This is the first of a series of training modules concerned with the relationship between humanrights, ICTs and the internet. These modules are intended to help those who work on humanrights and/or ICTs, and others with an interest in the issues, to understand ways in which theinternet is affecting the enjoyment and protection of rights – now and in the future – and explore how these affect their work.
This module provides an overview of the relationship between rights, information andcommunication technologies (ICTs) and the internet. As well as this text handout, it includes a set of presentation slides, exercises and case studies, and a list of additional readings. It raises six core questions which should be considered by participants:
  1. What have been the most important impacts of the internet on human rights? Which rights are strengthened and which threatened by the internet?
  2. What changes, if any, do these impacts require in the way rights are interpreted? Have some rights taken on new meaning on the internet?
  3. How can the enjoyment and enforcement of rights be made equivalent online and offline?
  4. What impact has the internet had on the relationship between different rights within the international rights regime?
  5. What changes, if any, are required in the way that international organisations, governments and law enforcement agencies protect human rights? Has the internet enabled new violations of rights?
  6. How can human rights organisations use the internet to improve their work in promoting and protecting human rights?

 

Materials: (PDF)

Introduction to Human rights, ICTs and the internet: training module