they face.
Columns
Inside the Information Society
David Souter writes a column for APC twice a month, looking at different aspects of the information society, development and rights. David’s pieces take a fresh look at many of the issues that concern APC and its members, with the aim of provoking discussion and debate. Issues covered include internet governance and sustainable development, human rights and the environment, policy, practice and the use of ICTs by individuals and communities.
The internet of memory: Stories from the APC community
What were information and communication technologies like in the 1980s and 1990s? What are the stories of the genesis and evolution of non-profit computer networks working for social change? Twice a month, this section will take a historical look at the APC community's journey of internet activism and make links to where we are now. Join Jennifer Radloff in this retrospective trip exploring the connections between the past and the present.
7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media launched its annual report on Palestinian digital rights. The report details violations by governments, authorities, international technology companies and Palestinian society.
The report touches upon various issues including violent and regulatory actions against the media, online censorship, the right to information regime, disinformation, internet disconnections, data protection, and legislative developments related to cyberspace.
APC joined African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) members and other organisations that work to promote freedom of expression offline and online across the globe to express deep concern about the shutdown of social media platforms by the government of Chad over the past 11 months.
As negotiations at the Human Rights Council enter their final phase, APC and over 150 other civil society organisations join ISHR's call on all states and civil society to use the remaining days to work towards the adoption of a strong resolution on environmental human rights defenders.
APC member Point of View launches Free To Be Mobile, a publication that features ten stories of teenagers, women, trans and queer persons, and their experiences of digital violence.
APC echoes the deep alarm expressed by the Secretary-General at the opening of this session over the shrinking of civic space online. We highlight the disturbing trend of internet shutdowns, which in violation of international law, restrict a range of rights and harm communities.
The Association for Women’s Rights in Development and the Association for Progressive Communications delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights during the 40th session of the Human Rights Council.
The Association for Progressive Communications welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of religion or belief, which yet again emphasises the interrelatedness and mutually reinforcing nature of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief.
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