Press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

VIENNA, 28 June 2011 - The following is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 28 June. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

OSCE PA resolution aims to break barriers to internet access

COPENHAGEN, 28 June 2011—National governments should do more to make information freely available online and tear down the digital divide that leaves lower income people unequal Internet access, according to a resolution now pending before the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly.

The resolution introduced by Slovenian MP Luka Juri and co-sponsored by 40 parliamentarians from 15 countries stresses the need for free access to information and Internet access for all populations.

“Whether people live in a big city or a small town, they deserve unfettered access to online information,” Juri said. “Our national parliaments need to develop a common strategy to reduce the cost of Internet access so people regardless of income level can benefit from the vast knowledge available online.”

The resolution will be considered for inclusion in the Assembly’s Belgrade Declaration, which helps shape OSCE and national policy. Parliamentarians from more than 50 participating OSCE countries will vote on the resolution and declaration in Belgrade.

The Belgrade Annual Session, including committee debates and votes, are open to the press and public. The session runs 6-10 July 2011. For more information on the Annual Session, click here.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 320 parliamentarians from 55 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.