[liberationtech] Examples of Communication Blackout in Conflict Zones on Independence Day

Tue Aug 14 09:04:27 PDT 2012

Hi Sana, 

Thank you for this information. 

The Conflict Risk Network submitted a comment that discusses instances
and some of the risks you raise below associated with companies
complying with government orders (generally as per their contractual
agreements) to shut down networks and communication systems in times of
conflict or unrest. Conflict Risk Network's submission
<http://www.ihrb.org/pdf/eu-sector-guidance/Conflict-Risk-Network_ICT-Se
ctor.pdf>  was in response to a discussion paper
<http://www.ihrb.org/pdf/roundtable-discussion-papers/ICT-Sector-Roundta
ble-Discussion-Paper-For-Public-Comment.pdf>  created through an
initiative that is being led by the Institute for Business and Human
Rights and Shift. They are developing guidance for implementing the
General Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the UN
"Protect, Respect and Remedy" Framework
<http://www.ohchr.org/documents/issues/business/A.HRC.17.31.pdf>  for
the European Commission in the ICT sector. 

You can learn more about their process and background on the project
here:  http://www.ihrb.org/project/eu-sector-guidance/index.html; and
view other submissions here:
http://www.ihrb.org/project/eu-sector-guidance/submissions-received.html
. 

If you have any further questions please do let me know. 

Best of luck, 

Eryn 

Eryn Schornick 

Research & Engagement Specialist 

Conflict Risk Network

a project of United to END GENOCIDE 

1025 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 310

Washington, D.C. 20036

eschornick at endgenocide.org

www.endgenocide.org

p: (202) 617 - 7551

f:  (202) 476 - 0001

From: liberationtech-bounces at lists.stanford.edu
[mailto:liberationtech-bounces at lists.stanford.edu] On Behalf Of Sana
Saleem
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 5:05 AM
To: liberationtech at lists.stanford.edu
Subject: [liberationtech] Examples of Communication Blackout in
ConflictZones on Independence Day

Hi, 

Pakistan's Government blocked access to cellphones in parts of
Baluchistan today. We have issues a press release (Baluchistan: Access
Should Not Be A Victim To National Security
<http://bolobhi.org/press-release-public-statements/press-releases/baluc
histan-access-should-not-be-a-victim-to-national-security/> ), and
speaking to government reps, We are working on a post as a part of a
campaign since this is has been a yearly ritual. Was wondering if you
guys know of any other examples of states doing the same? 

Access Denied for National Security: The authorities have taken similar
steps in other areas across Pakistan, where cellphone services have been
blocked, I understand that it is a practice governments use during riots
however in Pakistan these have been routinely deployed across
provinces/cities (Gilgit:Access Should Not Be A Victim To National
Security
<http://bolobhi.org/press-release-public-statements/press-releases/gilgi
t-access-should-not-be-a-victim-to-national-security/> )

Context: Baluchistan, one of the largest provinces in Pakistan, has
serious law and order issues due to separatist movements as a result of
years of state neglect. Naturally, such measures especially on
independence day will only provoke resentment and show state
discrimination. Are there other examples of state's using such
counterproductive policies? Would be helpful. 

Best, 

Sana 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Executive Director, Bolo Bhi, Advocacy-Policy-Research
[http://bolobhi.org] 
Blogger: Dawn.com [http://blog.dawn.com/author/sana-saleem/]
Global Voices: [http://globalvoicesonline.org/author/sana-saleem/]
The Guardian:[ www.guardian.co.uk/profile/sana-saleem]
Blog: http://sanasaleem.com] Twitter:
@sanasaleem<http://twitter.com/sanasaleem>
 @bolobhi  <http://bolobhi.org/>

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