Agenda Item: Addressing State Sanctioned Internet Shutdowns and Their Impact on Human Rights

The UNHRC committee tackles the emerging and critical human rights violation posed by state-sanctioned internet shutdowns, often used to suppress dissent, mask atrocities, or disrupt democratic processes. Delegates will analyze how the deliberate throttling or complete cutting of digital communications constitutes a severe infringement on fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, information, and even access to emergency services and economic activity. The committee’s mandate is to establish clear international legal standards classifying arbitrary shutdowns as human rights violations. Focus areas include developing mechanisms for rapid international monitoring and condemnation, proposing effective diplomatic and economic disincentives for states that employ these tactics, and formulating policy recommendations to ensure digital connectivity remains an unassailable global public good.