Publication Date

Publication Date: 

February 1, 2007

Year: 

2007

Month: 

February

Human rights defenders (HRDs) are increasingly using computers and the internet in their work as an electronic means of storing and communicating information. According to author Dimitri Vitaliev, aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) have improved the security of HRDs, facilitated communication and information exchange with partners, and increased effectiveness of their mission. However, ICT's have ushered in previously unknown vulnerabilities. This manual, published by Front Line, explains practical and technical issues of computer use in the context of defending human rights. Its objective is providing solutions to problems of privacy and security in a modern digital environment.

Vitaliev presents what, in his view, are opposing historical circumstances: the development of the ICT industry and "the carte blanche" to implement surveillance and censorship provided by the war on terrorism. In the case of HRDs, the risks of surveillance and censorship of ICT use can surpass their knowledge of their countries' legal systems and their local networks. This lack of knowledge about self- and information protection has resulted in arrests, establishing a "new battleground in the struggle for the worldwide adherence to the principles" of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR).

This erosion of human rights and freedom, according to Vitaliev, is increasing persecution of HRDs and undermining their abilities to protect others. His stance in writing this manual is to look at ways of "preventing the erosion of universally guaranteed freedoms... [and] offer possible solutions to some problems of computer and Internet security." He warns that some of the topics and technology that are described and taught in this manual have been made illegal in several countries of the world.

The guide is divided in the following 4 sections, as described by the author:

• "The First Section is about understanding your security needs and vulnerabilities. It describes a non-technical approach to the digital environment. A method of mapping the threats, posed by a particular situation, is offered to help you decide on the strategies for implementing privacy and security solutions.
• The Second Section lists various elements of computer and Internet security. It introduces the reader to computer operations and Internet infrastructure. Methods of securing data, bypassing Internet censorship and protecting yourself against malicious attacks are explained in detail.
• The Third Section is a summary of worldwide legislation to restrict and monitor information flow and communications. It shows the downward trend, caused by the growth of restrictions to the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and communication, in many countries. Cases of human rights defenders currently in prison or persecuted because of their work through the Internet are presented as examples of the ways some governments enforce these pieces of legislation.
• The Fourth Section drafts possible scenarios for human rights defenders and their organisations of dealing with problems of electronic insecurity and ensuring continuation of their work.

Following the case studies, the manual concludes with instructional appendices.

• Case Study 1: Creating a Security Policy
• Case Study 2: Communication Channels
• Case Study 3: Securing and Archiving Data.
• Case Study 4: E-mailing and Blogging.
• Appendix A: Computers Explained.
• Appendix B: Internet Explained.
• Appendix C: Internet Program Settings
• Appendix D: How long should my password be?
• Proposal to the Internet Rights Charter"

In conclusion, Vitaliev takes the position that there is a need to operate in a climate where information is not stolen, damaged, compromised, or restricted in order to provide equal opportunity for information dissemination and access. His manual provides the knowledge and the tools for individuals and organisations to create and implement security policies. His manual concludes by proposing 17 points for the Internet Rights Charter.

Click here to access a website dedicated to this book, where one may read the book section by section.

Click here to download the entire book as a PDF document.

Human rights activists interested in receiving a hard copy of the book may contact Front Line at info@frontlinedefenders.org

All tools referred to in the manual (and descriptions of these tools) are available for download in 6 languages (Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Russian, and Spanish) by clicking here.