-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	ICANN's US jurisdiction
Date:	Wed, 9 Nov 2016 07:23:40 +0530
From:	parminder <parminder@itforchange.net>
To:	governance@lists.igcaucus.org <governance@lists.igcaucus.org>, BestBitsList <bestbits@lists.bestbits.net>, Forum@Justnetcoalition. Org <forum@justnetcoalition.org>

All

As you know, the issue of jurisdiction of ICANN is under consideration at ICANN's community process (in the accountability track where there is a sub group discussing this issue). ICANN is currently meeting in Hyderabad, India, from 3rd to 9th November.

Today, on the last day of ICANN's Hyderabad meeting, the enclosed statement was issued by key Indian civil society organisations engaged with Internet governance issues, supported by two key global networks involved in this area. The statement expresses the urgent need for transiting ICANN from being under the jurisdiction of one country, presenting the rationale of why this is important to do. It also lists some possible options of doing so, towards beginning a serious action-oriented deliberation on this very important matter. Unlike what is often understood, the jurisdiction issue is not just a matter of sovereign prestige and self respect of the states but concerns vital matters impacting people's rights. This is especially so as the society gets more and more digitised in all areas.

We welcome comments and feedback.

The statement has been issued by the following Indian civil society organisations.

Centre for Internet and Society, Bangalore

IT for Change, Bangalore

Free Software Movement of India, Hyderabad

Society for Knowledge Commons, New Delhi

Digital Empowerment Foundation, New Delhi

Delhi Science Forum, New Delhi

Software Freedom Law Center India, New Delhi

Third World Network - India, New Delhi

It is supported by the following global networks:

Association For Progressive Communications

Just Net Coalition

We will soon expand this effort to enlist more global support.

Best, Parminder