Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva, on behalf of Brazil, Nigeria, Tunisia, the USA and Sweden.
Madam President,
It is an honour for me to introduce the draft resolution L.22, “The Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet”, on behalf of a cross-regional core group consisting of Brazil, Nigeria, Tunisia, the USA, and my own country, Sweden. The text has so far received 68 co-sponsors from all regions.
The resolution builds on the four previous consensus resolutions, where the Human Rights Council unanimously stated that all human rights apply online as well as offline. These resolutions have played a central role in the normative debate in many fora.
The core group sought to carry out the negotiations in a constructive and transparent manner, holding four informal consultations before tabling and were open to bilateral dialogue with all delegations.
Let me at this point hand over to the distinguished Representative of Tunisia Minister Plenipotenriary Mr Anouar Missaoui
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The Covid-19 pandemic has further increased the reliance on access to the Internet for the full enjoyment of human rights, as a source of information, a means of gaining access to public services and of participation in civil, political, economic, social and cultural life. In light of this, the resolution focuses on bridging the digital divides and calls for applying a comprehensive human rights-based approach when providing and expanding access to the Internet. The resolution condemns measures to limit access, including through Internet shutdowns and online censorship. It also clearly addresses the need to take necessary and appropriate measures against disinformation and advocacy to hatred as well as for the protection of national security, public order and public health, in accordance with States obligations under international human rights law.
On behalf of Brazil, Sweden, Nigeria, Tunisia and the United States of America, let me extend our gratitude for all the support expressed for the resolution, including from co-sponsors and civil society. We would also like to express our deep appreciation for the engagement that characterized the negotiations and are pleased to note the broad interest in this topic.
We had hoped that this constructive and balanced approach would allow once again adopt draft resolution L22, as in previous years, by consensus.
I thank you, Madam President.