II.9. Exercise 9 - Opinion paragraph - Internet access for refugees

18/10/2019 - 6:55 pm - Opinion paragraph - Internet access for refugees.

This week we had to write two opinion paragraphs on the following subject: Internet access for refugees.

        Mark Zuckerberg told the United Nations (September 2015) that "Internet access is a human right", which then revives the debate on the introduction of Internet connection in refugee camps. Today we all use the Internet all the time, to carry out any kind of daily action, but not all refugees have access to it.  Equality between individuals is a fundamental principle and respecting it also requires Internet access for all, including refugees. This is not a given, for example a refugee half as likely to have a telephone with an Internet connection (UNHCR, 2017). If Internet access is truly a human right, such as the right to life, human dignity or freedom, then there is nothing to prevent refugees from accessing it, neither their status nor their living conditions should be a barrier to such access. On the contrary, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency, access to the Internet is essential for the safety of refugees, as is access to clean water, shelter and food (UNHCR, 2016). So, if we want to respect the principle of equality between individuals and offer refugees the rights they deserve, then it would be positive if they also had access to the Internet.

       Beyond that, there is another point to consider when speaking the value of providing internet access to refugees. We all know that since we have been using the Internet, our lives have been much simplified and that this tool is very useful, even essential. Thus, the "useful" aspect of Internet connection should not be neglected, as it will help them adapt to their new living environment, improve their lives and build a future for themselves. For example, a refugee with access to networks will be able to obtain information to obtain employment or important documents to settle in his new country. Internet connectivity is an essential communication, learning and information tool for refugees, to stay informed about the country from which they come or the standards in the country where they arrived. A group of journalists conducted a study (2017), showing that the first reflex of refugees arriving in a new country was to find a way to warn their families that they were safe. So, for refugees to build a new life for themselves and make it as simple as possible, Internet access seems to be a necessity.