On 15 March 2019, a terrorist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 people and injuring 50. The horrific event was livestreamed by the terrorist for 17 minutes, and was viewed over 4,000 times before being removed.
This terrorist attack made clear once again the harms that can be caused by terrorist and violent extremist content online. It highlighted an issue that transcends borders and platforms, and it required a global solution. It was the catalyst for global action.
On 15 May 2019, two months to the day after the attack, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron brought together Heads of State and Government and leaders from the technology sector to adopt the Christchurch Call.
As part of this, Dr Suraj Lakhani, Associate Professor (Sociology and Criminology) in the School of Law, Politics and Sociology was recently appointed to the Christchurch Call Advisory Network.
The Christchurch Call Advisory Network (CCAN) consists of leading organisations and individuals from civil society, academia, and the technical community, which convened as part of the Christchurch Call.
The CCAN exists to provide expert advice on implementing the commitments in the Call in a manner consistent with a free, open, and secure internet and with international human rights law. CCAN balances a spectrum of civil society, internet governance, and human rights concerns, including the right to be free from deprivation of life and incitement to violence, as well as the right to free expression. CCAN accomplishes its work through meaningful collaboration with governments, civil society organisations, and private sector actors.
CCAN membership is drawn from interested civil society groups who represent a range of perspectives, including human rights, freedom of expression, digital rights, counter-radicalisation, victim support and public policy. Many members have been engaged with the Christchurch Call since its launch and are committed to continuing to share their expertise.
More details available on the Christchurch Call website, the Christchurch Call Advisory Network webpages and members list.