At the December 2024 UN Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, officials censored criticisms of the Saudi government, retaliating against civil society representatives. Key remarks from a Human Rights Watch workshop were deleted, raising concerns about the UN’s role in facilitating repression under the guise of governance. The incident further illustrates the risks inherent when civil society is not allowed to freely engage in discussions at UN-sponsored events.
At the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh in December 2024, United Nations officials actively censored criticisms against the Saudi government, drawing condemnation from Human Rights Watch. This act of censorship highlighted the UN’s troubling trend of permitting host countries to suppress dissent during conferences, thereby muting civil society’s voice. During a workshop focused on cybercrime and human rights, remarks by a prominent Saudi human rights advocate were edited out, and threats were made against participants from Human Rights Watch.
The IGF’s censorship was particularly evident during a workshop co-hosted by Human Rights Watch and ALQST, which was aimed at discussing the implications of the UN Cybercrime Treaty. Key portions of comments from Lina al-Hathloul, the head of advocacy at ALQST, were excised from the official record after the session, which is a pattern mirroring previous instances of similar censorship at other UN events. Although the workshop provided substantial insights on how cybercrime laws affect activism in Saudi Arabia, the IGF retracted these details under claims of upholding a code of conduct.
Human Rights Watch reported that the edits made to the workshop’s video and transcript detracted from the session’s significance, which used case studies from various countries to illustrate the misuse of such laws. Commentators noted that the Saudi regime employs vague laws to target peaceful protests and criticism, with the IGF’s adjustments removing critical context from the conversation. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the safety of civil society representatives, as many opted not to attend in person due to potential risks.
The UN’s stance was encapsulated in its response to Human Rights Watch, declaring the decision to censor content “non-appealable” and asserting that it acted independently of host nation pressures. Moreover, previously shared information regarding specific cases of imprisoned human rights activists faced similar censorship during the event. Activists’ calls for international observation of human rights abuses were effectively silenced under the guise of maintaining a neutral forum.
Despite asserting independence from host government influence, evidence from this and prior occasions suggests that civil society participation is stifled when the hosts have restrictive policies on freedom of expression. The situation at the IGF calls for urgent reforms in UN protocols regarding the selection of conference hosts and the safeguarding of participants’ rights. The continuation of such censorship practices raises questions about the UN’s commitment to promoting open dialogue and human rights.
The UN Internet Governance Forum serves as a vital platform for discussions on global internet policy, bringing together various stakeholders including governments, civil society, and the private sector. However, when held in countries with poor human rights records like Saudi Arabia, these forums often see heightened censorship and intimidation of dissenting voices. The incident during the 2024 IGF has raised significant concerns over the efficacy of the UN’s commitment to facilitate free expression and civil liberties within its organizational structure, particularly in conferences involving repressive regimes.
The IGF’s recent actions underscore the urgent need for reforms within the UN regarding censorship and the treatment of civil society participants. As governments continue to host these major events without ensuring freedom of expression, the integrity of the UN’s mission is put at risk. Moving forward, prioritizing safe and open dialogue in UN forums is essential to uphold its principles of human rights and free speech.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
