APC Urges Namibia to Strengthen Digital Rights and Protection Measures

• The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) addressed the UN Human Rights Council regarding Namibia's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), focusing on gaps in digital rights and gender-based violence.
• APC emphasized the need for legislative updates to protect digital activism, freedom of expression, and vulnerable groups online.

Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

• TFGBV is currently underreported and inadequately addressed in Namibia.
• The government is urged to enact gender-responsive policies that align with international human rights standards to prevent, investigate, and prosecute digital violence.

Digital Rights and Legal Frameworks

• APC recommended that cybercrime frameworks include safeguards against arbitrary surveillance to protect press freedom and digital activism.
• There is a call for a robust data protection law that adheres to international human rights standards.
• Freedom of expression and privacy protections must be explicitly extended to digital spaces.

Addressing Online Harassment

• Misinformation and disinformation are disproportionately impacting women in public roles, hindering their ability to exercise free speech.
• LGBTQ+ individuals face high levels of online hate and lack awareness of existing legal protections.
• The government is urged to engage with civil society to ensure transparent and inclusive implementation of human rights recommendations.