APC urges UN Global Mechanism to prioritise human rights and inclusive cybersecurity

The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has urged the newly established UN Global Mechanism on ICTs in the Context of International Security to strengthen its focus on human rights, inclusive policymaking, and the needs of vulnerable communities as it begins its work on global cybersecurity governance. The statement was delivered during the Global Mechanism’s plenary session on 22 July 2026 by Raman Jit Singh Chima, APC’s Global Programme Director.

In its statement, APC welcomed the launch of the permanent Global Mechanism, describing it as an important continuation of previous UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) discussions on cybersecurity. The organisation also congratulated the Chair and expressed support for efforts to ensure meaningful engagement by a broad range of stakeholders throughout the process.

APC argued that international cybersecurity capacity-building programmes should better reflect the disproportionate impact of cyber threats on vulnerable groups, including women, LGBTQI+ people, human rights defenders, and communities across the Global South. According to the organisation, many of the cyber threats affecting these communities remain underreported and are therefore insufficiently addressed in international policy discussions.

The organisation highlighted the role of civil society in documenting cyber harms that may otherwise go unnoticed. Drawing on research conducted within its network, APC pointed to evidence showing how digital surveillance has been used to intimidate women in public-facing roles and restrict their participation in civic and political life. It also called for further international attention to the activities of commercial spyware providers and other cyber mercenary actors, particularly their impact on journalists, activists, women, and LGBTQI+ communities.

APC further emphasised that civil society organisations and academic researchers have played a significant role in documenting the human consequences of cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, online disinformation campaigns, internet shutdowns, and surveillance targeting human rights defenders. The organisation urged the Global Mechanism to ensure broad stakeholder participation, arguing that meaningful engagement by civil society and independent researchers is essential for developing effective international cybersecurity policy.

The statement also called on the Global Mechanism and its Dedicated Thematic Groups (DTGs) to support the development of cybersecurity legislation that protects users without creating disproportionate restrictions on fundamental rights. APC recommended that governments adopt gender-sensitive cybersecurity laws addressing digital violence and establish rapid response mechanisms to prevent harm from escalating.

Looking ahead, APC urged delegates to consider the security implications of the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence, particularly for vulnerable communities and countries in the Global Majority. The organisation argued that discussions on AI and cybersecurity should build upon existing human rights principles and feminist approaches to technology governance developed over the past two decades.

In closing, APC reaffirmed its willingness to contribute technical expertise and policy experience to the Global Mechanism and encouraged delegates to continue engaging with civil society throughout the development of international cybersecurity norms.

Why does it matter?

The UN Global Mechanism is intended to serve as a permanent forum for international cybersecurity cooperation following the conclusion of the Open-Ended Working Group process. APC’s intervention highlights the growing role that civil society organisations seek to play in shaping global cyber governance, particularly by bringing evidence on the real-world impacts of cyber threats, surveillance, and emerging technologies. The statement also reflects broader debates over ensuring that international cybersecurity policies address not only technical and security concerns but also human rights, inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable communities.