Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition:

Comments on the 2009 IGF Programme Paper (23^rd March 2009)

The Dynamic Coalition on Internet Rights and Principles would like to thank the IGF Secretariat for the publication of the Programme Paper dated 23^rd March 2009, and for the opportunity to submit comments.  We respectfully request that the following points are taken on board in future open consultations, MAG discussions and Programme Paper drafts. 

 1) Internet Rights and Principles as a cross-cutting theme

 We are disappointed that “Internet Rights and Principles” has not been accepted as a cross-cutting theme for the 2009 Forum, and are worried about the wording of the explanation for this in the Programme Paper:

 “While some favoured the inclusion of ‘Internet rights and principles’ as a cross-cutting theme, the view was also held that there was no established definition of this theme and that therefore it should not be discussed at the Sharm El Sheikh meeting” (Page 3).

 We hope that this wording will be changed, with a guarantee that space will be given in plenary and workshop sessions to discuss this important theme.  This is necessary in order to further collaboration to address the critical issues that the theme encompasses, ranging from freedom of expression and privacy to ensuring equal access and participation for all cultural and linguistic groups.  Such discussion space is also necessary in order to build understanding and consensus around the meaning of the Internet Rights and Principles theme if, as the paper suggests, an established definition is currently lacking.

 2) The main session on Security/Openness

 We are pleased that the issue of Openness remains on the main agenda, but urge the Secretariat to re-name the session Human Rights, Security and Openness.  This would help to encourage discussion about the opportunities that the internet presents for advancing a range of human rights, including education, participation in government, culture and expression.  This would help to realise the articles contained in section B10 of the WSIS Declaration relating to the ethical dimensions of the information society.

 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an internationally accepted framework of ethical standards, commitment to which was reaffirmed in the WSIS Declaration.  There is an urgent need to apply this framework to the internet so that the fundamental rights of everyone can be protected and advanced.  Moreover, the Declaration provides a framework for balancing competing demands between individuals and the public interest.  It should therefore form the basis of discussion in this main session, particularly concerning the balancing of security, openness and privacy in order to produce a “win-win situation” (Programme Paper, p. 3).

 3) Proposals for new discussion and working formats

 We welcome the suggestion of new meeting formats, and think it is important to provide space for both large group discussion and smaller, focused working groups.  This is important for developing practical strategies for action on specific issues, whilst at the same time maintaining dynamic and inclusive debate.  However, we hope that the roundtable discussions will not be closed, but rather remain open to observation and participation.

 We would like to offer to host a roundtable discussion on protecting and expanding human rights in internet governance processes.