Freedom of Expression

African System

The African System of Human and Peoples’ Rights is relatively recent. The African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, or the “Banjul Charter”, was adopted on June 27, 1981 and entered into effect on October 21, 1986. This document establishes freedom of expression in its article 9, which establishes:

Article 9

1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information.
2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.

The System is made up of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court of Human and People’s Rights.