Freedom of Speech
Human Rights
“Congress shall make no law ...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.
“In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 29:2.
“No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.” United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 12.
Freedom of speech, including the right to dissent and critique, is a universal and inalienable right. This right does not extend to incitement of violence or advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or immutable personal characteristics. Suppression of inconvenient data, censorship of unfavored non-violent viewpoints, and harassment, intimidation, and retaliation against dissenters or whistleblowers all are all violations of human rights. Civil dialogue in good faith among individuals of varying perspectives is necessary to functioning democracy.
The duty of governments to protect freedom of speech is a fundamental element of democratic societies and is enshrined in various international human rights documents. This duty entails several key responsibilities and considerations:
Legal Protection of Free Speech: Governments are responsible for enshrining the right to free speech in their laws and constitutions. This legal protection ensures that individuals can express their opinions and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal.
Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: While protecting freedom of speech, governments must also balance this right with other rights and responsibilities. This includes ensuring that speech does not incite violence or discrimination.
Providing a Platform for Diverse Voices: A government's duty extends to ensuring that a variety of voices, including minority and dissenting opinions, can be heard. This diversity of perspectives is essential for a healthy democratic discourse.
Ensuring a Free Press: Freedom of speech is closely linked with freedom of the press. Governments should protect the rights of media and journalists to operate independently and without undue interference or intimidation.
Protecting Against Censorship: Governments should refrain from undue censorship or restriction of information. This includes resisting the temptation to control or limit access to information for political purposes.
Addressing Online and Digital Expression: In the digital age, governments must also protect freedom of speech on the internet and in social media, while navigating complex issues around digital privacy, misinformation, and cyberbullying.
Education and Awareness: Promoting an understanding of the importance of free speech in society is another role of the government. This can involve education initiatives that emphasize the value of free expression and how to exercise this right responsibly.
Providing Redress and Accountability: When violations of free speech occur, individuals should have access to redress. Governments must ensure that there are mechanisms in place for individuals to challenge censorship or penalization for their speech.
International Obligations: Many countries are signatories to international treaties that obligate them to protect freedom of speech, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Encouraging Civil Discourse: Governments can play a role in encouraging a culture of respectful and constructive discourse, which is the bedrock of productive and meaningful exercise of free speech.
The government's duty to protect freedom of speech involves creating a legal and social environment where individuals can freely express their opinions and ideas, while ensuring that this freedom does not infringe on the rights and safety of others. This duty is critical for the functioning of a democratic society and the protection of other fundamental human rights.