Search Tips
The right to freedom of opinion and expression in electoral contexts 2014, para. 32
- Paragraph text
- Additionally, in another review, the Committee encouraged the State to thoroughly investigate and prosecute, where appropriate, the use during election campaigns of statements by politicians that would incite racial hatred against persons of minority ethnic origin.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Key trends and challenges to the right of all individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through the Internet 2011, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- To do so, and to bring about real changes in mindsets, perceptions and discourse, a broad set of policy measures are necessary, for example in the areas of intercultural dialogue or education for diversity, equality and justice and in strengthening freedom of expression and promoting a "culture of peace". Indeed, the Special Rapporteur has previously stated that the strategic response to expressions deemed as offensive or intolerant is more speech: more speech that educates about cultural differences; more speech that promotes diversity and understanding; more speech to empower and give voice to minorities and indigenous peoples, for example through the support of community media and their representation in mainstream media. More speech can be the best strategy to reach out to individuals, changing what they think and not merely what they do, as has been recognized in the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference, which also affirmed the role that the right to freedom of opinion and expression can play in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance worldwide.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2011
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 64
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur reiterates the comments of the Human Rights Committee in noting that Governments should ensure that minorities exercise their freedom of opinion and expression so that they can enjoy their own culture, profess and practise their own religion and use their own language in accordance with article 27 of the Covenant.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 59
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur emphasizes the importance that exercising the right to freedom of opinion and expression has for minorities and indigenous peoples, as freedom of opinion and expression is a basic tool for ensuring the specific recognition of the rights demanded by these groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 41
- Paragraph text
- In this context, the right to freedom of expression gains added value when it is used to protect groups or minorities in need of particular attention, such as women, children, those living in extreme poverty, minorities, indigenous peoples and migrant populations.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Poverty
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Women
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Key trends and challenges to the right of all individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through the Internet 2011, para. 57
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur also reiterates his call on Governments to honour their obligation to promote indigenous cultural diversity in the public and private media. This includes making governance information available in all relevant languages, including minority languages, in line with the principles enshrined in the 1992 Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2011
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 62
- Paragraph text
- Governments should take into account the ethnic, cultural, religious and ideological diversity of the various social groups. They should also promote and protect the languages of minorities and indigenous peoples by, inter alia, upholding their right to speak their own language and to propagate their culture and traditions, both in private and in public. In no case should restrictions on the freedom of expression be used to stifle minorities' and indigenous peoples' legitimate claims to their rights.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Hate speech and incitement to hatred 2012, para. 26
- Paragraph text
- In Europe, there have been instances of incitement to racial hatred against Roma; acts of violence perpetrated by neo-Nazi groups against non-European minorities; violence in several countries following the publication of cartoons featuring the Prophet Muhammad by the Jyllands-Posten newspaper in Denmark; and the release of an online film, Fitna, by a member of the parliament of the Netherlands, in which Muslims were associated exclusively with violence and terrorism.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Violence
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2012
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Freedom of expression, States and the private sector in the digital age 2016, para. 57
- Paragraph text
- Digital communications and data transmitted or stored on private networks and platforms are increasingly subject to surveillance and other forms of interference, whether by the State or private actors. Unnecessary and disproportionate surveillance may undermine security online and access to information and ideas (see A/HRC/23/40). Surveillance may create a chilling effect on the online expression of ordinary citizens, who may self-censor for fear of being constantly tracked. Surveillance exerts a disproportionate impact on the freedom of expression of a wide range of vulnerable groups, including racial, religious, ethnic, gender and sexual minorities, members of certain political parties, civil society, human rights defenders, professionals such as journalists, lawyers and trade unionists, victims of violence and abuse, and children (see A/HRC/29/32). State capacity to conduct surveillance may depend on the extent to which business enterprises cooperate with or resist such surveillance.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Children
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Freedom of expression, States and the private sector in the digital age 2016, para. 80
- Paragraph text
- The outcome of the World Summit on the Information Society demonstrated the continuing broad support for multi-stakeholder governance of the Internet. The existing model nonetheless faces increasing pressure in the form of specific national policies (such as data localization) and strategies such as "cybersovereignty". Moreover, there is a persistent need to maintain or increase human rights participation at all levels of governance, including the setting of technical standards, and to ensure that Internet governance frameworks and reform efforts are sensitive to the needs of women, sexual minorities and other vulnerable communities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2016
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The right to freedom of opinion and expression in electoral contexts 2014, para. 31
- Paragraph text
- The Committee recommended that the State inter alia reinforce the mandate of the authority which monitors the media to ensure that racist statements are prosecuted and victims granted reparations; ensure that the media do not stigmatize, stereotype or negatively target non-citizens and ethnic minorities; invite the media to strictly respect the Charter of Rome (2008) in order to avoid racist, discriminatory or biased language; and raise awareness among media professionals of their responsibility not to disseminate prejudice and to avoid reporting in a way that would stigmatize communities subject to historical discrimination.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2014
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The implications of States’ surveillance of communications on the exercise of the human rights to privacy and to freedom of opinion and expression 2013, para. 51
- Paragraph text
- Inadequate legal standards increase the risk of individuals being exposed to violation of their human rights, including the right to privacy and the right to freedom of expression. They also have an adverse impact on certain groups of individuals - for example, members of certain political parties, trade unionists or national, ethnic and linguistic minorities - who may be more vulnerable to State communications surveillance. Without strong legal protections in place, journalists, human rights defenders and political activists risk being subjected to arbitrary surveillance activities.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2013
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
The right to freedom of opinion and expression exercised through the Internet 2011, para. 37
- Paragraph text
- Additionally, the Special Rapporteur reiterates that the right to freedom of expression includes expression of views and opinions that offend, shock or disturb. Moreover, as the Human Rights Council has also stated in its resolution 12/16, restrictions should never be applied, inter alia, to discussion of Government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, Government activities and corruption in Government; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2011
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Key trends and challenges to the right of all individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through the Internet 2011, para. 48
- Paragraph text
- Moreover, the Special Rapporteur calls upon States to empower marginalized groups by ensuring that they receive effective digital literacy training. As the Special Rapporteur has noted in his previous reports, it is critical to strengthen the voice of those without power, especially people living in extreme poverty. Having access to the Internet allows people who are disadvantaged, discriminated against or marginalized to obtain information, assert their rights and participate in the public debate concerning social and political changes. Furthermore, the Internet allows minorities and indigenous peoples to express and reproduce their cultures, language and traditions, preserving their heritage and making a valuable contribution to others in a truly multicultural world. However, basic ICT skills are essential if users are to benefit from the full potential of the Internet.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2011
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Key trends and challenges to the right of all individuals to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds through the Internet 2011, para. 42
- Paragraph text
- Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur stresses that, as stipulated in Human Rights Council resolution 12/16 (para. 5 (p) (i)), the following types of expression should never be subject to restrictions: discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, government activities and corruption in government; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2011
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 68
- Paragraph text
- The Special Rapporteur defines community-based media as non-governmental, public interest radio stations and print media that are run by civil society institutions, organizations or associations and any type of non-profit organization run by indigenous peoples for educational, informative, cultural or communal goals purposes. These media work for the development of different sectors of a territorial, ethno-linguistic or other community. They share their communities' interests, challenges and concerns and seek to improve the quality of life of their community and to contribute to the well-being for all its members. They must not be used as instruments for political campaigning.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Education
- Equality & Inclusion
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 63
- Paragraph text
- In accordance with general comment No. 23 of the Human Rights Committee on the rights of minorities (article 27 of the Covenant), the Special Rapporteur recalls that even when individuals are not citizens of the State where they live or happen to be, "a State party is required […] to ensure that the rights protected under the Covenant are available to all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction" (para. 5.1). The Special Rapporteur also reiterates that migrants and migrant communities, regardless of their legal migratory status, are fully entitled to exercise freedom of expression.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Movement
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Persons on the move
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 60
- Paragraph text
- Article 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that indigenous peoples have the right to establish their own media in their own languages and to have access to all forms of non-indigenous media without discrimination. Therefore, the Special Rapporteur considers that, in addition to fulfilling their duty to ensure freedom of opinion and expression, it is of paramount importance for Governments to honour their obligation to promote indigenous cultural diversity in the public and private media.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Groups in need of attention, limitations to the right to freedom of expression, and protection of journalists 2010, para. 81i
- Paragraph text
- [The Special Rapporteur also wishes to stress that, as provided in paragraph 5 (p) of Human Rights Council resolution 12/16, restrictions on the following aspects of the right to freedom of expression are not permissible:] Discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, government activities and corruption in government; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups;
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Protection of journalists and press freedom 2010, para. 67
- Paragraph text
- On 7 April 2006, the Special Rapporteur, together with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, sent an urgent appeal to the Government of Honduras in relation to the physical assault by armed men against a female member of the Lenca indigenous community and contributor to the "Indymedia" website because of her reporting activities on the human rights situation of her community.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Social & Cultural Rights
- Person(s) affected
- Activists
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
Protection of journalists and press freedom 2010, para. 63
- Paragraph text
- Citizen journalists are not trained professional journalists. At times, citizen journalism has been criticized as being unreliable or lacking objectivity. Nevertheless, the importance of this new form of journalism cannot be underestimated. Indeed, through a participatory approach, citizen journalists contribute to the creation of a richer diversity of views and opinions, including information about their communities and groups in need of particular attention, such as women, indigenous people and minorities, and play a critical watchdog role in countries where freedom of the press is not a reality. More important, they can provide an immediate, insider's view of a conflict or catastrophe, whereas professional journalists may not be granted access to places where hostilities unfold or may have to travel for days before reaching a disaster zone or area.
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Topic(s)
- Equality & Inclusion
- Humanitarian
- Person(s) affected
- Ethnic minorities
- Women
- Year
- 2010
- Date added
- Aug 19, 2019
Paragraph
21 shown of 21 entities