South Africa’s inputs and comments on the “Pre-draft” of the report of the OEWG on
development in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the context of
International Security
Inputs on introductory paragraphs:
Paragraph 8
The paragraph should more fully appreciate the growing exploitation or abuse of ICTS that hinders
access to technologies and where access has established presents challenges to the full
enjoyment of digital connectivity for economic and social development and the threats of
insecurity of ICTs inhibits the ability of States to secure the gains already achieved.
Paragraph 9
The narrowing of the gender digital divide should take into consideration narrowing access to
technology and ICTs and the disproportionate impact of abuse of ICTs on women. More broadly,
the paragraph should articulate the broad consensus that participation of women in international
security impacts sustainability of peace agreements and therefore the OEWG welcomes the
participation of women in the discussions.
Paragraph 12
The report should articulate what is meant by human centric approach and consider these two
elements;
Humans experience technology daily and in that interaction, humans should maintain control over
the design, manufacture, and operationalisation of such technology and are accountable for use
and abuse.
Technology and ICTs impact on humans and deliberations should consider first the safety and
security of humanity as ICTs cannot be discussed in isolation to their impact on humanitarian.
1. Existing and potential threats:
The section should articulate the threats of unequal capacities to detect threats, identify
vulnerabilities and withstand incidents and/ or attacks.
The section should articulate the threats of stockpiling vulnerabilities with regards to the significant
number of actors including government actors, contractors and vendors as well as threat actors.
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