Online hate speech has become a fixture of our lives, especially across Africa. We talked to experts in our network and beyond about this crisis, its tricky challenges & ways to counter it, including APC’s recent campaign on International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
We want the collective power of communities within and beyond the APC network to be harnessed through existing and new relationships built around transformative actions and our shared visions. Check out our achievements in this area in 2021.
Welcome to the 51st monthly round-up of developments impacting your local access networks and community-based initiatives.This month, we look at people shaping connectivity and communications technologies in support of other missing fundamental rights and much more.
Statement
APC calls for Iran to immediately stop violence against citizens and blocking of internet access during the latest protestsThe Association for Progressive Communications is outraged by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran as well as deeply alarmed by the ensuing violent crackdown on protests, violations of women’s rights, and widespread internet shutdowns across the country.
Annual Report
APC Annual Report 2021Our 2021 Annual Report tells a story made by many stories taking place in the most diverse scenarios but connected through purpose. Here you will find a chronicle of how the APC community lived, worked and thrived through a turbulent but fruitful year.
Report
Financing mechanisms for locally owned internet infrastructureA growing number of community networks and other community connectivity providers are connecting those who have historically been unserved or underserved by traditional internet service providers. This report analyses the operating models and financing mechanisms that can support their success.
This joint stakeholder report focuses on key issues relating to human rights online in India, including internet shutdowns, digital exclusion, freedom of speech and expression online, online harassment and hate speech, privacy, surveillance and data protection.
Statement
OEWG: APC emphasises key role played by civil society in cybersecurity capacity buildingAPC's statement at the OEWG dedicated stakeholder session also notes that it is encouraging to see the inclusion of language connected with narrowing the digital divide and a growing number of states calling for a gender-sensitive approach to international cybersecurity.
Submission
OEWG third substantive session: Key messages from the Association for Progressive CommunicationsIn this submission to the third substantive session of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on the security of, and in the use of, information and communications technologies (OEWG), APC addresses some of the recommended next steps outlined in the draft progress report.
Statement
OEWG: APC stresses importance of a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to cybersecurityThese APC priorities were reiterated in a statement delivered at the informal dialogue with the Chair of the UN Open-ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and telecommunications in the context of international security (OEWG) 2021-2025.
Joint statement
HRC 50: Civil society presents key takeaways from Human Rights CouncilAPC and other civil society organisations from around the world share reflections on the key outcomes of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the missed opportunities to address key issues and situations.
In Iran, women are protesting to demand bodily autonomy and their right to live, in the wake of the state-backed murder of a 22-year-old Mahsa Amini by the morality police. The government is responding by killing more women, attacking protestors and censoring the internet to contain the information.
Our columnist reflects on how digitalisation has transformed, or at least changed the parameters, of our lives since the 1950s and where ‘digital transformation’ could head next.
A groundbreaking project showcases how Nigerian communities are using low-cost, free technologies to monitor air pollution and stand up to hold the responsible accountable.