Noncommercial Stakeholder Group charter

[Ermanno Pietrosemoli <ermanno@xxxxxx>]

Dear ICANN:


The Latin American Networking School (EsLaRed), has been involved in
fostering Internet Access in Latin America and the Caribbean for the last 17
years. Our efforts have been honored by ISOC with the 2008 Jon Postel Award.

As a member of NCUC, we strongly endorse the Noncommercial Stakeholder Group
(NCSG) charter developed by civil society and oppose the charter prepared by
ICANN staff member. The presence of powerful commercial interest in the
Internet governance should not overwhelm the voices of non commercial
organisations and individuals. We believe that the more widespread the
decision taking process, the better the interests of minorities groups will
be served for the common good.

In Latin America we are going through very difficult political times and is
paramount to be able to draw from different perspectives on issues of
information access that lay at the core of the struggle between government
power and individual rights, a delicate balance that must be maintained for
the long term survivability of our society. We believe that democratic
values such as accountability, transparency, and grassroots participation
are not best served by the charter prepared by ICANN staff.

Therefore, we urge you to reconsider the Noncommercial Stakeholder Group
(NCSG) initiative.

Respectfully yours,

Ermanno Pietrosemoli
President
(Latin America Networking School)
Fundación Escuela Latinoamericana de Redes (EsLaRed)
www.EsLaRed.org.ve