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Lift internet shutdowns at Rohingya refugee camps: HRW

| Updated: March 31, 2020 19:11:29


Lift internet shutdowns at Rohingya refugee camps: HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday called on Bangladesh and the other countries where internet shutdowns are in place to lift them immediately amid the COVID-19 crisis saying blocking or restricting internet access could cost lives.

Bangladesh has imposed an internet blackout at the Rohingya refugee camps since early September last year.

“Governments that are currently imposing an internet shutdown, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Myanmar, should lift them immediately to save lives,” the HRW said in a statement.

During a health crisis, access to timely and accurate information is crucial. People use the internet for updates on health measures, movement restrictions, and relevant news to protect themselves and others.

“Internet shutdowns block people from getting essential information and services,” said Deborah Brown, senior digital rights researcher and advocate of HRW. “During this global health crisis, shutdowns directly harm people’s health and lives, and undermine efforts to bring the pandemic under control.”

For people around the world staying at home, either willingly or because of government restrictions, the internet is critical to communicate with doctors, family, and friends, the statement said, adding that for many children and others seeking an education, it is needed to continue learning as schools shutter around the world.

Internet shutdowns can have a greater impact on women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and older people who may rely on the internet for online support services, the rights group said.

These groups are most likely to rely on the internet to protect their physical safety, access sexual and reproductive health information and care, and participate in social, professional, and economic life, particularly when women are disproportionately taking on more child care and education responsibilities, and when isolation can lead to or exacerbate psychological distress.

The economic cost of internet disruptions is significant. As restrictions on movement expand, many individuals and businesses are relying on the internet more than usual for their work.

Internet shutdowns have become increasingly common in recent years, usually during tense periods, such as elections, anti-government protests, or armed conflicts.

Thirty-three countries enforced 213 internet shutdowns in 2019, according to Access Now. Government justifications range from a need to combat fake news to public safety and national security. 

Regarding Bangladesh, the HRW said in Bangladesh, an internet blackout and phone restrictions at Rohingya refugee camps are hindering humanitarian groups from addressing the COVID-19 threat.

The shutdown jeopardises the health and lives of nearly 900,000 refugees in Cox’s Bazar and the Bangladeshi host community, it added.

On March 27, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged all governments to end any and all internet and telecommunication shutdowns. “Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, fact-based and relevant information on the disease and its spread and response must reach all people, without exception,” a statement said.

Under international law, governments have an obligation to ensure that any restrictions to information online are provided by law, are a necessary and proportionate response to a specific threat, and are in the public interest.

Officials should never use broad, indiscriminate shutdowns to stop the flow of information or to harm people’s ability to express political views, and doing so during a health crisis can cost lives, the HRW said.

Governments order internet shutdowns but internet service providers are responsible for carrying them out. Internet service providers should do everything in their power to push back against unjustified internet shutdowns, including by demanding a legal basis for any shutdown order and interpreting requests to cause the least intrusive restrictions. They should prioritise their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and avoid complicity in human rights abuses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During a global pandemic, when people around the world are isolated and access to information can mean life or death, it’s time to impose a moratorium on internet shutdowns,” Ms Brown said.

“Governments should ensure immediate access to the fastest and broadest possible service for all,” she added.

Munni_feyahoo.com

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