The rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East is the latest terrifying reminder of the volatile times we now live in. While the region is on the brink of all-out war, freedom of expression may seem to be of secondary importance. But it’s precisely at this time that we realise how essential it is for people to stay informed and communicate freely. The right to freedom of expression is not just a cherished right, it’s an essential one.
On 22 September, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future – a commitment to protect and promote peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights and equality across the globe. The discussions and negotiations took place against a backdrop of unprecedented global turmoil: escalating war and continuing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, but also in Ukraine and Sudan; the climate emergency; and crippling growing debt among Global Majority countries.
Despite Russia’s last-minute calls for amendments, the UN Member States adopted the Pact and its annexes by consensus, including the Global Digital Compact, which sets out a robust digital future anchored by human rights.
The UN Member States have come together, despite their differences, to build a safer world for all: all 193 agreed on the decisions that form the Pact.
As advocates for freedom of expression and human rights, we have called for stronger language in these agreements and would have liked to see the establishment of stronger international norms. Unclear and vague terminology – terms such as ’trustworthiness’ or the ‘benefit of humanity’ – can be wide open to interpretation and slow down or impede commitments from becoming a reality.
International humanitarian law and international refugee law must also be guiding principles — at the moment, they are noticeably absent from the Global Digital Compact.
There was, however, some progress. We welcome States’ firm recognition of the crucial role young people play in bringing about positive change to promote global peace, security, and human rights. We must continue to listen to their voices.
It’s important also that some key guiding principles have been reiterated and reconfirmed in the Global Digital Compact: respect for international human rights law, ensuring gender equality, and equitable and meaningful inclusion in the digital economy. Together with partner civil society groups, ARTICLE 19 has weighed in on the Global Digital Compact, highlighting some of the shortcomings in fulfilling its brief. Meaningful connectivity, multi-stakeholder internet governance, information integrity, and data privacy are key to this future: a future that means everyone, everywhere enjoys all human rights equally online as they do offline.
More effective coordination and a human-rights based approach across the UN system is essential. It is a shame that strong references to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) were watered down throughout the various revisions of the compact. We call on Member States to ensure a strong role for the OHCHR in the implementation of the agreement, with a view to ensuring strong protections for human rights.
The UN and its Member States must honour their commitments and ensure that happens.
