by Mr. George Varnava, M.P.
 

Mr. President,

Allow me to begin by thanking the two Co-Rapporteurs for their thorough work which provides valuable insights into a most challenging issue, which is part and parcel of today’s constantly changing world. It is a subject encompassing democratic governance, respect of human rights, as well as the divide between developed and developing countries.

Within societies, access to information and communication technologies, such as internet facilities, enables citizens to be more aware of their rights and to make a more substantial contribution to the reinforcement of democratic institutions through enhanced participation. In short, it promotes transparency, accountability and consequently the rule of law.

Yet, by far the greatest challenge relates to the so-called “digital divide” between rich and poor countries, which is accentuated by the process of globalization. Although the process offers considerable opportunities, its benefits are unevenly shared and its costs unevenly distributed, thereby contributing to deepening poverty and adversely affecting the enjoyment of human rights in developing countries.

In fact, increased access to and use of information and communication technologies constitutes a valuable tool in the efforts to reverse this negative process. In this respect, it should be noted that the General Assembly of the United Nations, in a resolution adopted in March 2003, inter alia “urges developed countries to assist developing countries… in harnessing the potential of information and communication technologies for development, through technology transfer on mutually agreed terms and the provision of financial and technical support, and in that context to support the World Summit on the Information Society”. This Summit, the first phase of which will take place next December, aims at developing and fostering a clear statement of political will and a concrete plan of action for achieving the goals of the Information Society.

It is, of course, also important to examine the benefits that Parliamentarians derive from constant progress in the field of information and communication technologies. This technological revolution not only enables the improved organization and monitoring of parliamentary elections, but also facilitates closer contact between Members of Parliament and their electorates. In essence, this means enhanced exchange of ideas and greatly improved knowledge about the functioning of Parliaments. Moreover, through the technological means available to them, Parliamentarians can monitor more efficiently the work of governments as well as international organizations.

Mr. President,

To consider that information and communication technologies breed only benefits, would be a grave mistake, In order to reap these benefits and reinforce democracy, good governance, knowledge, cultural exchanges and human rights, it is vital to take action, primarily through legislation, to ensure that the technological means at our disposal are not misused and abused. If not, they could become means of undermining fundamental principles and values and destroying the fabric of our societies. As Parliamentarians, it is our duty to prevent this social erosion.