background preloader

United Nations report: Internet access is a human right

Internet access is a human right, according to a United Nations report released on Friday. "Given that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for realizing a range of human rights, combating inequality, and accelerating development and human progress, ensuring universal access to the Internet should be a priority for all states," said the report from Frank La Rue, a special rapporteur to the United Nations, who wrote the document "on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression." La Rue said in his report that access to the Internet is particularly important during times of political unrest, as demonstrated by the recent "Arab Spring" uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, among other countries. From the report: DOCUMENT: Read the United Nations report La Rue also urges governments to eschew laws that allow for people's access to the Internet to be blocked. Israeli newborn named 'Like' in tribute to Facebook -- Nathan Olivarez-Giles

Think Again: War - By Joshua S. Goldstein "The World Is a More Violent Place Than It Used to Be." No way. The early 21st century seems awash in wars: the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, street battles in Somalia, Islamist insurgencies in Pakistan, massacres in the Congo, genocidal campaigns in Sudan. All in all, regular fighting is taking place in 18 wars around the globe today. Public opinion reflects this sense of an ever more dangerous world: One survey a few years ago found that 60 percent of Americans considered a third world war likely. Expectations for the new century were bleak even before the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and their bloody aftermath: Political scientist James G. So far they haven't even been close. Armed conflict has declined in large part because armed conflict has fundamentally changed. If the world feels like a more violent place than it actually is, that's because there's more information about wars -- not more wars themselves. Getty Images "America Is Fighting More Wars Than Ever." Yes and no.

UNESCO The flag of UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (French: Organisation des Nations unies pour l'éducation, la science et la culture; UNESCO; /juːˈnɛskoʊ/) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). UNESCO has 195 member states[2] and nine associate members.[3][4] Most of the field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more countries; there are also national and regional offices. UNESCO pursue its objectives through five major programs: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. UNESCO's aim is "to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information".[6] History[edit] The first General Conference took place from 19 November to 10 December 1946, and elected Dr. Activities[edit] UNESCO does not accredit institutions of higher learning.[42]

Related: