NHRCK will host the 12th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights under the theme of “Human Rights and Information and Communication Technology” from 27 to 29 of June.
The ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights was initiated in 1997 and will celebrate its 12th anniversary this year. It has served as an international forum for governments and civil society in Asia and Europe to discuss human rights issues from the perspective of universal value of mankind rather than political angle.
This year, the Seminar will be hosted by NHRCK, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and co-organized by Asia-Europe Foundation, French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Raoul Wallenberg Institute and Republic of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs. It is the biggest seminar at where 130 representatives of governments and civil society from 17 countries in Asia, 28 countries in Europe and Australia, Russia and New Zealand gather and share their opinions on human rights.
On the first day, the opening ceremony will begin with a congratulatory remark of the Chairperson of NHRCK followed by two opening speeches of Mr. Rosario Manalo, Chairperson of ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Sung-hwan Kim, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of ROK.
On the second day, four Working Groups on the subject of 1) Freedom of Expression, 2) Right to Privacy 3) Digital Divide and 4) Right to the Cultural Enjoyment of the Internet will discuss relevant issues.
On the last day, the outcome of each Working Group will be presented at the closing plenary in order to lay a foundation for future discussion at the next meeting in relation to Information and Communication Technology and Human Rights. In addition, a special session on “Data Protection Authorities and the role of NHRIs” will take place.
The benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) we enjoy today are one of universal human rights for everyone which are spelled out in UDHR and ICESCR. NHRCK carries out various activities to protect human rights in the field of Information and Technology (IT) such as investigation, recommendation for remedies and policy, preventive programs and etc. NHRCK hopes the 12th ASEM Informal Seminar on Human Rights will contribute to the development of cooperation between Asia and Europe in the field of human rights.
