Sudan: UN experts denounce Internet
shutdown, call for immediate restoration
GENEVA (8 July 2019) – UN human
rights experts* have denounced measures taken by the authorities to shut down
the Internet in Sudan, saying it stifles free expression and association.
“In the past few weeks, we have
continued to receive reports on Internet blocking of social media platforms by
the Transitional Military Council,” the experts said.
“The Internet shut down is in clear
violation of international human rights law and cannot be justified under any
circumstances.** We urge the authorities to immediately restore Internet
services. The Human Rights Council has unequivocally condemned measures that
intentionally prevent or disrupt access to information online, and recommended
all States to cease and refrain from such measures.”
Noting that peaceful demonstrations
to demand democratic transition continue to take place in the country, the
experts highlighted that the Internet shutdown adversely impacted peoples’
human rights.
“The internet shutdown forms part
of a larger effort to stifle the free expression and association of the
Sudanese population, and to curtail the ongoing protests,” the experts said.
“Internet services have been shut down several times since the beginning of the
year, the last time on 10 June only days after security forces violently
dispersed a sit-in and killed and injured more than a hundred protesters.”
“Access to information and
communication services is crucial at times of protests. Restricting or blocking
access to Internet services not only adversely affects the enjoyment of the
rights to freedom of expression, assembly and participation, but it also has
severe effects on protesters demands’ regarding economic and social rights,”
the experts added.
Reportedly, Sudanese internet
provider Zain-SDN was found to have the most extensive blocking scheme,
covering all key social platforms, followed by MTN, Sudatel and Kanartel.
The UN human rights experts stand
ready to provide any assistance to the authorities in this context.
ENDS
(*)UN experts: Mr. Aristide
Nononsi, Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan; Mr. Clement
Nyaletsossi Voule, Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association;
Mr. David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the rightto freedom of opinion and expression
The Special Rapporteurs are part of
what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special
Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights
system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and
monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or
thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on
a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their
work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in
their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page –
Sudan
For more information and media
requests, please contact: Mr Thibaut Guillet (+41.22.917.91.58 /tguillet@ohchr.org)
For media inquiries related to
other UN independent experts: Jeremy Laurence, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+
41 22 917 9383 / jlaurence@ohchr.org)
Follow the UN human rights office on social
media!
Twitter @UN_SPExperts
Facebook @unitednationshumanrights
Instagram @unitednationshumanrights
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novinari.romi/
Nema komentara:
Objavi komentar