Monthly Digest: October 2021

Must-read Articles of the Month

Whether it's opinions on fostering digital human rights - or simply the valuable lessons learned along the way, here's a round-up of the past month's most interesting articles and stories.

The Tik(Tok)ing of privacy rights in the digital era

Research estimates that over half of the world’s population is online every day and over 90% of the population aged 6 and older will be online by 2030. The onset of the coronavirus pandemic saw a sustained surge in online activity across the world. This article examines the need for an international framework to protect data privacy

Social rights disrupted: how should human rights organizations adapt to digital government?

As the digitalization of government is accelerating worldwide, human rights organizations who have not historically engaged with questions surrounding digital technologies are beginning to grapple with these issues.

Protecting People From States

In this piece, Sir Tim Berners Lee — Inventor of the web, calls for a more inclusive approach to global digital governance that is rooted in human rights. Tim also reflects on why we must act now to build globally accepted norms to shape the digital future we want.

Community Updates

With so much going on it’s easy to lose track of what’s happening in the world of social impact. Stay informed and inspired with our handpicked content from the DHRLab Community.

Succession Law as it is Developing in Uganda

Specific sections of the Ugandan Succession Law were amended. To assess and understand the renewed Succession Bill 2021 pertaining to women’s rights as well as to inform the public of these proposed changes and further advocate for more improvements, BarefootLaw in conjunction with ThinVoid, Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) supported by the Digital Human Rights Lab (DHRL) hosted a webinar session.

Discussing Network Disruptions at FIFAfrica 2021

At the FIFAAfrica 2021, Sandra A. from WOUGNET was part of a panel discussing important questions and concerns all around the topic of internet shutdowns. In this piece, Sandra poses important questions on whether internet shutdowns have an impact on gender? Who is responsible for the shutdowns? What are the reasons cited for shutting down the internet? How and when do shutdowns occur?

The Rural-Urban Digital Divide

How can we support digital transformation? Bridging the rural-urban digital divide has enormous potential to boost sustainable growth in rural areas and trigger innovation. Christine A. from the Community of Practice on Rural Innovation penned down thoughts on how closing the rural-urban gap might address structural problems that characterise poverty in rural communities

Opportunities | Tips | Resources

Every month, we collate the very best opportunities, tips and resources for digital human rights practitioners in our community.

Podcast: Online and Digital Activism: The Good, Bad and Ugly!

This is part two of the podcast about "Online Activism" with Phillip A. and Charity M. You'll find more answers to what it is, why we should care and what is the good, the bad and the ugly of digital activism!

*This episode was recorded under special circumstances during the 42-day lock down in 2021.

Podcast: Children's Protection On-/Offline

In this episode, Phillip A. and Charity M. together with Andrew G. from Encrypt Uganda talk about current developments and possible risks for children's safety online. Together, they want to find out: how can the Internet be made safe for children?

*This episode was recorded under special circumstances during the 42-day lock down in 2021.

3rd Privacy Symposium

Unwanted Witness will hold their 3rd Privacy Symposium Africa under the theme Data Protection: A New Dawn In Africa, which will take place from 3 - 5th November. Register to attend here: https://privacysymposiumafrica.com/ . You may also register for a training on Data Protection taking place at the symposium here: https://privacysymposiumafrica.com/training/

Endorse KuchuCare for 2021 CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel Innovation Awards

Through their innovation, KuchuCare (www.kuchucare.org) is breaking barriers for the LBTIQ community in Uganda to access vital health services using their new community designed app. They are currently shortlisted for the CIVICUS Nelson Mandela-Graça Machel innovation award, and request your endorsement.

If you have an activity, article or up-coming event that you would like to share with the DHRLab Community, please email dhrlab@futurechallenges.org / info@dhrlab.org