Freedom of Expression

Inter-American Legal Standards

Basic Principles

Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression adopted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 2000.

Basic Documents

Inter American System

Presentation of the Inter-American Legal Framework regarding the Right to Freedom of Expression, remarks by Catalina Botero (Only available in Spanish)

Special Session of the Permanent Council of the OAS regarding the Right to Freedom of Thought and Expression and the Importance of Communication Media
Date: April 23, 2009

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Publications

The Inter-American Legal Framework Regarding the Right to Freedom of ExpressionThe Inter-American Legal Framework Regarding the Right to Freedom of Expression pdf format
The objective of this publication is to present inter-American jurisprudence that defines the scope and content of this right in a systematic and updated way. Among the most important topics it highlights: the importance, function, and characteristics of the right to freedom of expression, as well as the types of speech protected; the prohibition of censorship and indirect restrictions; the protection of journalists and social communications media; the exercise of freedom of expression by public officials; and freedom of expression in the area of electoral processes.

Reparations for the Violation of Freedom of Expression in the Inter-American-System (2012)Reparations for the Violation of Freedom of Expression in the Inter-American-System (2012)
This publication seeks to carry out a systematic analysis of Inter-American rulings on freedom of expression, particularly of the orders for reparation issued as of October 2011 in cases which have involved violations or illegitimate restrictions of the freedom established in Article 13 of the Convention.

The Office of the Special Rapporteur issues joint declarations with the other rapporteurships for freedom of expression, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the Representative on Freedom of the Media from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Rapporteur for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.