Safeguarding Human Rights in Times of Surveillance
Channel: New America
Date: 2013-07-17

Safeguarding Human Rights in Times of Surveillance
The Open Technology Institute and Global Partners Present: Frank La Rue, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression


As Brazil formally asks the U.S. to explain how American surveillance programs harm Brazilians, and the European Parliament insists that this "serious violation" of its peoples' rights warrants an inquiry into state surveillance, the U.S. must confront its global human rights commitments to people beyond the purview of the U.S. Constitution.

The United States has increasingly played a leadership role in international internet human rights battles. A cross-regional statement that the U.S. signed on June 10 emphasized online security measures must be "consistent with states' obligations under international human rights law and full respect for human rights must be maintained." The tension between this stance and the recent surveillance revelations has created a moment, as a global society, to discuss and implement appropriate checks and balances for the protection of privacy and freedom of expression online. U.N. Special Rapporteur Frank la Rue offers an authoritative view on privacy and freedom of expression, setting global standards for international behavior.

AGENDA

Welcome Remarks
Sascha Meinrath 
Director, Open Technology Institute and Vice President, New America Foundation

Featured Speaker
Frank La Rue
Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, United Nations

Moderator
Gene Kimmelman
Director, Internet Freedom and Human Rights Program, New America Foundation
Senior Associate, GP Digital

Roundtable Participants
Rebecca MacKinnon
Senior Research Fellow, New America Foundation

Cynthia Wong
Senior Researcher, Internet and Human Rights, Human Rights Watch

Carolina Rossini
Project Director, Latin America Resource Center, New America Foundation

 GP Digital is part of Global Partners & Associates, which works with governments, agencies and other organizations to improve the use of human rights frameworks in shaping public policy.

The Open Technology Institute is part of New America Foundation and formulates policy and regulatory reforms to support open architectures and open source innovations and facilitates the development and implementation of open technologies and communications networks.

http://newamerica.net/events/2013/human_rights_surveillance