[WSIS CS-Plenary] CS WSIS statement - feedback needed by 22:00 through caucuses

[KovenRonald at aol.com]

Ralf --

This is still probably somewhat long, but at least it reads. Feel free to 
cut.

Rony

We are pleased that the principle of freedom of expression has been 
reaffirmed in the WSIS II texts and that they echo much of the language of Article 19 
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While we are also pleased that 
the Tunis Commitment recognises the place of the media in a new Information 
Society, this should never have been in question.

In future, representatives of the media should be assured a place in all 
public fora considering development of the Internet and all other relevant aspects 
of the Information Society. As key actors in the Information Society, the 
media must have a place at the table, and this must be fully recognized both by 
governments and by Civil Society itself.

There were strong doubts beforehand that WSIS II's host country, Tunisia, was 
prepared to fulfil its commitments to the basic principles of respect for the 
independence and plurality of the media, as well as its responsibilities 
towards the UN system and the international community. Various actions by Tunisian 
authorities against freedom of expression and of association by its own 
citizens and by international Civil Society representatives -- including prevention 
of a Citizens' Summit outside the official Summit site -- confirmed those 
apprehensions. This underlined that freedom for both traditional and new forms of 
media are a prerequisite of any meaningful Information Society. 

Media and communication educators and researchers expressed their 
satisfaction that universities, museums, archives, and libraries have been recognised for 
their important roles and as public institutions and as vital and distinct 
communities. Yet, there are missing elements in the final texts, including 
reference to telecenters, as well promotion of computer training professionals. 
Another missing element is recognition of the potential of community-based media 
(including community-based ICT initiatives). 



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