HAIFA, Monday, August 15, 2022 (WAFA) – An Arab social media center hopes that its accreditation to consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs Council (ECOSOC) will allow it to bring the world's attention to Palestinian digital rights, and the human rights violations they are exposed to such as surveillance, online censorship and online hate speech.

The Haifa-based 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media said in a press release today that accreditation to consultative status at ECOSOC was decided through a vote on 22nd July at the council meeting in New York. ECOSOC is the UN body responsible for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and the three areas of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental.

“As a consultative member of ECOSOC, 7amleh will provide insights and expertise with regards to Palestinian digital rights, the MENA region, and how Palestinians are impacted by digital policy both online and offline. This will bring 7amleh closer to its goals of creating a safe, fair and free digital space through building the civil society organizations' capacities in the field of digital advocacy, digital safety and activism, monitoring and documenting digital rights violations against Palestinians carried out by various perpetrators in online spaces, including technology companies and different governments,” it said in the press release.

Nadim Nashif, co-founder and director of 7amleh said, "It's a huge honor for 7amleh to receive this accreditation. We are looking forward to working together with ECOSOC members to advance the protection of digital rights and advocate for oppressed and marginalized communities at the highest levels. This is a decisive win for Palestinian civil society and demonstrates the UN's commitment to ensuring that Palestinian voices are heard."

M.K.