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 [email protected] www.endgenocide.org p: (202) 617 - 7551 f: (202) 476 - 0001 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sana Saleem Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 5:05 AM To: [email protected] 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- 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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