access to information
In the context of the Internet Governance Forum 2017 and growing international debates about the so called “fake news”, the undersigned organizations would like to express strong concerns about possible paths that the framing of the issue is taking. The terminology has been widely spread in rhetorics from the Global North, but we cannot import such a concept without taking into account the long history of media concentration and manipulation in Latin American and Caribbean region. Legitim...
Ocean in a Drop is a documentary film about emergent online populations told by rural Indian women and children, artisans and entrepreneurs. The book, Right to Know describes, in part, how Ocean in a Drop came about, goes on to describe the more nuanced observations on the impact the internet is having on rural and tribal communities in India. It provides a more in depth and personal view of the many stories shared with us, so many more than the film could tell.
Access to information and knowledge has been recognised as a key principle for achieving the WSIS vision since 2003. Information and knowledge for all are key for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals because they link to empowerment and mobility, enabling people to improve their lives. In this statement delivered at the High-Level Policy Session on Inclusiveness – Access to Information...
On Wednesday 4 May 2016, Sudan will undergo a formal review by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. During the review, representatives of the government of Sudan will present a national report of efforts made to implement human rights commitments and recommendations received during Sudan's first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2011. Representatives of UN member governments will then...
Advances in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have huge potential to offer better access to information and more freedom of expression. But these technology advances are also leading to unprecedented industry disruption along with consolidation and cross-ownership of electronic media platforms, built on the convergence of broadcast and broadband media. Satellite and c...
Policy Options for Connecting the Next Billion. APC Submission to the 2015 IGF The Nature of the Problem Affordable and reliable internet access has become a vital means to exercise fundamental human rights and freedoms. As observed by the UN, “the internet is one of the most powerful instruments of the 21st century for increasing transparency in the conduct of the powerful, access to informa...
This submission has been prepared by Protege QV and the Association for Progressive Communications. Protège QV is a Cameroonian rights association whose mission it is to promote individual and collective initiative that target environmental protection and contributes to an increased quality of life for Cameroonian families. This submission focuses on freedom of expression, freedom of associat...
In July 2012, Canada, along with 84 co-sponsors at the UN Human Rights Council, confirmed the importance of the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet, and in particular, freedom of expression online. This joint submission follows up on recommendations made in the first Canadian UPR and covers the following topics: - Public oversight and transparency in the context...
