Deadline: 16 February 2025
7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media announce an open call for proposals to organize sessions and workshops at the Palestine Digital Activism Forum (PDAF) 2025, taking place on May 20-21, 2025.
Forum Theme
“Disconnected: The Impact of War on Internet Access and Palestinian Digital Rights”
As Gaza endures catastrophic destruction amidst genocidal violence, this year’s forum will examine the devastating effects of war on digital rights. Discussions will address critical issues such as the destruction of communication infrastructure, restricted access to information, censorship, and the silencing of Palestinian voices. In this time of profound humanitarian crisis, safeguarding digital rights—such as internet access, freedom of expression, and the right to information—has become an urgent necessity.
Key Issues to Be Explored
- Destruction of Telecommunications Infrastructure
- Over 75% of Gaza’s mobile networks have been destroyed, and fiber optic infrastructure has been critically damaged.
- Civilians face isolation, unable to communicate, access emergency services, or share evidence of war crimes.
- Censorship and Deplatforming
- Major online platforms have silenced Palestinian voices, including journalists and media outlets documenting violations.
- Content moderation policies have suppressed crucial testimonies, deepening the isolation of Palestinians.
- Economic Impacts of Digital Disconnection
- Financial restrictions and deplatforming have blocked donations and disrupted economic opportunities, cutting vital aid lifelines.
- Digital Rights as Fundamental Human Rights
- Internet access is recognized as a human right essential for knowledge sharing, organizing, and community resilience.
- The role of digital rights in amplifying marginalized voices, documenting violations, and fostering justice will be a focal point.
Goals of the Forum
The PDAF 2025 will serve as a platform to:
- Explore the critical role of digital rights in resilience, justice, and human dignity.
- Equip activists, organizations, and practitioners with tools to defend digital freedoms and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
- Hold corporations accountable for content suppression and digital exclusion.
- Highlight the importance of digital rights in connecting communities and amplifying voices in crises.
Call for Proposals
7amleh invites activists, researchers, and organizations to submit proposals for sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions addressing the above themes.
- Deadline for Submission: February 16, 2025
- Submission Method: Via the provided form in the announcement link.
- Contact for Inquiries: Forum@7amleh.org
For further details please see the Forum website.
