[CS Bureau] Today's Public Voice Teleconference...

[Robert Guerra]

http://www.privaterra.org/activities/wsis/blog/jan_05_public_voice_teleconference.html

Jan 05 Public Voice Teleconference

Today was the Jan 05 Public Voice Teleconference on WSIS. It was 
short (as always), well moderated and quite productive. As in the 
past, there was an updating on key issues and working groups and news 
of developments related to civil society. On this call the following 
topics were covered:

1. Working Group on Internet Governance
2. Preparations for PrepCom 2
3. Finance Task Force
4. Briefing on Dec 2004 CSB meeting (held in Cape Town)
5. Human Rights mission to Tunisia

Frannie, took minutes, and as she always does and will likely be 
posting them in the next few days to the plenary list and other 
spaces. For me, the meeting was kind of different than in the past as 
it had fewer people in on the call and it seemed like there was a 
representative from the business sector wearing a CS hat. It didn't 
really affect the quality of the call, but he did take up some time 
that could have been used to get more details on the Finance Task 
Force and the Human Rights mission.  Oh well . I'll mention it to 
others and see what , if any, recommendations can be put forward to 
make sure something like this - or worse - doesn't happen in the 
future.

Getting back to the call, for me the news about the upcoming high 
level mission to Tunisia was welcome news. It's been something that's 
been talked about for months and great to hear that several leading 
human rights organizations like FIDH, Rights and Democracy and others 
have been able to get together and organize a mission. From what was 
mentioned, a set of experts will be visiting Tunisia in early 
February. They will meet with government officials, civil society and 
other key people in the country. After visiting the country they will 
produce a report on the situation, with a preliminary report being 
available in time for PrepCom 2. It seems that IFEX is also 
organizing an mission as well. They apparently will be in Tunisia 
earlier, perhaps even by this weekend.

The state of human rights and freedom of expression in Tunisia is a 
topic that has come up quite often. Despite the rosy picture 
presented by the Tunisian Government, Human Rights watch, Front Line, 
Amnesty International and others report is that Tunisia seriously 
violates human rights and is no friend of press freedom. The 
Tunisians haven't reacted well to criticism, so it will be 
interesting to hear how the missions are received and what reactions 
they trigger in days leading to the PrepCom and at the Prepcom itself.

In terms of action items for me :

     * Post a blog entry for the European and North American lists 
caucuses to debrief them on the PV Teleconference and other news 
[done]
     * Speak to Ramin and Andy Carvin regarding web hosting issues, 
wiki's and blogs [done]
     * Follow-up with Sean regarding the logistical needs that might 
be needed to have a CS event related to the Finance WG
     * Send a message to the CS Plenary list regarding CSB focal 
points and how people can get in touch with them.
     * Keep on trying to find ways to raise funds for CS participation 
at upcoming PrepComs and the summit itself.
-- 
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Robert Guerra <rguerra at privaterra.org>
Privaterra - <http://www.privaterra.org>