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Freedom of Expression:Freedom of Expression:A Global PerspectiveA Global Perspective

Presented by MichaelPresented by MichaelKaranicolasKaranicolasLegal OfficerLegal OfficerCentre for Law and DemocracyCentre for Law and Democracy

Freedom of Expression InternationallyFreedom of Expression Internationally•• Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Art. 19Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Art. 19•• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - Art. 19International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - Art. 19•• Convention on the Rights of the Child - Art. 13Convention on the Rights of the Child - Art. 13•• American Convention on Human Rights - Art. 13American Convention on Human Rights - Art. 13•• European Convention on Human Rights - Art. 10European Convention on Human Rights - Art. 10•• African Charter on Human and PeopleAfrican Charter on Human and People’’s Rights - Art. 9s Rights - Art. 9

Freedom of Expression DomesticallyFreedom of Expression Domestically•• U.S Constitution - 1st AmendmentU.S Constitution - 1st Amendment•• South African Constitution - Art. 16South African Constitution - Art. 16•• Brazilian Constitution - Art. 5Brazilian Constitution - Art. 5•• Indian Constitution - Art. 19Indian Constitution - Art. 19•• Kazakh Constitution - Art. 20Kazakh Constitution - Art. 20

What is Freedom of Expression?What is Freedom of Expression?1.1. The right to hold opinions without interference.The right to hold opinions without interference.2.2. The right to seek, receive and impart information and ideasThe right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas

of all kinds.of all kinds.3.3. The right to access information, as recognizedThe right to access information, as recognized

internationally.internationally.4.4. States have a responsibility not only to refrain fromStates have a responsibility not only to refrain from

infringing the right, but to work to protect it.infringing the right, but to work to protect it.

Limiting the Right to Free ExpressionLimiting the Right to Free Expression

Free expression can only be limited:Free expression can only be limited:A) Where necessary to protect the rights andA) Where necessary to protect the rights andreputations of others.reputations of others.B) Where necessary for the protection of public order,B) Where necessary for the protection of public order,national security, public health, or morality.national security, public health, or morality.

The Three Part TestThe Three Part Test:

1.1. Restrictions must be provided by law.Restrictions must be provided by law.2.2. Must pursue a legitimate aimMust pursue a legitimate aim3.3. Must be necessary in order to protect that aim,Must be necessary in order to protect that aim,

and must not infringe the right more than isand must not infringe the right more than isnecessary to achieve this.necessary to achieve this.

Restrictions:Restrictions:Direct:Direct:–– CensorshipCensorship–– Prohibitions/limitations on distributionProhibitions/limitations on distribution–– Prohibitions/limitations on importProhibitions/limitations on import–– Confiscation of a workConfiscation of a work–– Restrictions directed at individualsRestrictions directed at individualsIndirect:Indirect:–– Registration schemes, licensing, etc.Registration schemes, licensing, etc.

Remedies:Remedies:•• Domestic CourtsDomestic Courts•• UN Human Rights CouncilUN Human Rights Council•• Special Special Rapporteur Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion andon Freedom of Opinion and

ExpressionExpression•• UN Human Rights CommitteeUN Human Rights Committee•• OSCE Representative on Freedom of the MediaOSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media