[WSIS CS-Plenary] press statement (again) - CS critique - what next?

[arne]

Hi all!

The second week of PrepCom3 was one of increasing discontent within 
civil society of WSIS processes, and there was an increasing mood 
that something would have to change drastically, or otherwise civil 
society participation would not make sense anymore, however without 
clearly identifying criteria and strategies for that, or a "Plan B". 
This became apparent at the press conference on the last day and in 
the documents created on that day. On the one hand, we made our 
frustration and our fundamental disagreement public, on the other 
hand we said we're happy about the progress made. Some journalists 
and list participants were confused about our seemingly contradictory 
statements.

I think we should discuss on that issue a little further. 
Particularly, we should try to clarify 3 points:
1. What exactly is our view of the summit process? What are we happy 
with and what is the source of our frustration?
2. When exactly will we reach a point at which we do what we said at 
the press conference - to not give further legitimacy to the WSIS?
3. And what will be our strategy once that point is reached?

Some thoughts on these points...
1. One of the reasons why we came across a little vague and unclear 
on the last day is that we mixed up participation and content issues. 
I would argue that we should separate these issues very clearly. As 
for participation, we are still miles away from a true 
multi-stakeholder process that would deserve its name, but certainly 
a lot of progress has been made since the beginning (and also 
compared to other summit processes), and that's certainly a positive 
development which should be recognised as such. On the content side, 
however, we have seen that the documents increasingly ignore civil 
society positions and that those few points which had been introduced 
temporarily have been kicked out again. So our criticism should focus 
on WSIS content, and that's the level on which we should define 
whether we continue involvement in the process or whether we should 
change tactics.

2. In our response to the draft declaration, we have agreed on basic 
principles, which were emphasised as "non-negotiables" by the 
content&themes group, and which were complemented by remarks on this 
list (for example, see Adam's mail). Amongst the points mentioned 
were: a people-centered approach, special attention on the poor and 
marginalised, emphasis on diversity, full quotation of Art. 19 and 
other rights, focus on public participation, concrete 
actions/mechanisms for development, rejection of "information 
security", gender focus, community media, education, labour rights, 
communication rights (or at least recognition of communication), free 
software, review (or at least balance) of IPR, CS participation in 
internet governance. How do we define exactly when the borderline 
regarding these "non-negotiables" is crossed, i.e. when exactly do we 
reach the point at which we put into practice our announcement to "no 
longer give legitimacy" to the documents?

3. There are many possible actions which could follow in case our 
requirements are not met. Which do people think would be appropriate 
and possible to reach consensus on?
- present the CS declaration as alternative declaration?
- announce publicly that the multi-stakeholder process has failed?
- use our speaking slots at the government plenary to convey only 
this message, or refuse to take part altogether?
- link up with side-events and alternative events around the summit 
and focus on them?
- ...

All these points have been discussed extensively at the PrepCom, but 
they still lack some clarity. If we announce that there are limits to 
our consent, then we have to be clear about those limits and have to 
have a possible "Plan B".

Sorry for this lengthy mail...
Regards,
Arne
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