The United Nations, human rights and the internet

[Joy Liddicoat]

Hi Joy

JL: Hi Bill - answers below for you



This is really interesting, and it's great that you and APC have been
pushing these issues into the traditional multilateral nexus.  Two quick
questions:



On Nov 30, 2011, at 12:46 AM, Joy Liddicoat wrote:





.         The obligation to report on internet rights issues (all country
reports)



Is this likely to happen?  One would think it'd be a big step forward,
hopefully drawing on the work being done by the various CS and
multistakeholder coalitions/initiatives like ONI, GNI, etc..



JL: actually I think this is more likely than not - this is probably one of
the least controversial recommendations (in the HRC context) and within the
range of actions States must take with any other rights obligations. But we
don't know for sure if it will succeed.



In other developments, in March 2012 the Human Rights Council will convene
an expert panel on the internet and freedom of expression.



Are the dates set? Will this be open to observers, ECOSOC-accredited and
otherwise?

JL: Dates not set, but likely to be between March 5th and 16th - nothing
more concrete yet. And yes, the meeting will be open to observers, ECOSOC
accredited and otherwise - but participants do need to register beforehand
to get in to the UN. I would also think it likely that this would be webcast
as most UN HRC proceedings are now and the video archived. For example, at
this link you can scroll down to see the archived video link to special
rapporteur on freedom of expression
https://www.un.org/webcast/unhrc/archive.asp?go=110603#am



Thanks,

JL: NP

BIll



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