[n_america] 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. Preperations 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, as took minutes, and as she always does 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 as well as 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 it organized. From what was mentioned, the 
mission will be visiting Tunisia in early February and issue a 
preliminary report in time for PrepCom 2. That's a short timeline , 
but really good timing. Related to the mission - 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 
(this posting!)
     * Speak to Ramin and Andy Carvin regarding web hosting issues, 
wiki's and blogs
     * 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>