Global, open internet stops conflict, braces HR realization

Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto on Tuesday said that the role of Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) as a defender of human rights is now more important than ever before.

Haavisto, who hosted the online FOC also said that the lack of digital equality is a fact not only between the global north and south, but also in Finland, according to a press release issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

It is important to pay attention to how different population groups, such as older people, can access services in an increasingly digital world, said the Foreign Minister.

Finland has chaired the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) in 2021. The Chairship culminated in a Ministerial Meeting on the state and future of an open and safe internet in December.

The Freedom Online Coalition is the most important global intergovernmental human rights organisation that promotes the realisation of human rights on the internet, the speakers observed.

The FOC focuses on the development of guidelines related to the internet and digitalisation, diplomatic coordination as well as cooperation with civil society, the scientific Community and businesses.

During the past year under Finland’s Chairship, the FOC increased its visibility in the UN Human Rights Council, and diplomatic FOC networks met in Geneva (UN Human Rights Council), Paris (UNESCO) and New York (UN).

The latter meeting was held in cooperation with the United States. Networking with the business world in Silicon Valley is promoted by the Silicon Valley Working Group, set up under the leadership of Finland and Austria.

Efforts have been made to strengthen the FOC’s dialogue with its African member states and human rights defenders working in the African Union by means of organising FOC events in Africa.

The FOC Ministerial Meeting on 3 December brought together foreign ministers from almost all 34 FOC member governments to discuss the state of a free, open and fair internet. The digital transition has created new opportunities for democratic participation. The internet and digital technologies have created new ways of earning a living and obtaining information, and developed civic participation platforms where diverse voices can be heard. These new ways and platforms also empower citizens to question discrepancies and shortcomings in the conduct of those in power.

However, the digital divide continues to persist, even though the number of internet users is increasing.

Disinformation as well as cyberbullying and harassment, which are often aimed at women and young people, undermine trust in the internet environment and democracy.

When authoritarian states use the internet for political purposes, it is important to collaborate with different actors and persist in defending the development of an internet where human rights are fulfilled.

The freedom Online Coalition was established in 2011 under the leadership of then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Uri Rosenthal.