CS Comments on WGIG Report

[Bill McIver <Bill.McIver@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca>]

HR Caucus Colleagues,

I've not seen activity here with respect to CS comments
to the WGIG report, the editing of which Karen Banks
is heading.

We have until GMT noon tomorrow (15 Aug ) to contribute.

The particular item that was mentioned a few days back for reference to the HR
caucus has been the CS comments are numbered 11. and 12 below:

Paras 24 and 81
b. Human rights and Freedom of _expression_ (Article 19)

11. We are pleased to see the recognition of the imperative of upholding universally agreed human rights and data protection in relation to measures to address security and the investigation of crimes committed online.

12.. However, we feel that the report could have been strengthened by addressing human rights as a cross-cutting principle, with particular reference to Article 19 in relation to the development and application of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the evolution and use of the Internet. Measures taken must not violate rights to freedom of _expression_, including press freedom online, in conformity with Article 19" of the UDHR and nothing in Internet governance negotiations mustÂimpair, restrict, or contradict these rights.

-----


My questions / comments for the HR caucus:

0. It may just be a matter of editing, but think that item 12 does not
ÂÂÂ make a clear differentiation between
ÂÂÂ the need to adhere to UDHR principles in general and Article 19.
ÂÂÂ It should more clearly articulate both points.

1. My main question for the HR Caucus is whether it is worth arguing for
ÂÂ other Articles to be mentioned in relation to Articles 19 in the CS Comment.

ÂÂ Several other articles should be seen in relation to Article 19 and
ÂÂ concerns raised by IG generally. These are:
ÂÂ
ÂÂ -- Article 12 on privacy;

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

ÂÂ -- Article 20 section (1) on the freedom of peaceful assembly has relevance in
ÂÂÂÂÂ an IG context to the extent that administration of the DNS and related areas of IG
ÂÂÂÂÂ can potential interfer with virtual forms of assembly and association. We can all cite
ÂÂÂÂÂ recent examples.

ÂÂÂ ÂÂÂ (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

ÂÂÂ -- Article 27 (section 1 in particular):

  Â Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural
ÂÂ Â Â life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific
ÂÂÂÂÂÂ advancement and its benefits.

ÂÂÂÂ Section (2) deals with IPR, which may be problematic for inclusion according
ÂÂÂÂ to what's been discussed in CS forums.


ÂÂ -- It may be a bit much, but I always like to add in Article 28 for
ÂÂÂÂÂ good measure :) since it speaks to necessary conditions for implementation
ÂÂÂÂÂ and enforcement of the other articles.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Thanks,


WJM

-- 
Bill McIver  
e-Government / e-Citizen Group
National Research Council Canada  Institute for Information Technology
e-mail: bill.mciver@nrc.gc.ca                  
http://iit-iti.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/r-d/e-government-gouvernement-e_e.html
http://iit-iti.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/r-d/e-government-gouvernement-e_f.html