The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) welcomes the adoption by the Human Rights Council (HRC) of resolution A/HRC/32/L.20 reaffirming the importance of promoting and protecting human rights on the internet. The resolution, adopted by consensus, addresses some of the most pressing challenges to human rights online this month. The resolution includes text that underscores the importance of access to the internet when it comes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). APC Communications and Information Policy Manager Valeria Betancourt said: “a rights-based approach to expanding access to the internet is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In order for the internet to contribute to the full exercise of human rights and achieve sustainable development, it is necessary not only to get the remaining 60% of the world’s population online, but to ensure that public policies on the expansion of access to the internet are rooted in human rights . This means also addressing the economic, social and cultural barriers to access, both between and within countries, and for access to be universal, non-discriminatory and affordable.” APC also commends the HRC for calling specific attention to the need to bridge the gender digital divide, to provide access and empower women through technology, and for calling for a report from the High Commissioner on Human Rights to address this issue.
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