Last but not least: Human rights online - China speaks out
Human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression, must also be protected on the Internet. For this reason, the UN Human Rights Council tacitly adopted a resolution on the right to freedom of expression on the Internet on Thursday in Geneva.
The resolution on the protection of human rights on the Internet calls on all states to promote access to the Internet and to strengthen international cooperation for the development of media and communication in all countries. According to SDA, the text states that human rights apply regardless of the medium or national borders. It is supported by 83 states. Although Cuba had reservations about the text, it did not oppose the resolution.
China had taken the floor during the negotiations to endorse the resolution. The fact that China even took the floor or joined the resolution at all is somewhat surprising. As recently as April, two popular short message services had to block the possibility of publishing comments (Werbewoche reported: China: Internet censorship tightened after coup rumors). At the same time, 6 people were arrested for "inventing and spreading rumors". And now the great oppressor is even taking the floor to endorse a resolution that does not seek to protect people from torture, arbitrary detention or other atrocities, but supports the right to freedom of expression on the Internet.
Should we now applaud? A government that almost celebrates internet censorship, restricts the freedom of movement of foreign journalists, blocks the Xing service and has built an insurmountable internet wall. Well then, bravo China!
