31.03.2020 - The Pre-Draft rightly states in para. 10 that “Developments in ICTs have implications for all three pillars of the United Nations’ work: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development”. - In this context, Austria would welcome stronger language on the obligations of States to ensure and respect the human rights enshrined in the UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, also reflecting customary international law, especially those with particular exposure to cyber activities, such as Article 17 ICCPR (privacy), Article 19 ICCPR (right to hold opinions, freedom of expression) and Article 22 ICCPR (freedom of association). Furthermore, Austria would suggest taking up the ICCPR’s language governing the (narrow grounds of) justification of interference with Articles 22 and 19 ICCPR (“prescribed by law”; “necessary in a democratic society”; “protection of the rights and freedoms of others”). - Austria supports the suggestion in para. 61 of the Pre-Draft. “61. Noting that many parts of the UN address digital technology issues, including their development, rights and crime dimensions, States recognized the need for a dedicated mechanism under UN auspices focusing on international security issues. It was recalled that there are established forums within the UN system focused on issues relating to ICTs and terrorism, crime, human rights and Internet governance. Greater exchange and exploration of synergies between these bodies, such as through joint meetings of committees of the General Assembly, while respecting the expert nature or specialized mandate of each, was encouraged.” - With regard to the recommendations in para 68. a) of the Pre-Draft, in light of the Secretary General’s Call for Action, Austria would suggest to also include a recommendation on developing a roadmap for implementing the recommendations of the High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation, embedding human rights considerations in an improved global digital cooperation architecture. 5. Rules, Norms and Principles for Responsible State Behaviour - Austria welcomes the clear calls for States to be guided in their use of ICTs by the 2015 report of the Group of Governmental Experts (UNGGE), endorsed by the UN General Assembly and to work further on their implementation. - The protection of critical infrastructure is one of Austria’s key concerns. Austria suggests that reference be made in the Report under Section D to the 2015 GGE report, i.e. its Recommendation (f), which notes that ‘a State should not conduct or knowingly support ICT activity contrary to its obligations under international law that intentionally damages