UNHRC declares online freedom to be a human right to be protected

A new resolution from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) comdemns countries that deliberately disrupt the internet access of their citizens

UN Human Rights Council

United Nations, July 6 (DP.net).─ The UNHRC approved today a resolution for the “promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on the internet” which condemns any country that intentionally disrupts the internet access of its citizens.

The resolution stresses that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online” particularly with regards to the freedom of expression already protected by articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Though it was passed by consensus, the resolution was opposed by a small number of countries including Russia and China who wished to make a number of amendments, in particular aiming to delete calls for a "human rights based approach" for providing and expanding access to the internet and remove key references to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and language on freedom of expression from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

According to the World Movement for Democracy, the UN passed,

"the HRC32/L.20 Resolution, reaffirming the right to freedom of expression online and condemning any government action to block or disrupt internet access. The passage is a major win for civil society despite authoritarian regimes' efforts to introduce amendments to the resolution which would have weaken[ed] protections for freedom of expression online.

The resolution comes at a time when state-sponsored internet shutdowns are up, with 20 reported in 2016 alone, according to digital rights group, Access Now. David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, recently presented his report about private companies' roles in protecting freedom of expression online. Digital companies like Facebook are responding to restrictions by providing security guidance to the public. The guidelines highlight easy ways that private users and administrators of public pages can take measures to protect their privacy. The complete safety tips can be read here."

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