Freedom of expression and association6/23/2023 ![]() ![]() That is, refraining from interfering with the right to express dissenting views, and adopting measures to protect the expression of views in a peaceful way. States must comply with both negative and positive obligations. It can be through peaceful protests or media, during public events, or through calling for boycotts, such as of an electoral process or a referendum. The manifestation of dissenting views can take different forms. The rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are grouped together because they are often intertwined. This applies even more for those expressing dissenting views, defending the rights of persons belonging to minorities, or espousing minority beliefs. Hence, they need higher protection to be able to express their opinions and promote any human right. Human rights defenders do not have more rights than other people but, as with journalists and media workers or lawyers, those holding power often aim at silencing them. This includes the right of anybody, especially human rights defenders, to have access to and use of information technologies and the media of one’s choice, including radio, television and the Internet. ![]() Freedom of expression is fundamental to the underlying values of democracy, and is essential for a free and independent media space. Violations of the right to freedom of expression have wide implications for society as a whole. States should ensure that people are able to peacefully protest, publicise and circulate information, and criticise the failure of governments to protect or promote human rights. It is the foundation of a vibrant democracy, and without it, other fundamental rights, like the right to vote, would wither away. President Jimmy Carter Address at Commencement Exercises at the University de Notre Dame. Freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly, and petition: This set of guarantees, protected by the First Amendment, comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. The proof is that words are precisely the action for which dissidents in those countries are being persecuted. The leaders of totalitarian nations understand this very well. “In the life of the human spirit, words are action, much more so than many of us may realise who live in countries where freedom of expression is taken for granted. ![]() It ensures that people have the right to seek, obtain, receive and hold information about human rights and human rights violations. The United Nations Human Rights Committee qualified freedom of opinion and expression as “indispensable conditions for the full development of the person”įreedom of expression allows pluralist dialogue and creates a secure platform for critical voices. The rights to freedom of opinion and expression grant all people the right to express themselves, and to seek, receive and impart information through any medium. ![]()
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