(31 March 2011) IP Justice submitted a statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding its relationship with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

In its submission, IP Justice argued that ICANN needs a better legal framework that will obligate the organization to respect internationally recognized legal principles and uphold basic human rights. ICANN.s status as a private corporation, arguably without any legal duties to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, is an inadequate governance structure for a global public resource that is critical to human development.

IP Justice stated, “ICANN.s structure must be rooted in a firm foundation and a legally enforceable obligation to uphold basic rights. Today more than ever, we see the promise and the power of a free and open Internet to empower citizens and strengthen democracies. And we recognize the critical need to ensure the Internet remains an engine of human progress and freedom. Respect for human rights in the policies governing the DNS is critical to furthering the global public interest.”

• IP Justice Statement on ICANN.s Responsibility to Respect Human Rights (.pdf)

• The NTIA official notice for comments on ICANN is here.

• Comments submitted to NTIA are posted here.