The promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the internet (A/HRC/38/L.10/Rev.1)

Summary

The document reaffirms the rights and freedoms in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly the right to freedom of opinion and expression, both online and offline. It highlights the significance of digital technology in accelerating progress and development, including achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and stresses the need for international cooperation to bridge digital divides, especially the gender digital divide.

Main key points include:

1. States must ensure that the same rights people have offline are protected online, emphasizing freedom of expression.
2. There is a call for promoting digital literacy, inclusive education, and equal opportunities, particularly for women and girls.
3. Business enterprises should respect human rights in digital environments, and States should ensure remedies for online human rights violations.
4. There is a concern for security online, balancing freedom and safety while complying with human rights obligations.
5. Encryption and anonymity are recognized as important for protecting digital communications.
6. The document condemns human rights violations and online attacks, especially gender-based violence, and calls for accountability and safe online environments for journalists.
7. It emphasizes combating online hate speech and misinformation through education and awareness campaigns.
8. States are urged to adopt laws and policies to protect personal data and privacy online.
9. It encourages inclusive national policies to ensure universal internet access and stresses the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in promoting human rights online.

The document concludes with a commitment to continue addressing these issues within the Human Rights Council’s program of work.