SDG Target 9.C (Universal Access to Information and Communications Technology)
Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
This week we’re going to be discussing whether or not online access should be considered a basic right of all humans.
Why is it important/relevant?
First, let us read what UN.org has to say about human rights:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it has been translated into over 500 languages.
Most people agree that things like food, water, shelter, education, and freedom should be guaranteed rights for all humans, regardless of where they were born or who governs them. However, as technology continues to rapidly change how people live, learn and work, many have begun to also consider the internet (Which hit the 4 billion users milestone in 2018) as a basic human right. Others argue that although it is an important means to gaining other rights, it should not be categorized alongside them as essential.
In 2016, the United Nations chose a side in this debate and added online access as a human right. It also condemned countries that take away or disrupt their citizens’ access for political reasons.
Content & Multimedia
First, let’s read/watch these resources:
1. The targets for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
2. Is Affordable Internet a Human Right? — from CBC 3. Is the Internet a Right or a Privilege? from Now This on YouTube.
4. Internet Access is Not a Human Right — a New York Times Op-Ed.
After watching the videos above and reading the articles linked, do you see access to technology and internet as a human right or a privilege? Please explain your position.
Minimum # words required for your reply is 200 words.
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