RightsCon Tunis 2019

The Access No_! session will allow excluded digital and social activists from around the globe to tell RightsCon attendees in their own words why internet access matters in the midst of conflict. The panel will feature vlogs from individuals whose physical movement is restricted due to conflict or persecution by permits, bringing voices to the conference that would otherwise not be present. The panel will raise awareness of the importance of access to internet in conflict areas and engage session participants in a facilitated discussion on improving protections to safe and accessible internet for activists. The 60-minute panel will include three segments: 1- Internet Freedom Fighters: Where are they now? An update from the Syrian internet freedom fighters featured in the 2018 RightsCon. 2- Messages from activists with restricted movement: Profiles of activists in conflict areas who are unable to travel due to active conflict or persecution by permits (lack of status or documentation). 3- Discussion: The session participants will be engaged in discussion with a panel to address the most prevalent and emerging threats to safe internet access for individuals in conflict zones and the role of the broader internet freedom community to support these individuals.