NCSG input on request for special privileges for Red Cross & International Olympic Committee regarding Internet domains

[warigia bowman]

Plus 1. so the red cross is special then?

On Sat, Oct 8, 2011 at 5:48 AM, David Cake <dave at difference.com.au> wrote:

> On 05/10/2011, at 8:36 PM, Marc Perkel wrote:
>
> > I will agree with you that I also share the opinion that the Red Cross
> should be nominated for sainthood. The question is though - should that be a
> reason for special privileges?
> >
>         The philanthropic activities of the Red Cross should not qualify it
> for special privileges.
>
>        The Geneva Convention, and various national laws that implement it
> nationally, do, however, specifically protect not just the Red Cross symbol,
> but the words 'Red Cross'. The vast majority of the states in the world are
> parties to the Conventions. The words Red Cross are granted unique special
> legal status in terms of their use in many, if not most, legal
> jurisdictions.
>
>        So, the philanthropic nature of the Red Cross should not qualify it
> for special privilege. The Geneva Conventions, however, make a pretty good
> case.
>
> > So - let's play a game here. What other organizations would qualify for
> special privileges, and what would be the rules for granting them?
>
>         I think 'organisations granted those rights by near universally
> ratified international treaty' is a pretty good limiting case for which
> organisations deserve special privileges. I can't think of many such except
> the Red Cross (and perhaps the IOC - but the treaty of Nairobi does not
> grant the rights they are asking for).
>
> > After all, if we start playing favorites don't we invite lawsuits or at
> least accusations of cronyism? It this going to be an arbitrary process
> based on feeling good?
>
>         Nope. I think it is a bar set extremely high, requiring
> extraordinary levels of international support.
>
>        Cheers
>
>                David
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