Twenty-seven international organizations and Kenyan associations of content creators, lawyers, medical officers and human rights defenders have warned of a possible internet disruption during the #rejectfinancebill2024 demonstrations.
In a statement on Monday, June 24, the organizations expressed deep concern over the potential internet and mass media disruptions due the planned protests.
They explained that the internet and mass media are critical for the enjoyment of the public’s right to be informed and for citizen’s self- expression.
The organizations stated that e-commerce and the digital economy is also responsible for close to 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Shutting down or throttling of the internet, shadow banning hashtags or a mass media ban on live reporting would be a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It will undermine the legitimate rights of people to organize, demonstrate and participate in policymaking processes,” read the statement in part.
According to the organizations, the #RejectFinanceBill2024 hashtag is not just a trending topic on social media.
They explained that the hashtag symbolizes citizens’ organizing an important dialogue on the 2024 Finance Bill.
“Disrupting mass communication will also increase national uncertainty, cut off the public and authorities from reliable updates, choke the timely deployment of emergency medical services and tracing of missing persons,” the organizations said.
Effects of Internet Shutdowns
Additionally, the organizations said the internet shutdowns also halt online transactions, slow down economic activity and cause economic harm.
They also argued that the disruptions will severely restrict human rights monitoring and reporting of government security operations.
The organizations quoted the Access 2023 report which stated that governments use partial internet shutdowns as strategies of responding to public protest.
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According to the report, such shutdowns also cover up grave violations of human rights, state-sanctioned violence against peaceful protestors, abductions and killings.
“The Kenyan authorities are obligated to protect the right to conscience, opinion, self-expression, association as enshrined in Kenyan law and international frameworks to which they are party,” stated the organizations.
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Plea to the Govt
They urged the government to appreciate the crucial role of the internet and mass media in policy discourse and refrains from any form of internet shutdown or media interference.
Besides, the organizations called upon the government and Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to ensure Kenyans have unfettered access to reliable internet and a free press when most needed.
“Should the Government of Kenya attempt to block or restrict social and mass media during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, we urge social media platforms to push back and uphold freedoms enshrined in Kenya’s constitution and international human rights standards. Censorship or restricting access to social and mass media will be unlawful and counterproductive at this time,” stated the organizations.
Names of the Organizations
The organizations that have issued the warning on a possible internet disruption include Access Now Amnesty International Kenya, Article 19 Eastern Africa and Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Others are, The Police Reforms Working Group, Bloggers Association of Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Kenya Medical Association.
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