A/76/258
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
Irene Khan
Summary
In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, notes that, despite the
impressive gains made by women, gender equality in freedom of expression remains
a distant goal. Adopting a gender lens, she examines the challenges that women face,
offline and online, and analyses the relevant legal standards and the responsibilities
of States and companies. She reaffirms the mutually reinforcing nature of gender
equality and the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and underlines the vital
importance of their inclusive realization for the achievement of peace, democracy and
sustainable development. The Special Rapporteur makes specific recommendations
to States, the international community and companies to create an enabling
environment and safe digital space for women’s equal enjoyment of freedom of
opinion and expression.
2/26
21-10583