International PEN Resolution on the World Summit on Information Society in Tunisia

The Assembly of Delegates of International PEN, meeting at its 71st International Congress in Bled, Slovenia, from 14 - 21 June 2005,

Notes with concern the global rise in attacks against writers and journalists who utilise the Internet to
practice their right to freedom of expression, with over 80 recorded attacks in 2004 against internet writers in 16 countries;

Referring in particular to states that are particularly intolerant of dissent, including:

The People’s Republic of China where at least 30 writers and journalists who had chosen to circumvent censorship by publishing articles on independent web-sites were imprisoned for articles ranging from allegations of official corruption and calls for economic reforms, to essays on the banned Falun Gong sect and Tibetan identity;

At least seven Vietnamese writers who turned to the internet as a means of getting their ideas known are serving heavy terms for articles calling for political reform, including lifting of repression on freedom of information and reporting on human rights abuses led to their arrests.

In Iran where last year International PEN learned of 14 cases of attacks, in most cases where individuals were held for relatively brief periods, but who also reported ill-treatment and even torture. Other countries that hold internet writers in prison include the Maldives, Cuba, and Syria.

Perceives as extraordinary that so many states should consider the internet so dangerous that they choose to imprison those that use it, and block web sites and email accounts while at the same time they are preparing themselves to attend the World Summit on Information Society which will be held in November this year in Tunisia.

Noting that the choice of Tunisia as host of the Summit has been condemned for its own repression of internet activism.

Pointing out that the WSIS Declaration of Principles states “we reaffirm, as an essential foundation of the Information Society, and as outlined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; …..It is central to the Information Society.”

Therefore urging that all States participating in the WSIS take this opportunity to review their own adherence to international standards guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression as referred to in the WSIS Statement of Principles, to order the release of any person held in denial of that right, to review legislation that provides penalties for those who utilise that right, and to urge all
other States that are participating in the WSIS to take similar measures.

Noting with concern that the Tunisian hosts of the WSIS have barred independent Tunisian NGOs and journalists from preparatory meetings already held in Tunis, or have created obstacles that have severely restricted their capacity to participate fully;

Further urging that the organisers of the WSIS ensure that all non-governmental organisations concerned with the issues to be debated at the Summit are provided full access to the proceedings, and are provided adequate opportunity to have their opinions heard and that documentation
prepared by NGOs be circulated freely.

Last updated: July 8, 2005