London—ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies is among 29 civil society organisations that have signed a joint statement urging the governments of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Qatar to permanently lift their bans on WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype and other Voice Over IP (VoIP) platforms used to make free voice and video internet calls. We want the prohibitions lifted for good, but the action is especially critical during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when expatriate workers and international students are far away from and worried about their families.
We want the prohibitions lifted for good, but the action is especially critical during the global COVID-19 pandemic
While the UAE and Oman recently unblocked Skype for Business, Zoom and other apps on an “exceptional” and temporary basis in response to the spread of COVID-19, other popular communication apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and FaceTime remain blocked.
“Gulf governments must allow open and free-of-charge communication between the many internationals within their borders and their family and friends during this stressful time,” says Sarah Burashed, ImpACT’s campaign coordinator. “But family ties are always important, so we urge these governments to show true leadership and a commitment to public service by making these actions permanent. Public trust in their governments is absolutely critical in a time when so much is changing so fast.”
Free video and voice calls are often the only way foreign workers and international students can stay connected to their families and employers. Yet bans on free calling and messaging platforms continue to be widespread, particularly in Gulf countries. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the ban is likely to aggravate panic and uncertainty amongst these usually low-income labourers and students.
Since many British nationals work in the Gulf, ImpACT International also has contacted British politicians and parliamentarians, urging them to call on Gulf governments to lift their bans on free internet call and video services. Among those who have joined the campaign are Sammy Wilson, Lord Hylton and Baroness Harris of Richmond.
Signatories:
Access Now
L’Association Francophone pour les Droits de l’Homme
Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE)
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Centre for Media Research – CRM-Nepal
Center for Migrant Advocacy
Democratic Transition & Human Rights Support Center (DAAM)
Digital Rights Foundation
Equidem
Equidem Nepal
Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor
Gulf Centre for Human Rights
Human Rights Watch
ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies
Internet Policy Observatory Pakistan
International Service For Human Rights (ISHR)
Iraqi Network for Social Media (INSM)
Media Foundation for West Africa
Media Matters for Democracy
MENA Rights Group
Metro Center For Journalists Rights & Advocacy
Migrant-Rights.org
Namibia Media Trust
Rights and Security International
Paradigm Initiative
SMEX
The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI)
The Omani Centre for Human Rights (OCHR-Oman)
Unwanted Witness Uganda