[Chapter-delegates] China's remarks to the UN Human Rights Council panel on freedom of expression and the Internet

[Markus Kummer]

Dear all, 

For ease of reference, here is an (unofficial) verbatim transcript of the Chinese statement. Interesting reading!

Best regards
- Markus


I am honored to deliver a joint statement on behalf of the following countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Cuba, DPRK, Ethiopia, Iran, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritania, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zimbabwe and China. 

The Internet has become an indispensible tool of our daily lives and plays an important role in human development. The right to freedom of expression is one of the fundamental human rights and should be respected and protected. Free expression of opinion, receipt and dissemination of useful information through different media, including the Internet, can further the promotion of mutual understanding and common development of the peoples. However, freedom of expression is not absolute and should be exercised in strict accordance with the international law, especially with respect to art. 19, 20 of ICCPR and article 4 of ICESR. Neither should it be used as a pretext for activities in violation or even destruction of human rights and elements of freedom, the absence and abuse of freedom of expression on the Internet in particular, can encroach on the rights and dignity of other individuals and social stability and security and even national security. The Internet is often used to propagate terrorism, extremism and racism, xenophobia even ideas of toppling legitimate authorities. Moreover, the Internet is used by some groups to distort fact, exaggerate situation and provoke violence in an attempt to acetate tension it appears and gain political benefits and is also used by criminals for outlawed activities and have access to facilities. The Internet has also been used to disseminate pornographic and violent information that corrupts people’s mind, affront their cultural values and induce them to be involved in criminal activities, in this regards, children are most vulnerable and frequently become active victims. The digital divide has prevented people from developing countries from access to information through the Internet. We affirm the importance of using the Internet in compliance with Intellectual Property rights protection. At the same time, we believe any technical impediment to restrict access to the Internet in the name of intellectual property rights should not be used. We call on the international community, to cooperate to promote access to the Internet and new technology in the developing countries.

Mr Moderator, all stakeholder of the Internet should make concerted efforts to prevent and combat the abuse of Freedom of Expression on the Internet. Internet users of all countries should respect the right and dignity of others; contribute to maintaining social stability and safeguarding national security. The Internet industry should act to foster a crime free, reliable and secure cyberspace, Governments should strengthen legislation in efforts of Internet regulation and law enforcement activities, with the aim of combatting criminal activities. All countries should start as soon as possible to discussion on effective ways to promote international cooperation on Internet regulation for building safety and confidence on the Internet. Thank you, Mr. Moderator. 



On Mar 1, 2012, at 7:35 PM, President ISOC-KH wrote:

> A video from the UN Human Rights Council, dealing with the freedom of expression on the Internet, provides important material for the ISOC leadership preparing the Geneva meetings.
> 
> I share the opinion of Klaus in his recent mail: "Some consider it essential to have ISOC represented on the opening panel. You might want to answer to this."
> 
> A concept paper for this UN meeting had signaled the scope of the Panel, saying at the outset:
> 
> = = =
> “Panel discussion on the right to freedom of expression on the Internet
> 
> In its decision 18/27, adopted in September 2011, the Human Rights Council decided “to convene, within existing resources, at its nineteenth session, a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of freedom of expression on the Internet, with a particular focus on the ways and means to improve its protection in accordance with international human rights law.”
> = = =
> 
> The following is the video provided - not only focused on the "promotion and protection of freedom of expression on the Internet":
> 
> http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2012/02/china-panel-on-right-to-freedom-of-expression-19th-session-human-rights-council.html
> 
> And this statement was made also on behalf of Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Cuba, DPRK, Ethiopia, Iran, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritania, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
> 
> This interesting list contains also Cambodia. When the discussion about the opening panel at the ISOC conference started, I had asked for help from the organizers to explain the list of panelists here - with China present but not ISOC leadership. - To ask this question did of course not imply to disagree with the participation of a high level Chinese speaker. I have not received a response to my question so far (and also not to several others), but the statements at the Human Rights Council - including in the name of Cambodia - motivate me to repeat my question.
> 
> 
> Norbert
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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