Freedom of Expression

Press Release R 72/14

Quote of the day

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression. This right includes freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or through any other medium of one's choice

Article 13 of the American Convention of Human Rights

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PRESS RELEASE

 

R 72/14

 

OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR PRESENTS REPORT ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE INTERNET

 

Washington D.C., June 27, 2014. –  In light of the great challenges to the full protection of fundamental rights, and, particularly, the right to freedom of expression in the digital sphere, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) prepared the report Freedom of Expression and the Internet, currently available on its website.

 

The report lays out the general principles that must serve as a guide for the protection of the right to freedom of thought and expression in the digital environment, systematizes standards on this issue, and analyzes relevant best practices and international doctrine and jurisprudence.

 

The report Freedom of Expression and the Internet was discussed at a simultaneous event in seven cities last June 16. This event was possible thanks to the collaboration of Fundación Karisma, of Colombia; the Asociación por los Derechos Civiles-ADC, of Argentina; Derechos Digitales, of Chile; Article 19, of Mexico; Espacio Público, of Venezuela; Electronic Frontier Foundation, of the United States; and Global Partners Digital, as well as the participation of experts like Fernando Bermejo and the support of the Trust for the Americas and Open Society Foundations. Representatives of academia, journalists and members of civil society organizations took part in the local forums that followed the digital event.

 

The complete report, alongside a distribution video and the executive summaries prepared by experts on the subject, can be found at this link.

 

The report is especially useful as a tool for Internet activists, civil society organizations, judicial operators and regulators who must face the challenges involving the defense of human rights in the digital realm.

 

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression was created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to encourage the defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression in the hemisphere, given the fundamental role this right plays in consolidating and developing the democratic system.