Ecuador preliminary comments to the Chair’s “Initial pre-draft” of the Report of the United
Nations Open Ended Working Group on developments in the field of information and
telecommunications in the context of international security (OEWG).
April 2020
Ecuador wishes to commend the efforts made by the President of the Open-Ended Working Group
and welcomes the initial pre-draft as an excellent basis for further discussions during this historic
first inclusive process, and in addition to the Remarks to the initial pre-draft and positions contained
in NAM Working Paper for the Second Substantive Session Ecuador wishes to make the following
remarks in its national capacity:
A. Introduction
The OEWG should also consider the differentiated impact that the misuse of ICTs could have for
developing countries, as well as the differentiated impact that the misuse of ICTs could have over
different demographic groups, including those in a situation of particular vulnerability.
Ecuador believes that gender-related data is instrumental in driving evidence-based policymaking,
informing capacity building, and to address the gender impacts of cybersecurity policies and capacity
building in technical, policymaking and diplomatic spheres. Also, the OEWG should acknowledge the
importance of women’s participation in policymaking and negotiations.
B. Existing and Potential Threats
Digital space should be preserved from militarization, and the increasing automation and autonomy
in ICT operations is indeed a specific concern. Both elements are appropriately reflected in this
section. However, the concerns about the possible disruption of technical infrastructure essential to
political processes such as elections, referenda or plebiscites should also be more widely reflected.
It is also central to note and to include in the draft that cyber threats, policies, initiatives and
operations can have gender-differentiated impacts. Furthermore, when mentioning the impact on
vulnerable populations and particular groups the Pre-draft should include persons with disabilities.
The pre-draft shouldn’t only refer to different levels of ICT security and resilience but also to
different levels of development.
C. International Law
Ecuador believes this section accurately and carefully reflects the discussions since the beginning of
the OEWG. In that regard Ecuador is supportive of the initial pre-draft approach to the different
elements on international law.
Furthermore, Ecuador recognises the importance to uphold women’s and children rights online, in
the context of recognising the applicability of international human rights law, because of the
differential threats they experience due to cyber incidents.
We insist on the importance of women equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the
maintenance and promotion of peace and security, including in the cyberspace. During the
deliberations Ecuador acknowledged the centrality of the Security Council resolution 1325 on
women and peace and security.
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