Frank La Rue — the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression — is presenting his annual report at the Human Rights Council’s 17th session in Geneva.
The report, available here, breaks ground in a number of important areas.
It makes clear that States are obliged to allow their citizens access to the internet and that denial of such access due to intellectual property laws is a clear violation of this obligation and their citizens’ right to freedom of expression. It also mentions the Global Network Initiative and the work of the Special Representative on Business and Human Rights in relation to internet intermediaries.
Frank La Rue is the keynote speaker at APC’s internet rights event in Geneva, as part of our Connect your rights: Internet Rights are Human Rights campaign.