Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Peter Barron, Google's Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, speaking at the panel discussion: Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age.

In his presentation, Peter Barron made the following points:

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we are standing at a critical crossroads in ensuring human rights and civil liberties for people around the world. And the Internet is at the centre of this discussion.

On the one hand, every day we see evidence of the Internet’s promise as a way to give voice to those who once were silenced. We’re seeing it in the Middle East today. Millions the world over are taking advantage of the Internet’s ability to leap borders and allow for unprecedented debate - on blogs, social networks and online video platforms. There are more than 5 billion mobile subscribers in the world today, and the mobile phone is on course to become the primary way of accessing the internet

On the other hand, those who want to monopolize the power to speak are increasingly concerned by the implications of this technology. The number of governments that censor the Internet in one way or another has grown to about 40, up from about 4 in 2002. More and more governments are building firewalls and cracking down on dissent in order to prevent free expression both online and offline.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. Left to their own devices, governments will continue to construct new obstacles. But the good news is that all of us – individuals, groups, companies and governments – can work together to uphold and advance the fundamental human right to free expression. Our real challenge is to summon the political will to act.

Three years ago, Google joined negotiations with Microsoft, Yahoo, human rights groups and others in Europe and the United States to see if we could arrive at a code of conduct for how information technology companies could best operate to promote freedom of expression and protect the privacy of their users. The result is the Global Network Initiative.

This Initiative is by no means a silver bullet, but it is real progress. Members commit to standards in training and guidelines for handling cases where governments demand information about users. The GNI has also reinforced company practices of conducting human rights assessments prior to launching new products or opening new markets. But the greatest potential for the GNI is as a forum for common action -- the realization that companies and NGOs acting together can have a far more powerful impact when we act in concert rather than alone.

Our goal now must be to gather companies and groups from around the world to join the GNI to give it a truly global character that will further enhance its power.

Let me also make a special plea for European and democratically elected governments the world over to rise to this occasion. We need your help and the help of those you represent.

As a global community, it's our responsibility to ensure that an open, transparent and free Internet is respected and consciously preserved. "

----------------------------

About the Panel:

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Peter Barron, Google's Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, speaking at the panel discussion: Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age.

In his presentation, Peter Barron made the following points:

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we are standing at a critical crossroads in ensuring human rights and civil liberties for people around the world. And the Internet is at the centre of this discussion.

On the one hand, every day we see evidence of the Internet’s promise as a way to give voice to those who once were silenced. We’re seeing it in the Middle East today. Millions the world over are taking advantage of the Internet’s ability to leap borders and allow for unprecedented debate - on blogs, social networks and online video platforms. There are more than 5 billion mobile subscribers in the world today, and the mobile phone is on course to become the primary way of accessing the internet

On the other hand, those who want to monopolize the power to speak are increasingly concerned by the implications of this technology. The number of governments that censor the Internet in one way or another has grown to about 40, up from about 4 in 2002. More and more governments are building firewalls and cracking down on dissent in order to prevent free expression both online and offline.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. Left to their own devices, governments will continue to construct new obstacles. But the good news is that all of us – individuals, groups, companies and governments – can work together to uphold and advance the fundamental human right to free expression. Our real challenge is to summon the political will to act.

Three years ago, Google joined negotiations with Microsoft, Yahoo, human rights groups and others in Europe and the United States to see if we could arrive at a code of conduct for how information technology companies could best operate to promote freedom of expression and protect the privacy of their users. The result is the Global Network Initiative.

This Initiative is by no means a silver bullet, but it is real progress. Members commit to standards in training and guidelines for handling cases where governments demand information about users. The GNI has also reinforced company practices of conducting human rights assessments prior to launching new products or opening new markets. But the greatest potential for the GNI is as a forum for common action -- the realization that companies and NGOs acting together can have a far more powerful impact when we act in concert rather than alone.

Our goal now must be to gather companies and groups from around the world to join the GNI to give it a truly global character that will further enhance its power.

Let me also make a special plea for European and democratically elected governments the world over to rise to this occasion. We need your help and the help of those you represent.

As a global community, it's our responsibility to ensure that an open, transparent and free Internet is respected and consciously preserved. "

Peter Barron, Google's Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, speaking at the panel discussion: Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age.

In his presentation, Peter Barron made the following points:

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we are standing at a critical crossroads in ensuring human rights and civil liberties for people around the world. And the Internet is at the centre of this discussion.

On the one hand, every day we see evidence of the Internet’s promise as a way to give voice to those who once were silenced. We’re seeing it in the Middle East today. Millions the world over are taking advantage of the Internet’s ability to leap borders and allow for unprecedented debate - on blogs, social networks and online video platforms. There are more than 5 billion mobile subscribers in the world today, and the mobile phone is on course to become the primary way of accessing the internet

On the other hand, those who want to monopolize the power to speak are increasingly concerned by the implications of this technology. The number of governments that censor the Internet in one way or another has grown to about 40, up from about 4 in 2002. More and more governments are building firewalls and cracking down on dissent in order to prevent free expression both online and offline.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. Left to their own devices, governments will continue to construct new obstacles. But the good news is that all of us – individuals, groups, companies and governments – can work together to uphold and advance the fundamental human right to free expression. Our real challenge is to summon the political will to act.

Three years ago, Google joined negotiations with Microsoft, Yahoo, human rights groups and others in Europe and the United States to see if we could arrive at a code of conduct for how information technology companies could best operate to promote freedom of expression and protect the privacy of their users. The result is the Global Network Initiative.

This Initiative is by no means a silver bullet, but it is real progress. Members commit to standards in training and guidelines for handling cases where governments demand information about users. The GNI has also reinforced company practices of conducting human rights assessments prior to launching new products or opening new markets. But the greatest potential for the GNI is as a forum for common action -- the realization that companies and NGOs acting together can have a far more powerful impact when we act in concert rather than alone.

Our goal now must be to gather companies and groups from around the world to join the GNI to give it a truly global character that will further enhance its power.

Let me also make a special plea for European and democratically elected governments the world over to rise to this occasion. We need your help and the help of those you represent.

As a global community, it's our responsibility to ensure that an open, transparent and free Internet is respected and consciously preserved. "

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

Michael Posner at the March 4 Press Conference following the Panel Discussion: "Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age"

"Today we see the rapid advance of technology. Technologies can enhance free speech. This is really a moment where the internet is the town square of the 21st Century. So there are both great opportunities -- but also, as we’ve been discussing in the last hour -- a range of new risks and challenges that we face. Governments are both using technology to shut down the internet as we saw in Egypt. They’re also using technology to provide disinformation and to invade the personal privacy of activists, particularly in closed societies.

So the challenge for us I think as governments is both to encourage an open platform for information across borders, without constraints, that’s useful both for human rights, for innovation, for trade, for education, for a range of purpose. A neutral, open platform without government constraints, and at the same time to be mindful of and to be challenging those governments who try to use technology to interfere with the rights of their own people to speak freely, to communicate with one another, and to communicate with the world.

So we’re here in part to talk about the broad context, but also to work with governments at the United Nations to reinforce this message of an open internet and to look for ways to reinforce the notion that these are universal human rights and need to be protected."

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Singapore Diplomat Kishore Mahbubani (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

Singapore Diplomat Kishore Mahbubani and Analyst Ian Bremmer (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

(Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

photo by Stacie Isabella Turk/Ribbonhead

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Panelists chat with members of the audience after the end of the session.

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Singapore Diplomat Kishore Mahbubani (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

Michael Posner at the March 4 Press Conference following the Panel Discussion: "Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age"

"Today we see the rapid advance of technology. Technologies can enhance free speech. This is really a moment where the internet is the town square of the 21st Century. So there are both great opportunities -- but also, as we’ve been discussing in the last hour -- a range of new risks and challenges that we face. Governments are both using technology to shut down the internet as we saw in Egypt. They’re also using technology to provide disinformation and to invade the personal privacy of activists, particularly in closed societies.

So the challenge for us I think as governments is both to encourage an open platform for information across borders, without constraints, that’s useful both for human rights, for innovation, for trade, for education, for a range of purpose. A neutral, open platform without government constraints, and at the same time to be mindful of and to be challenging those governments who try to use technology to interfere with the rights of their own people to speak freely, to communicate with one another, and to communicate with the world.

So we’re here in part to talk about the broad context, but also to work with governments at the United Nations to reinforce this message of an open internet and to look for ways to reinforce the notion that these are universal human rights and need to be protected."

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access.

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

photo by Stacie Isabella Turk/Ribbonhead

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

photo by Stacie Isabella Turk/Ribbonhead

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Michael Posner at the Press Conference:

"Today we see the rapid advance of technology. Technologies can enhance free speech. This is really a moment where the internet is the town square of the 21st Century. So there are both great opportunities -- but also, as we’ve been discussing in the last hour -- a range of new risks and challenges that we face. Governments are both using technology to shut down the internet as we saw in Egypt. They’re also using technology to provide disinformation and to invade the personal privacy of activists, particularly in closed societies.

So the challenge for us I think as governments is both to encourage an open platform for information across borders, without constraints, that’s useful both for human rights, for innovation, for trade, for education, for a range of purpose. A neutral, open platform without government constraints, and at the same time to be mindful of and to be challenging those governments who try to use technology to interfere with the rights of their own people to speak freely, to communicate with one another, and to communicate with the world.

So we’re here in part to talk about the broad context, but also to work with governments at the United Nations to reinforce this message of an open internet and to look for ways to reinforce the notion that these are universal human rights and need to be protected."

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

The United States Mission and the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) nominated seven "Internet Freedom Fellows" writers, bloggers and journalists from around the world who are using social media, mobile communications and digital networks to promote human rights. The Fellows will spend two days in Geneva June 9-10, 2011 for discussions with diplomats, ngos and international organizations.

U.S. Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Singapore Diplomat Kishore Mahbubani (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

Kishore Mahbubani in conversation with Asia Society Executive Vice President Tom Nagorski (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

The United States Mission and the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) nominated seven "Internet Freedom Fellows" writers, bloggers and journalists from around the world who are using social media, mobile communications and digital networks to promote human rights. The Fellows will spend two days in Geneva June 9-10, 2011 for discussions with diplomats, ngos and international organizations.

U.S. Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

The United States Mission and the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) nominated seven "Internet Freedom Fellows" writers, bloggers and journalists from around the world who are using social media, mobile communications and digital networks to promote human rights. The Fellows will spend two days in Geneva June 9-10, 2011 for discussions with diplomats, ngos and international organizations.

U.S. Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

Introducing the panel, Ambassador Donahoe said: "The United States will continue to promote an Internet where people’s rights are protected and that is open to innovation, interoperable around the world, secure enough to hold people’s trust, and reliable enough to support their work.

We believe that governments that have erected barriers to Internet freedom will fall behind, and, in the end, hurt only their own ability to innovate and compete in ways necessary to sustain strength and prosperity. "

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

photo by Stacie Isabella Turk/Ribbonhead

On July 23, 2014, hundreds of Free Press activists, allies and volunteers rallied for REAL Net Neutrality on President Obama's motorcade route as he attended a big fundraiser in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Analyst Ian Bremmer (Bill Swersey/Asia Society)

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers