Description
Session Description

Internet shutdowns have become a pervasive and alarming trend, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections, protests, and civil unrest. These shutdowns directly infringe on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law.
Africa has seen a marked rise in such disruptions, leaving millions of people disconnected from vital communication channels and silenced in critical moments of civic engagement. For example, the 2023 Access Now and #KeepItOn coalition report recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with governments using these disruptions to suppress dissent, restrict access to life-saving information, and conceal human rights abuses. From Ethiopia to India and Sudan to Myanmar, shutdowns have become a favored tool for silencing opposition and undermining democratic processes.
This panel discussion, organized by Ghana School on Internet Governance (GhanaSIG) Fellows, will provide a comprehensive examination of the human rights violations caused by internet shutdowns. The panel will highlight the legal, policy, and technical measures needed to combat these practices and propose actionable recommendations for ensuring a free and open internet during critical national moments. By fostering dialogue among key stakeholders, this session aims to safeguard internet access and reinforce the importance of an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.

Session Objectives
Highlight Human Rights Violations:
Examine the specific ways in which internet shutdowns violate fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in democratic processes.

Promote Legal and Policy Frameworks:
Identify international, regional, and national legal measures that can hold governments accountable for internet shutdowns and protect digital rights.

Explore Technical and Civil Society Solutions:
Discuss innovative technical solutions, such as VPNs and decentralized networks, as well as advocacy strategies used by civil society to mitigate the impact of shutdowns.

Encourage Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
Propose actionable recommendations for governments, civil society, private sector actors, and international organizations to work together in safeguarding internet freedom during elections and protests.

Empower Advocacy Networks:
Strengthen the capacity of grassroots organizations and digital rights advocates to combat internet shutdowns and engage in global coalitions like #KeepItOn.