{"id":628,"date":"2023-08-20T07:35:48","date_gmt":"2023-08-20T07:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects-dev.itforchange.net\/online-violence-gender-and-law-guide\/?page_id=628"},"modified":"2023-10-25T19:19:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T19:19:13","slug":"5-4-right-to-public-participation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/projects.itforchange.net\/online-violence-gender-and-law-guide\/module-5-rights-based-approach-to-online-gender-based-violence\/5-4-right-to-public-participation\/","title":{"rendered":"5.4 Right To Public Participation"},"content":{"rendered":"
Navigate:Online Gender-based Violence Judicial Resource Guide<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Today, the internet is a crucial space for participating in public-political life. This may be through the expression of views and opinions on various issues, organizing or participating in movements for a cause, building networks, finding solidarity, etc. Effective realization of these rights is dependent on all other rights that have been discussed so far - right to access the internet, right to be safe online, freedom of speech and expression, right to information, right to equality and non-discrimination on the internet, etc.<\/p>\n

While digital platforms, such as social media, have provided avenues for women to participate in the public sphere, the ubiquitous online violence they face, especially in response to their political opinions, forces many women to self-censor their speech, go completely silent, or remove themselves entirely from the digital platform due to fear of reprisal or further violence. A study that IT for Change conducted to understand the degree of minogyny that Indian women in the public-political life face on social media found that a majority of users choose the path of avoidance as a way of \u201csaving face\u201d on the platform, rather than engaging in restorative interaction.1<\/a><\/sup>Gurumurthy, A., & Dasarathy, A. (2022). Profitable Provocations. A Study of Abuse and Misogynistic Trolling on Twitter Directed at Indian Women in Public-political Life<\/em>. IT for Change. https:\/\/itforchange.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2132\/ITfC-Twitter-Report-Profitable-Provocations.pdf<\/a><\/span> This indicates the debilitating effect of online violence on women\u2019s right to public participation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>

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5.4.1 Constitutional source of the right<\/h3>\n

The right to public participation is not expressly guaranteed as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution but it flows from other fundamental rights guaranteed such as the right to equality and non-discrimination (Articles 14 and 15); the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21); and the various freedoms guaranteed under Article 19, such as the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade, or business, the right to form associations or unions, etc. Together, these rights create the enabling conditions for public participation, whether online or offline. For instance, in Kamil Siedczynski<\/i> v.<\/i> Union of India (2020)<\/i>,2<\/a><\/sup>Kamil Siedczynski v. Union Of India And Another<\/i>, W.P. No.4432(W) of 2020, judgment dated 18 March 2020, Calcutta High Court.<\/span> the Supreme Court observed that the expression of one\u2019s free will through political participation is a part of their right to life and personal liberty. Similarly, the right to information or the right to know, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to be part of Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21, is crucial for an individual to effectively participate in public-political life.<\/p>\n

In some cases, the court has acknowledged the impact of online violence on women\u2019s right to public participation. For example, in Present Petition Has Been\u2026 v.<\/i> Unknown (2020)<\/i>, the Madras High Court correctly recognized that the act of the accused denied the affected women\u2019s right to equal participation in the online space and impinged on their constitutionally guaranteed freedom and dignity.3<\/a><\/sup>The Present Petition Has Been ... v. Unknown,<\/i> Crl. O.P. No.12604\/2020, judgment dated 27 April 2021, Madras High Court. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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5.4.2 International sources of the right<\/h3>\n

5.4.2.1 Conventions<\/h4>\n
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  1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)4<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948).<\/span> and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):5<\/a><\/sup>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/em>, opened for signature 1966 (entered into force 23 March 1976).<\/span>:
    \nBoth the UDHR and the ICCPR guarantee certain fundamental human rights which also extend to the internet and are crucial for creating an enabling environment for women\u2019s public participation. These include the right to equality and non-discrimination,    6<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948), Article 7; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/em>, opened for signature 1966 (entered into force 23 March 1976), Article 26.<\/span>the right to freedom of expression and the right to seek information,7<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948), Article 19; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/em>, opened for signature 1966 (entered into force 23 March 1976), Article 19.<\/span>the right to freedom of association,8<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948), Article 20; International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/em>, opened for signature 1966 (entered into force 23 March 1976), Article 22.<\/span> the right to education,9<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948), Article 26.<\/span> and the right to participate in the cultural life of the community.10<\/a><\/sup>Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/em> (entered into force 1948), Article 27.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW):11<\/a><\/sup>Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women<\/em>, opened for signature 1979 (entered into force 3 September 1981).<\/span>:
    \nCEDAW calls upon state parties to take appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of the country. Apart from participation in elections, this also includes ensuring that women have equal opportunity to participate in the formulation of government policies and their implementation as well as in NGOs and associations concerned with the public-political life of the country.    12<\/a><\/sup>Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women<\/em>, opened for signature 1979 (entered into force 3 September 1981), Article 7.<\/span> States are also required to take appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in other areas of economic and social life, including participation in recreational activities, sports, and cultural life.13<\/a><\/sup>Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women<\/em>, opened for signature 1979 (entered into force 3 September 1981), Article 13.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    5.4.2.2 UN resolutions<\/h4>\n
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    1. Freedom of Opinion and Expression: Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 19 June 2020 A\/HRC\/RES\/43\/414<\/a><\/sup>Freedom of Opinion and Expression: Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council. (2020). UN Human Rights Council. A\/HRC\/RES\/43\/4. https:\/\/undocs.org\/Home\/Mobile?FinalSymbol=A%2FHRC%2FRES%2F43%2F4&Language=E&DeviceType=Desktop&LangRequested=False<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n
    2. UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Protection of Freedom of Expression A\/HRC\/44\/1215<\/a><\/sup>Freedom of Opinion and Expression: Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council. (2020). UN Human Rights Council. A\/HRC\/RES\/44\/12. https:\/\/digitallibrary.un.org\/record\/3877197?ln=en<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
    3. The Promotion, Protection, and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet: Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 13 July 2021 A\/HRC\/RES\/47\/1616<\/a><\/sup>The Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet: Resolution. (2021). Human Rights Council. A\/HRC\/RES\/47\/16. https:\/\/digitallibrary.un.org\/record\/3937534?ln=en<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n
    4. UN Human Rights Council General Comment No. 34 Article 19: Freedoms of Opinion and Expression CCPR\/C\/GC\/34.17<\/a><\/sup>International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights<\/em>, opened for signature 1966 (entered into force 23 March 1976), Article 19.<\/span><\/li>\n
    5. Accelerating Efforts to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Women and Girls in Digital Contexts: Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 5 July 2018 A\/HRC\/RES\/38\/518<\/a><\/sup>Accelerating Efforts to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Women and Girls in Digital Contexts: Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council. (2018). UN Human Rights Council. A\/HRC\/RES\/38\/5. https:\/\/digitallibrary.un.org\/record\/1640463?ln=en<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      5.4.2.3 Declarations<\/h4>\n
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      1. Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women:19<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women<\/em>. (2013). General Assembly resolution. 48\/104. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/instruments-mechanisms\/instruments\/declaration-elimination-violence-against-women<\/a><\/span>:
        \nThis Declaration recognizes that violence against women impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of rights and freedom, especially the right to life, the right to liberty and security, the right to favorable conditions of work, etc.        20<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women<\/em>. (2013). General Assembly resolution, Article 3. 48\/104. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/instruments-mechanisms\/instruments\/declaration-elimination-violence-against-women<\/a><\/span> Violence also negatively impacts their opportunity to achieve legal, social, political, and economic equality in society. Hence, the Declaration calls upon states to pursue all appropriate measures to eliminate violence against women, such as strengthening law enforcement, formulating national plans of action to promote the protection of women, undertaking educational reforms, etc.21<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. (2013). General Assembly resolution, Article 4. 48\/104. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/en\/instruments-mechanisms\/instruments\/declaration-elimination-violence-against-women<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
      2. The European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade:22<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles<\/em>. (2022). European Commission. https:\/\/digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu\/en\/library\/european-declaration-digital-rights-and-principles<\/a> <\/span>:
        \nThis Declaration recognizes the right to have access to a trustworthy, diverse, and multilingual digital environment that can contribute to pluralistic public debate and effective participation in democracy in a non-discriminatory manner.        23<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles.<\/em> (2022). European Commission, Para 12. https:\/\/digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu\/en\/library\/european-declaration-digital-rights-and-principles<\/a> <\/span> Further, it recognizes the role of online platforms in supporting free democratic debate and calls upon large online platforms to take steps to mitigate the risks stemming from the functioning and use of their services, including risks of misinformation and disinformation campaigns, and protect freedom of expression.24<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles<\/em>. (2022). European Commission, Para 15. https:\/\/digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu\/en\/library\/european-declaration-digital-rights-and-principles<\/a> <\/span>To realize this right, the Declaration also calls upon member states to take proportionate measures to tackle all forms of illegal content by respecting freedom of expression and information and without establishing any general monitoring obligations or censorship.25<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles. <\/em>(2022). European Commission, Para 15.c. https:\/\/digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu\/en\/library\/european-declaration-digital-rights-and-principles<\/a> <\/span> They are also required to take steps to create a digital environment where people are protected against disinformation, information manipulation, and other forms of harmful content, including harassment and gender-based violence.26<\/a><\/sup>Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles.<\/em> (2022). European Commission, Para 15.d. https:\/\/digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu\/en\/library\/european-declaration-digital-rights-and-principles<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        5.4.2.4 International advocacy efforts<\/h4>\n
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        1. The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet:27<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/i>OHCHR. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span>:
          \nThis Charter enumerates several rights on the internet that together enable public participation, such as the right to access the internet,          28<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/em>OHCHR, p.15.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a><\/span>the right to non-discrimination in internet access, use, and governance,29<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/i>OHCHR, p.16. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> the right to liberty and security on the internet,30<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet<\/i>. OHCHR, p.17. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> freedom of expression and information on the internet,31<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet.<\/i> OHCHR, p.18. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> the right to education on and about the internet,32<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/i>OHCHR, p.22. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> and the right to culture and access to knowledge on the internet.33<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet.<\/i>OHCHR, p.22. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> The Charter also calls upon states to ensure that everyone has the right to form, join, meet, or visit the website or network of an assembly, group, or association for any reason.34<\/a><\/sup> Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/i>OHCHR, p.19. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span> Further, it provides for the right to online participation in public affairs, which includes the right to equal access to electronic services and the right to participate in electronic governance.35<\/a><\/sup>Internet Rights and Principles Coalition. (2014). The Charter of Human Rights and Principles for the Internet. <\/i>OHCHR, p. 26. https:\/\/www.ohchr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Documents\/Issues\/Opinion\/Communications\/InternetPrinciplesAndRightsCoalition.pdf<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Feminist Principles of the Internet:36<\/a><\/sup>Feminist Principles of the Internet.<\/em> (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span>:
          \nThis document enumerates several principles for realizing a feminist internet that enables public participation by women and gender minorities. These include protecting unrestricted access to information,          37<\/a><\/sup>Information, Feminist Principles of the Internet.<\/i> (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span> ensuring the participation of women in the coding and design of platforms,38<\/a><\/sup>Usage, Feminist Principles of the Internet.<\/i> (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a>; Open Source, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles <\/a><\/span> defending the freedom of expression, including sexual expression of women and gender minorities,39<\/a><\/sup>Expression, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span> and safeguarding the right to be anonymous on the internet.40<\/a><\/sup>Anonymity, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a> <\/span> The document also highlights that the internet is a space for resistance and the struggle for a feminist internet forms part of a continuum of resistance in other spaces, public, private, and in-between.41<\/a><\/sup>Resistance, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span> The document also emphasizes the power of the internet in amplifying women\u2019s narratives42<\/a><\/sup>Amplify, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span> and lived realities and enabling sustained feminist movement building.43<\/a><\/sup>Movement Building, Feminist Principles of the Internet<\/i>. (2016). Association for Progressive Communications. https:\/\/feministinternet.org\/en\/principles<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

          Footnotes<\/h3>\n
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