UN, international experts condemn curbs on freedom of expression

Three international experts, including the United Nations authority on freedom of expression and opinion, today condemned limitations on those rights as well as other efforts to control the media.

In a joint declaration adopted today, the experts speak out against "attempts by some governments to limit freedom of expression and to control the media and/or journalists through regulatory mechanisms, which lack independence or otherwise pose a threat to freedom of expression."

The text was issued by Ambeyi Ligabo, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Freimut Duve, the Representative on freedom of the media of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and Eduardo Bertoni, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression of the Organization of American States (OAS).

According to their statement, all public authorities that exercise formal regulatory powers over the media should be protected against interference, "particularly of a political or economic nature, including by an appointments process for members which is transparent, allows for public input and is not controlled by any particular political party."

The experts also voiced objections to limits on what can be expressed. "Media-specific laws should not duplicate content restrictions already provided for in law as this is unnecessary and may lead to abuse," they said. "Content rules for the print media that provide for quasi-criminal penalties, such as fines or suspension, are particularly problematical."

Journalists should not be required to be licensed or to register, and there should be no legal restrictions on who may practice journalism, according to the statement.

As for probes into corruption, the experts stressed that media workers who conduct investigations should not be targeted for legal or other harassment in retaliation for their work. Media owners should be encouraged to provide appropriate support to journalists engaged in investigative journalism.