Nearly 120 government representatives and civil society experts from 42 ASEM countries met in Seoul, Korea (27-29 June 2012) for the 12th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights. This Seminar on ‘Human Rights and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)’ examined the relationship between ICTs and Human Rights. It specifically focused on freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the digital divide and the cultural enjoyment of the internet.
The Seminar looked at a highly topical issue with increasing global attention on the role of ICT in human rights protection. Participants of the event emphasised the need to define the rights, roles and duties of all the stakeholders involved. There was a consensus that human rights standards are applicable both offline and online.
A complete list of recommendations from the Seminar can be found in the summary of discussions, conveyed by the organisers to the ASEM governments.
A side-event and special panel on the protection of the freedom of expression and the right to privacy were organised by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. These events highlighted the importance of online human rights in the Korean context.
The Seminar is organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (as delegated by the Government of Sweden), France and the Philippines. It was hosted by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea.
To read key messages and more, click here