On December 4th, 2023, World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) with support from the Action Group on Free Civic Space and Fund for Global Human Rights in collaboration with the United Nations Information Center (UNIC Abuja) and United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) hosted the Roundtable Consultation with Civil Society on Digital Rights under the Safeguarding Digital Rights in Nigeria Project. The event which held in Abuja, Nigeria brought together over 60 representatives from civil society organizations and the media.

The event commenced with a welcome address from Kingsley Godwin, the Executive Director of the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) and an introduction by the participants. The first session of the roundtable consultation focused on the Voluntary UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms, and Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, the representative of the Country Director of the United Nations Information Center, facilitated the session.

The session proposed potential principles for a Code of Conduct to guide Member States, digital platforms, and other stakeholders in creating a more inclusive and secure digital space. Also highlighted, were the nine key principles forming the foundation of the UN Code of Conduct for Information Integrity on Digital Platforms which includes commitment to integrity, respect for human rights, support for independent media, increased transparency, user empowerment, strengthened research and data access, scaled-up response, stronger incentives, and enhanced trust and safety. Participants delved into the impact of threats to information integrity on global, national, and local issues and also contributed their thoughts and perspectives further enriching the dialogue with diverse insights.

Esther Balami, representing the Senior Human Rights Advisor of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, delivered a keynote presentation on digital rights. The presentation underscored the Secretary-General’s emphasis that technological advancements should not undermine human rights, worsen inequality, or perpetuate existing discrimination. The presentation and subsequent discussion among the participants further explored the intersection of digital technologies and human rights. The session ended on the note that greater efforts are needed to develop further guidance on how human rights standards apply in the digital age and the need to address possible protection gaps created by constantly evolving digital technologies.

Participants engaged in a session that featured a documentary on “Digital Authoritarianism” followed by a comprehensive review of the Security Playbook on Digital Authoritarianism report, facilitated by Kingsley Godwin, the Executive Director of the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF). The presentation shed light on instances where state actors encroach upon the digital rights of citizens and civil society participants.

This intrusion involves the utilization of surveillance technologies to monitor citizens’ movements, track online activities of civic actors, intercept private communications, and impose restrictions on the online civic space. The discussion underscored the concerning trend of governmental interference in the digital realm, illustrating the various ways in which digital authoritarian practices can impinge upon individual freedoms and civil society initiatives.

The final session culminated in a highly interactive and engaging panel discussion. The panel featured Mr. Odeh Friday, Country Director Nigeria at Accountability Lab, Deborah Solomon, Founder of Lawworld, Awuese Iorchor, Associate at Hamu Legal, and Princess Odey, a Legal and Development Practitioner. The session provided insightful perspectives on the legal policy frameworks surrounding digital rights, internet governance, and government oversight. They explored the intricate connections between these frameworks and their profound implications on digital rights and civil liberties within the rapidly evolving digital landscape.