Public Consultation on ICP-2: Governance Document for Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
As part of the Regional Internet Registries (RIR) system, the AFRINIC community is invited to contribute to the global discussion on updating the ICP-2 document. This process, led by the NRO Numbers Council (NRO NC), aims to update the principles for the recognition, operation, and potential derecognition of RIRs. The goal is to strengthen the current system by improving its clarity, stability, and capacity for self-governance, while preserving the core foundations that have supported the system to date.
Current Consultation Round
The second round of public consultation is currently open. The updated draft of the document, titled "Governance Document for the Recognition, Operation, and Derecognition of Regional Internet Registries," is available for review. We invite the AFRINIC community to provide feedback on this new draft.
Key Details of the Consultation Process
This consultation consists of two rounds:
First Round (Completed)
- Period: 14 April to 27 May 2025
- Summary: The first consultation round has been completed. A summary report prepared by the NRO NC is available for review.
- Download the first draft
Second Round (Ongoing)
- Period: 28 August - 7 November 2025
- The second consultation round is currently open. The community is encouraged to review the updated draft and submit feedback.
- Download the second draft
- Access the comparative (redline) document highlighting the differences between version 1 and versions 2, along with justifications for the changes.
Key Aspects of the Draft Document
The document includes the following key points:
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It defines and clarifies various governance, operational, and lifecycle aspects of RIRs that were previously implied but not explicitly outlined.
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It introduces criteria for derecognition of an RIR that fails to meet required standards.
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It does not aim to redesign the current RIR system, but rather seeks to enhance it in line with current challenges and needs.
How to Participate in the Consultation
The consultation is aimed at members of the African Internet community within the regional RIR framework. Participants from other RIR communities are encouraged to contribute via their own regional discussion channels.
When providing feedback, we ask that you focus on the content of the document, particularly on the new requirements outlined. Key areas of interest include:
- Whether the document provides sufficient clarity regarding the obligations of an RIR.
- Whether the remediation steps for non-compliance are adequately defined.
Please note that this consultation is non-binding and does not address implementation details.
Steps to Participate
Subscribe to the Mailing List
Join the ICP-2 Consultation mailing list by subscribing to the ICP-2 mailing list
Community members who subscribed during the first round are automatically included. New subscribers will need to provide basic contact information.
Messages sent to the mailing list are archived publicly.
For any issues with registration or verification, please contact comms@afrinic.net
Join the ICP-2 Consultation mailing list by subscribing to the ICP-2 mailing list
Community members who subscribed during the first round are automatically included. New subscribers will need to provide basic contact information.
Messages sent to the mailing list are archived publicly.
For any issues with registration or verification, please contact comms@afrinic.net
AFRINIC Community Engagement
Join us for our webinar: Updating ICP-2: Advancing Internet Number Governance for the Future on 21 October 2025. Register here.
You can access recordings of past sessions to stay informed:
You can access recordings of past sessions to stay informed:
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Watch the recording of the AIS’25 session that took place both onsite and online during the Africa Internet Summit held in Accra, Ghana, Thursday 02 October 2025.
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AFRINIC Webinar held on Thursday 8 May 2025.
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AFRINIC Webinar held on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
ICP-2 Review Timeline
Q1 - Q4 2024
Review of ICP-2, Drafting Core Principles
Existing document assessed by ASO Address Council for relevance and accuracy, core requirements for RIRs identified.
Q1 - Q4 2024
Q4 2024 - Q1 2025
Community Input on Principles and Feedback Reporting
Questionnaire available on the Number Resource Organisation (NRO) website, ICANN public comment period hosted: analyzed community feedback and made it public
Q1 2025
Drafting the Updated Document
Incorporated feedback from the questionnaire
Q1 2025
Q3 - Q4 2025
Second Public Comment on Draft
The updated draft will be available to the global internet community and to RIR and ICANN communities for a consultation and discussion period.
Q4 2025 - Q1 2026
Final Review
Outcomes of public comments. Including amendments to the draft criteria, will be presented to the Internet community at RIR meetings and other publication channels for review.
Q4 2025 - Q1 2026
To Be Determined
Approval & Adoption
The ASO AC will present the recommended document to the NRO Executive Council and ICANN, which will determine procedure for approval and adoption
Feedback
All submitted comments will be reviewed by the NRO NC and considered in preparing the final version of the document. Should significant revisions be necessary, an additional review round may be initiated.
Once finalised, the ASO AC will submit the document to the NRO EC, which, together with ICANN, will determine the next steps for formal approval and adoption.
Further Information
For more details on the ICP-2 review process, visit the official NRO website:
ICP-2 Review on NRO Website
The entire process is governed by the AFRINIC Community Code of Conduct.
ICP-2 Review on NRO Website
The entire process is governed by the AFRINIC Community Code of Conduct.
