Protection of journalists and media freedom 2012, para. 90

Paragraph
Paragraph text
The Special Rapporteur emphasizes the importance of journalists' right to access information, which is part of the right to seek and receive information under articles 19 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and political Rights, respectively. He would like to stress that Governments should classify only those data which are proven to harm national security and other vital interests of the State. Moreover, there should be clear classification criteria and register of classified information, which is both established by law and accessible to everyone. Further, classified data should be subject to regular review and declassified if confidentiality is no longer necessary.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
  • Equality & Inclusion
  • Governance & Rule of Law
Year
2012
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Freedom of Opinion, Report to the HRC (2012), A/HRC/20/17, para. 90.
Paragraph number
90