Joint Declarations

 

Since 1999 four leaders in the fight for freedom of expression, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, and ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, have joined together to issue joint statements reinforcing the importance of the right of freedom of expression worldwide, and have offered recommendations on how to strengthen this right. As time has passed, new technologies have emerged along with their attendant possibilities and challenges. These declarations address a wide range of topics, offering word of hope, words of caution, and consolidating global ideas, methods, challenges, and best practices. The importance and relevance of these joint declarations have been highlighted by their use in international court decisions relating to freedom of expression.

Joint Declarations on freedom of expression

2020

• Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Elections in the Digital Age

2019

• Twentieth Anniversary Joint Declaration: Challenges To Freedom Of Expression In The Next Decade

2018

• Joint Declaration On Media Independence and Diversity in the Digital Age

2017

• Joint Declaration On Freedom Of Expression And “Fake News”, Disinformation And Propaganda

2016

• Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and countering violent extremism

2015

• Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and responses to conflict situations

2014

• Joint declaration on universality and the right to freedom of expression

2013

• Joint declaration on the protection of freedom of expression and diversity in the digital terrestrial transition 

2012

• Joint declaration on crimes against freedom of expression

 2011

• Joint declaration on freedom of expression and the internet

2010

• International Special Rapporteurs for Free Expression Highlight Ten Critical Challenges

 2009

• Joint Declaration on the media and elections

 2008

• Joint Declaration on defamation of religions, and anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation

2007

• Joint Declaration on diversity in broadcasting

 2006

• Joint Declaration on publication of confidential information, openness of national and international public bodies, free expression and cultural/religious tensions, and impunity in cases of attacks against journalists

–In 2006, the recently appointed Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights joined the process for the first time.

2005

• Joint Declaration on Internet regulation and anti-terrorism measures

2004

• Joint Declaration on access to information and secrecy legislation 

 2003

• Joint Declaration on regulation of the media, restrictions on journalists and investigating corruption

 2002

• Joint Declaration on freedom of expression and the administration of justice, commercialisation of freedom of expression and criminal defamation

 2001

• Joint Declaration on countering terror, broadcasting and the internet
• Joint Declaration on racism and the media

 2000

• Joint Declaration on censorship by killing and defamation

 1999

• Joint Declaration on the right to freedom of expression generally, regulation and responsibility of the media, access to information, defamation and prevention and investigation of attacks against freedom of expression