Statement by Anne-Marie Buzatu, ICT4Peace Executive Director at OEWG Stakeholder Meeting, 26 July 2023 International Law

International Law We echo the sentiments of many states and stakeholders in this meeting that the application of international law to the use of ICTs by states, and importantly understanding how international law applies to cyberspace, is a crucial step towards developing common understandings on this issue. [...] In particular, we would like to draw attention to the following areas under international law that need to be further developed in terms of how they apply to ICTs and cyberspace: - The Charter of the United Nations - The application of IHL - Peaceful Settlement of Disputes - Protecting human rights online, including privacy, freedom of expression and rights of gender and other marginalized groups. [...] Institutional Dialogue We reiterate our support for the establishment of a Cyber Programme of Action (PoA) as a permanent, inclusive, consensus-based, and action-oriented international instrument to advance the implementation of the acquis on responsible behavior in the use of ICTs in the context of international security. [...] For instance, the implementation of Norm 13 (j) regarding responsible reporting of ICT vulnerabilities, which is of the utmost importance to the security and stability of ICTs, requires the active participation of various stakeholders, including states, commercial entities, civil society, academic, technical, and other relevant communities. [...] Capacity Building Capacity building in the context of cyberspace safety and security can promote the development of skills, knowledge, and institutional structures needed to effectively address cyber threats.