CA urges UN to develop effective mechanism to fight disinformation
GENEVA: The UN Human Rights Council must develop an effective international mechanism to combat disinformation, a call amplified by a coalition of 50 civil society organizations, including the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS). This coalition has submitted a joint statement at the 54th session of the Council, expressing deep concern over the escalating threat of disinformation and its detrimental impact on human rights globally. The statement stresses the urgency of establishing a dedicated UN entity to address this pervasive issue comprehensively.
The coalition identifies disinformation as a significant obstacle to the enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, participation in public affairs, and the right to health. It manipulates public opinion, erodes trust in democratic institutions, fuels social divisions, incites violence, and jeopardizes public health efforts, particularly during emergencies like pandemics. The statement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of disinformation on vulnerable groups, including women, children, minorities, and refugees.
The coalition criticizes the existing international legal framework and UN mechanisms, deeming them inadequate to address the multifaceted challenge of disinformation effectively. They argue that the rapid evolution of technology, coupled with increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by purveyors of disinformation, necessitates a dedicated and robust UN entity. This entity should be tasked with monitoring disinformation trends, coordinating international responses, promoting media literacy, supporting fact-checking initiatives, and ensuring accountability for those who spread disinformation.
The call for a dedicated UN mechanism echoes growing global concern over disinformation’s impact on everything from elections to public health. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, highlighted the dangers of rapid disinformation spread, which can lead to vaccine hesitancy and hinder pandemic response efforts. Similarly, the spread of disinformation during elections can manipulate voters and undermine democratic processes. This urgency transcends geographical boundaries, affecting nations worldwide and demanding a concerted, international response.
The coalition’s demand goes beyond just establishing a UN entity. They stress the importance of this mechanism aligning with international human rights standards, particularly freedom of expression. Striking a balance between combating disinformation and protecting free speech is crucial. The proposed mechanism should not become a tool for censorship or suppression of legitimate dissent. It should, instead, focus on addressing deliberate, coordinated campaigns of disinformation and misinformation that aim to mislead and cause harm.
This call for a UN mechanism comes amidst heightened awareness of the role of technology companies in the spread of disinformation. Social media platforms, with their vast reach and algorithms prone to amplifying sensational content, have become significant vectors for disinformation. The proposed UN entity would likely engage with these companies, encouraging them to implement stricter content moderation policies and transparency measures to curb the spread of disinformation on their platforms. The ultimate success of this initiative, however, relies not just on the UN but also on the cooperation of states, tech companies, and civil society in creating a more resilient information ecosystem. This collective effort is imperative for safeguarding human rights in the digital age. The coalition urges the UN Human Rights Council to take concrete steps towards establishing this vital mechanism without delay, recognizing its indispensable role in protecting human rights and fostering a more informed and just world. This step is not merely a procedural one but a crucial investment in preserving the integrity of information, which forms the bedrock of trust and informed decision-making in democratic societies worldwide.