freedom of expression

APC welcomes landmark HRC resolution condemning threats to women journalists and restrictions on encryption
APC welcomes landmark HRC resolution condemning threats to women journalists and restrictions on encryption 29 September 2016 APC

APC welcomes the adoption of the safety of journalists resolution, in particular its condemnation of the specific attacks on women journalists in their work, and commends the HRC for becoming the first UN body to call on states to not interfere with the use of encryption and anonymity tools.

The question of the day: How to protect human rights online while countering violent extremism?
The question of the day: How to protect human rights online while countering violent extremism? 26 September 2016 Deborah Brown and Rafik Dammak

Among the more than a dozen reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that were discussed last week at the Human Rights Council (HRC), one addressed a topic very relevant to internet policy and regulation: how to protect and promote human rights while preventing and countering violent extremism. Aside from being one of the most significant challenges to the enjoyment of human rights, peace, and security today, countering violent extremism (CVE) and protecting human rights defende...

Suggestions for internet-related human rights questions to be included in the list of issues on Pakistan, Human Rights Committee 120th session, June-July 2017
Suggestions for internet-related human rights questions to be included in the list of issues on Pakistan, Human Rights Committee 120th session, June-July 2017 30 August 2016 Association for Progressive Communications, Bytes for All Pakistan, and Media Matters for Democracy

This joint submission encourages the Committee to seek information from the government of Pakistan concerning the exercise of human rights online.

In spite of continued objections over serious human rights implications, Pakistan’s new cyber crime bill passes through: Joint statement by Media Matters for Democracy, Bytes for All, Pakistan and APC
In spite of continued objections over serious human rights implications, Pakistan’s new cyber crime bill passes through: Joint statement by Media Matters for Democracy, Bytes for All, Pakistan and APC 12 August 2016 Media Matters for Democracy, Bytes for All, Pakistan and the Association for Progressive Communications

Pakistan’s controversial cyber crime bill is poised to become a law after the National Assembly passed it today. Media Matters for Democracy, Bytes for All, Pakistan and APC remain extremely concerned over the failure of legislators to ensure that the law fulfils basic human rights standards.

“The African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms is just an instrument, but quite an important one"
“The African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms is just an instrument, but quite an important one" 23 June 2016

“The African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms (…) promotes human rights standards and principles of openness in internet policy formulation and implementation on the continent,” the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, highlighted in his latest report to the Human Rights Council 32nd session.

Written submission to the Human Rights Councils' 32nd session: State of internet rights in India, Malaysia and Pakistan
Written submission to the Human Rights Councils' 32nd session: State of internet rights in India, Malaysia and Pakistan 16 June 2016 Association for Progressive Communications (APC), Bytes for All, Pakistan (B4A), Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and EMPOWER

In India, Malaysia and Pakistan, many of the restrictions imposed on freedom of expression, assembly and association and on the right to privacy are being extended and sometimes heightened in online spaces.

APC welcomes UN Special Rapporteur's report on the role of private actors in protecting and promoting freedom of expression in the digital age
APC welcomes UN Special Rapporteur's report on the role of private actors in protecting and promoting freedom of expression in the digital age 10 June 2016 Association for Progressive Communications

APC welcomes the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which focuses on the role of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression.

Malaysian parliament should heed civil society calls to reject flawed Communications and Multimedia Act amendments
Malaysian parliament should heed civil society calls to reject flawed Communications and Multimedia Act amendments 16 May 2016 APC

APC is alarmed at the proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act in Malaysia. We stand with the coalition of Malaysian civil society organisations known as Net Merdeka in calling for the parliament to reject all amendments, which compromise the right to freedom of expression.  

Call for international solidarity with human rights in Sudan online and offline
Call for international solidarity with human rights in Sudan online and offline 03 May 2016

On Wednesday 4 May 2016, Sudan will undergo a formal review by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. Sudanese human rights defenders and international civil society are urging all concerned actors to hold the government of Sudan accountable for ongoing human rights violations.

Private sector has responsibility to protect the right to free expression
Private sector has responsibility to protect the right to free expression 28 April 2016 APC

As technology becomes increasingly pervasive in our daily lives, the policies of a broad array of private actors have an impact on freedom of expression in the digital age. APC welcomes the focus of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression on the responsibilities of the ICT sector, and the opportunity to contribute to his study. While there has been significan...

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