Social Media in Human Rights Defence

Human rights are active on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and blogs. Blogs, video and social networking sites have become a key for political debate and organization, so much so that they have provoked responses from some repressive states. Some states have adopted Internet blocking, filtering or takedown procedures or Internet surveillance or even shut down national networks, in attempts to restrain users’ freedoms. The main aim of blocking is to prevent specific Internet content from reaching a final user, by software or hardware that reviews communications and decides on the basis of pre-set criteria whether to prevent receipt. It does not affect the target material. A common aim is blocking images of child abuse; however, this does not obliterate the images, nor remove them from the Internet.  The United States’ policy on Internet freedom is also critiqued. The role, responsibility, and accountability of social media companies in facilitating revolution are discussed.

Greenpeace Hungry built momentum for companies to study their supply chains to confirm their products are GMO free through both online and offline mediums, specifically Facebook, public statements, and free consumer food guides.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Witness are among the internationally recognized advocacy and research organizations now using Twitter to share information and calls to action. Amnesty International has said that social media is key as it explores the future of human rights activism. Social media can be used to collectively document abuses and honor victims and activist. A key part of using social media strategically is using it safely.

https://www.newtactics.org/conversation/incorporating-social-media-your-human-rights-campaigning

http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/iclr/vol35/iss1/3/

https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1904319

http://www.hrlc.org.au/files/Social-Media-and-Human-Rights-Article-Summaries.pdf

http://europeandcis.undp.org/blog/2011/12/07/can-social-media-help-protect-human-rights/