The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 28
Paragraph
Paragraph text
It is also important to allow the unimpeded access to and use of the Internet, in particular social media, and other information and communication technology, which are essential tools, especially in times of elections, by which the right to freedom of peaceful assembly can be exercised, but also monitored and reported upon in relation to human rights violations and abuses. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, in the context of the presidential elections of 2009, access to social media was temporarily blocked across the country, since many bloggers reported on violations against peaceful protestors and foreign media were denied access. In Nepal, in relation to the aforementioned demonstration, telephone lines and mobile phones were cut off in Kathmandu and other major cities by the Nepalese authorities.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Civil & Political Rights
Person(s) affected
Activists
Year
2013
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Freedom of Assembly, Report to the UNGA (2013), A/68/299, para. 28.