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30 November 1999
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HR/99/110
30 November 1999
INTERNATIONAL MECHANISMS FOR PROMOTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
CALL ON STATES TO COMBAT IMPUNITY OF PERPETRATORS OF
ATTACKS ON THAT FREEDOM
The following joint declaration was adopted in London on 26 November 1999 following a meeting for the first time of the international mechanisms for promoting freedom of expression under the auspices of article 19. Attending the meeting were Abid Hussain, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression; Freimut Duve, the Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for Freedom of the Media; and Santiago Canton, the Organization of American States’ Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.
“We recall that freedom of expression is a fundamental international human right and a basic component of a civil society based on democratic principles.
An independent and pluralistic media is essential to a free and open society and accountable government. Respect for freedom of the media in our Member States, although very different from country to country, leaves much to be desired.
Certain States have continued to exert and allow impermissible pressure on the media in their respective countries. The levels of harassment might be different but the general aim is the same: to suppress pluralism and open debate on issues of concern to citizens.
Freedom of expression is not only a fundamental human right in and of itself, but it has ramifications for economic development as well. The media has a corrective function by bringing to the public’s attention corruption and inequitable practices. The absence of free media can lead to economic stagnation and improper practices by both governments and businesses.
Implicit in freedom of expression is the public’s right to open access to information and to know what governments are doing on their behalf, without which truth would languish and people’s participation in government would remain fragmented.
The media should refrain from any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to violence or to any other similar action.
In many countries laws are in place, such as criminal defamation laws, which unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. We urge States to review these laws with a view to bringing them into line with their international obligations.
We affirm that States must ensure an effective, serious and impartial judicial process, based on the rule of law, in order to combat impunity of perpetrators of attacks against freedom of expression.”
30 November 1999
INTERNATIONAL MECHANISMS FOR PROMOTING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
CALL ON STATES TO COMBAT IMPUNITY OF PERPETRATORS OF
ATTACKS ON THAT FREEDOM
The following joint declaration was adopted in London on 26 November 1999 following a meeting for the first time of the international mechanisms for promoting freedom of expression under the auspices of article 19. Attending the meeting were Abid Hussain, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression; Freimut Duve, the Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for Freedom of the Media; and Santiago Canton, the Organization of American States’ Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.
“We recall that freedom of expression is a fundamental international human right and a basic component of a civil society based on democratic principles.
An independent and pluralistic media is essential to a free and open society and accountable government. Respect for freedom of the media in our Member States, although very different from country to country, leaves much to be desired.
Certain States have continued to exert and allow impermissible pressure on the media in their respective countries. The levels of harassment might be different but the general aim is the same: to suppress pluralism and open debate on issues of concern to citizens.
Freedom of expression is not only a fundamental human right in and of itself, but it has ramifications for economic development as well. The media has a corrective function by bringing to the public’s attention corruption and inequitable practices. The absence of free media can lead to economic stagnation and improper practices by both governments and businesses.
Implicit in freedom of expression is the public’s right to open access to information and to know what governments are doing on their behalf, without which truth would languish and people’s participation in government would remain fragmented.
The media should refrain from any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to violence or to any other similar action.
In many countries laws are in place, such as criminal defamation laws, which unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression. We urge States to review these laws with a view to bringing them into line with their international obligations.
We affirm that States must ensure an effective, serious and impartial judicial process, based on the rule of law, in order to combat impunity of perpetrators of attacks against freedom of expression.”