By Matthew Denis, Abuja
In a bid to enhance access to healthy information, freedom of expression as enshrined in the Amended 1999 Constitution and International Human Right Act, the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) hosted a Roundtable Consultation with Civil Society on Digital Rights in Abuja.
No fewer than 60 representatives from CSOs and various Media Organizations participated with the advocate of broadening the knowledge of Digital Rights and reducing the advent of hate speech in the country in accordance with global standards.
The event commenced with a welcome address from the Executive Director of the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF), Mr. Kingsley Godwin who emphasized the importance of citizens rights of expression in the global age.
He said, “In expressing their rights there is a need for citizens to engage the government agencies in a responsible way to eliminate the rise of misinformation, fake news and disinformation on digital platforms.”
The Executive Director stressed that the essence of the deliberations by participants is how to use the digital space to achieve their fundamental Human Rights.
According to him, the CSOs Action Group is focusing on engaging government MDAs to seek for clarification on information that bridges digital rights in a polite manner without rancours.
He said, “Sometimes, politicians and security agencies hiding in the umbrella of ‘National Security/National Interest’ seem to deprive citizens of their right to expression, accessing information and freedom of movement. So the discussions here are targeted at finding solutions to these infringements.”
The first session of the roundtable consultation focused on the Voluntary UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, with Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, the Representative of the Country Director of the United Nations Information Center, facilitating the session.
The session proposed potential principles for a Code of Conduct to guide Member States, digital platforms, and other stakeholders in creating a more inclusive and secure digital space. Also highlighted, were the nine key principles forming the foundation of the UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms which includes commitment to integrity, respect for human rights, support for independent media, increased transparency, user empowerment, strengthened research and data access, scaled-up response, stronger incentives, and enhanced trust and safety.
Participants delved into the impact of threats to information integrity on global, national, and local issues and also contributed their thoughts and perspectives further enriching the dialogue with diverse insights.
Esther Balami, representing the Senior Human Rights Advisor of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, delivered a keynote presentation on digital rights. The presentation underscored the Secretary-General’s emphasis that technological advancements should not undermine human rights, worsen inequality, or perpetuate existing discrimination.
The presentation and subsequent discussion among the participants further explored the intersection of digital technologies and human rights. The session ended on the note that greater efforts are needed to develop further guidance on how human rights standards apply in the digital age and the need to address possible protection gaps created by constantly evolving digital technologies.
Participants engaged in a session that featured a documentary on Digital Authoritarianism, followed by a comprehensive review of the Security Playbook on Digital Authoritarianism report, facilitated by Kingsley Godwin, the Executive Director of the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF).
The presentation shed light on instances where state actors encroach upon the digital rights of citizens and civil society participants. This intrusion involves the utilization of surveillance technologies to monitor citizens’ movements, track online activities of civic actors, intercept private communications, and impose restrictions on the online civic space.
The discussion underscored the concerning trend of governmental interference in the digital realm, illustrating the various ways in which digital authoritarian practices can impinge upon individual freedoms and civil society initiatives.
The final session culminated in a highly interactive and engaging panel discussion. The diverse panel featured Mr. Odeh Friday, Country Director Nigeria at Accountability Lab, Deborah Solomon, Founder of Lawworld, Awuese Iorchor, Associate at Hamu Legal, and Princess Odey, a Legal and Development Practitioner. The session was skillfully moderated by Kingsley Godwin, the Executive Director of WIDEF.
The session provided insightful perspectives on the legal policy frameworks surrounding digital rights, internet governance, and government oversight. They explored the intricate connections between these frameworks and their profound implications on digital rights and civil liberties within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Overall, the roundtable consultation with civil society on digital rights enriched participants’ understanding of the multifaceted intersection between human rights and the digital era, offering diverse and informed perspectives from all the participants.
The highlights of the consultation forum was the need for collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, legal practitioners, and civil society, to collectively address the complexities of legal policy frameworks, promoting an environment that respects and safeguard digital rights, while tackling issues of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech and upholding information integrity.