In a striking acknowledgment, United Nations officials confirmed the alteration of a panel discussion recording from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh. This modification followed a formal complaint from the Saudi government concerning remarks by human rights activist Lina al-Hathloul, which were critical of the kingdom’s human rights practices. The adjustment has drawn the attention of Human Rights Watch (HRW), who expressed concerns over potential censorship during the event, underscoring the ongoing struggle for human rights discourse in a repressive environment.
An IGF spokesperson disclosed to Middle East Eye that the organization responded to a “request from the host nation” regarding adherence to its code of conduct, a standard procedural response. This code enables host nations to voice concerns, thereby invoking a protocol designed to ensure fair dialogue among participants, emphasizing a balanced representation of views during discussions.
The engagement of Human Rights Watch and Alqst in the IGF event was deemed crucial given Saudi Arabia’s notorious human rights violations. Lina al-Hathloul, unable to attend in person due to safety fears, spoke remotely but later found her comments heavily edited in the recorded version published on YouTube, signaling a tightening grip on sensitive discussions surrounding civil liberties.
The edited recording omitted significant portions of Hathloul’s remarks, critical assessments of the Saudi government, and even a moment of silence dedicated to persecuted human rights advocates. Instead, a note communicated that these segments were removed for violating the IGF’s code regarding respectful discourse—focusing comments on issues rather than individuals or groups.
Moreover, HRW reported that Saudi officials had previously lodged complaints, threatening the accreditation of Joey Shea, the panel’s moderator and HRW researcher, hinting at the delicate balancing act the UN must perform in fostering open dialogues while navigating governmental pressures. Ultimately, Shea’s accreditation badge was not revoked, leaving the incident as a point of ongoing contention for human rights advocacy within multinational platforms.
In a response after the incidents, the IGF reaffirmed its commitment to multistakeholder discussions, promising to respect diverse viewpoints while maintaining integrity in dialogue enforcement. As the IGF convenes in states with complex human rights records, the interactions and conflicts within these discussions reveal the intricate tapestry of international governance and civil rights advocacy.
UN officials admitted to editing a panel discussion at the IGF conference in Riyadh following complaints from the Saudi government about activist Lina al-Hathloul’s remarks. Human Rights Watch condemned the censorship, highlighting the importance of human rights advocacy amidst Saudi Arabia’s stringent controls. The IGF maintained its commitment to facilitating respectful dialogues, despite the pressures that arise from hosting nations.
The recent acknowledgement by UN officials regarding the edited panel recording at the IGF in Riyadh underscores the ongoing tension between governmental oversight and civil liberties. The removal of substantial comments from Lina al-Hathloul, combined with the response to Saudi complaints against a human rights moderator, highlights the challenges faced by advocacy groups. As the IGF aims to uphold dialogue among diverse stakeholders, the incident serves as a cautionary reflection of the delicate balance between expression and control in repressive contexts.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
