The Internet - a question of human rights
We must reduce the 'digital gap' in the world and transfer technologies between rich and poor countries, according to Frank La Rue, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression:
"The Internet is ultimately a matter of human rights and is strongly linked to the UN Millennium Development Goals," he says.
Frank La Rue, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, (right) together with Sweden's Ambassador for Human Rights, Hans Dahlgren, Photo: Linn Duvhammar
Frank La Rue is visiting Sweden to take part in an expert meeting on freedom on the Internet. Human rights are universal and still valid and can also be used in relation to the Internet, believes Mr La Rue:
"We do not need new rights for the Internet, we need to be able to use the rights we have in the new technological environment. The UN originally says that we should try to seek, receive and impart information using all possible means. The Internet is an important part of development."
Regional consultations with civil society
In the past year Frank La Rue has analysed the potential for freedom of expression on the Internet in various countries and parts of the world. He has conducted regional discussions with civil society representatives in Stockholm, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Cairo, Johannesburg and New Delhi. The common picture is that much still remains to be done.
"Access to the Internet means access to the rest of the world, to ideas and thoughts. It is also a matter of democracy and being able to make your voice heard. Just see how important digital communication was for the revolts in North Africa. In Guatemala my home country there are 13 million people and 17 million mobile phones. Technology is also spreading in poor countries," says Mr La Rue.
Governments exercise influence on the Internet in different ways, says Mr la Rue.
"It may be a matter of not developing the network enough, resulting in insufficient accessibility. It may be a matter of setting up regulations for suppliers that entail indirect government censorship. How personal data is handled is also important. What happens, for example, to information provided in social media and networks?" he asks.
"Governments have a responsibility to provide coverage for, and access to, the Internet. It is a matter of human rights freedom of expression on the Internet is linked to other rights such as freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and the right to education. Gutenberg would not have had such success with the printed word if people had not learned to read and write. The same applies to the Internet."
Recommendations on access and content
In June Mr La Rue will present his report on freedom on the Internet to the United Nations Human Rights Council. He will propose that the UN and its individual countries regard the issue of the Internet as a matter of human rights. He will also propose that all states should subsidise access to the Internet and oppose direct and indirect censorship. He will also submit proposals concerning privacy of personal data on the Internet.
"The Internet is not a new issue, but we must jointly address the issue of access and content. Sweden has an important role to play in this work. By tradition, your country has a high level of respect for human rights and is also in the forefront technologically," says Mr La Rue.
Text: Pia Roed
Fact box on Frank La Rue
Frank La Rue is a human rights activist from Guatemala and has been involved with human rights work for 25 years. He founded the Center for Legal Action for Human Rights (CALDH) in Washington DC and Guatemala. He has acted as adviser to Guatemala's President, government and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
