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Global coalition of NGOs call for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
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In September, as Israel escalated its attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, pagers and walkie-talkies were used as bombs, indiscriminately killing innocent civilians. Two months later, after Israel launched its ever-expanding, ongoing ground invasion, thousands of people have been killed and injured, and more than 1.2 million have been displaced — including over 460,000 people who have crossed into Syria, where returning refugees face persecution and prosecution. Enough is enough; Israel’s relentless escalation must stop. Access Now, along with more than 50 other global civil society organizations, is urging the international community to press for an immediate and durable ceasefire. Read more via Access Now
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Bad laws lead to bad things
U.S. defends support for controversial UN cybercrime treaty
Authoritarian governments may soon have a new tool to defend the rights-violating cybercrime laws they use to target civil society and human rights defenders. This week, UN member states, including the U.S. and UK, approved the text of the flawed Cybercrime Convention, clearing the way for adoption by the UN General Assembly before the end of the year. While U.S. officials acknowledged the treaty could be used to violate human rights, they voted yes anyway, pledging to demand accountability for misuse. That’s not enough. “Western states have a last opportunity in December to establish a clear line saying, ‘If you do not choose to implement this treaty in this human rights respecting way, we will not be able to sign, we will not be able to ratify, and we will not be able to implement international cooperation under the treaty,’” says Access Now’s Raman Jit Singh Chima. Read more via The Record
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Tales from the resistance
Tech workers’ testimonies: stories of suppression of Palestinian advocacy in the workplace
No one should be punished for defending human rights. But according to a new report from 7amleh, Big Tech companies including Meta, Google, and Microsoft are carrying out censorship, discriminatory policies, and punitive measures against employees who are advocating for Palestinians’ rights. Read the report; then join a webinar on November 21, organized by 7amleh and the Tech Workers Coalition, to hear directly from the impacted tech workers. Read more via 7amleh
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Kenya: backsliding on digital rights?
Call to participate in the EU consultation on the AI Act
The EU’s recently adopted AI Act has serious loopholes and exemptions that weaken its protections for human rights. But it remains important to push for the strongest possible implementation of the law and the rights-protecting tools it does include. The European Commission is launching a four-week public consultation on the law’s definition of AI and prohibited practices. You can submit your views until December 11. Read more via European Commission
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If you’re defending human rights, we’re here for you
Remember, if you’re part of a civil society group, media organization, or human rights NGO, and you need emergency technical assistance and advice to increase your safety online, our Digital Security Helpline is a resource for you. Our team of technologists is available 24/7, and we can help you in nine languages. Read more via Access Now
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Opportunities and other highlights
Migration & Technology Monitor fellowship
People with lived experience of migration should be able to contribute to the research, storytelling, policy development, technology implementation, and advocacy conversations surrounding border and migration justice. Learn about the fellowship opportunity at the Migration & Technology Monitor, and apply by December 31. Read more via MTM
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