Combating information technology crimes

The Czech Republic is committed to the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights in accordance with international trade agreements including the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). We endorse the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and noting the swift technological progress in digital information we are committed to establishing a modern, comprehensive definition of IP in accord with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Digital Agenda and harmonizing the need for research with humanitarian and environmental interests. Aware of the rapidly growing presence and prevalence of digital information technology, the Czech Republic has tracked efforts by the European Commission to create a safer information society by improving the security of information infrastructures and combating computer-related crime. The protection of digital IP is of particular concern to the Czech Republic since ratification of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. We have updated our cyber crime laws yet digital security progress worldwide has been outpaced by hacking as noted in The Information Technology and Telecommunications Security Imperative. We urge States to collaborate in developing regional standards of cyber law and protection. The Czech Republic calls for the international internet community, including the International Telecommunications Union and the Internet Engineering Task Force, to expand working groups to help States coordinate policy, maintain contemporary cyber law, and address critical issues.
—Jon Loritz, Wright State University, 2004.

Patent protection and access to pharmaceuticals

The Czech Republic strongly adheres to upholding the integrity of intellectual biotechnology patents while striving to find balance with humanitarian needs and notes the conclusions of the International Intellectual Property Institute regarding Patent Protections and Access to HIV/AIDS Pharmaceuticals in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that intellectual patents are crucial to medical research and that TRIPS does not pose an impediment to the distribution of HIV/AIDS pharmaceuticals. Articles 6 and 31 of the Agreement express the intent to ensure high levels of IP protection while enabling States to address social needs, especially health emergencies. The Czech Republic believes that pharmaceutical access is primarily limited by inadequate financing and weak health care infrastructure. We support cooperation amongst the UNAIDS coalition, non-governmental organizations, and the Bretton Woods Institutions to invigorate financing and allocate aid. The Czech Republic aligns with European Commission Trade Policy affirmed at the Brussels Round Table on Communicable Diseases: in the trade area, we are committed to do whatever is necessary in order to shape the right conditions so that the poorest of the poor will have access to the medicines they deserve at affordable prices.
—Jon Loritz, Wright State University, 2004.

Genetic modification and intellectual property rights

As a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Czech Republic recognizes that the patent system has played an important role in developing a vibrant biotechnology industry. European Union Directive 98/44/EC established that gene sequences with specified function are eligible for patent protection and we note the success of international biotechnology patent law. However, we are concerned that the removal of research resources from the public domain may impede further research efforts to make genetic information useful as discussed in the OECD report on Genetic Inventions, Intellectual Property Rights and Licensing Practices. The Czech Republic strives to strengthen the current IP structure while simultaneously increasing access to the public sectors for research, screening and health.
—Jon Loritz, Wright State University, 2004.

Nuclear free zones

The Czech Republic has consistently been in favor of realistic and efficient steps aimed both at preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery means and at progressing towards global nuclear disarmament. To this end, we support the Antarctic Treaty (1959), Treaty of Tlateloco (1967) and the Treaty of Rarotonga (1985), establishing nuclear weapon free zones (NWFZ) in several areas of the world. We have continued to work hard to enhance the global non-proliferation regime and its verification, most recently through full implementation of the Safeguards Agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Czech Republic. We urge other Member States to conclude similar protocols with the IAEA without delay.
—Stephanie Precht, Wright State University, 2004.

The struggle against terrorism and its implications for human rights

Understanding that combating terrorism is one of the most imperative tasks currently facing the international community, the Czech Republic fully supports the United Nations (UN) Twelve Universal Conventions and Protocols Against Terrorism (1963-1999) and The UN Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism (1994) as essential documents in defining and addressing the threat of terrorism. We remain committed to the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee as mandated in S/RES/1373 (2001), S/RES/1377 (2001) and S/RES/1456 (2003). We strongly believe that the UN must continue to play a major role in combating terrorism by applying an integrated approach of conflict prevention, peacekeeping operations and post-conflict reconstruction, and we fully support the recommendations of the Brahimi Report in these areas.By working to ensure human rights, including access to education and healthcare, protection from persecution and torture and the application of a decent standard of living, we will be better able to prevent terrorism.
—Stephanie Precht, Wright State University, 2004.

HIV/AIDS as a threat to international peace

Deeply concerned by the devastating and destabilizing effects of HIV/AIDS on the developing world, the Czech Republic is committed to promoting the Durban Program of Action A/CONF.189/5, Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS A/RES/S-26/2. The Czech Republic is convinced that the impact of HIV/AIDS is profound enough to fundamentally challenge the security and stability of a growing number of states around the globe; to this end we fully support S/RES/1308 (2000). As outlined in E/CN.4/RES/32 and E/CN.4/2003/L.33, we recognize that access to antiretroviral and other medications is essential in reducing the global impact of HIV/AIDS. We call upon all Member States to renew their commitment to the Global Fund for Aids, and work to provide further financial and technical support to combat this devastating problem.
—Stephanie Precht, Wright State University, 2004.

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