Freedom of Expression
Press Release 104/04
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION RECALLS THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM FOR DEMOCRACY
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reminds the hemispheric community of importance of free and independent journalism as an essential condition for democracy.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in its advisory opinion on Compulsory Membership in an Association Prescribed by Law for the Practice of Journalism (OC-5/85), affirmed that a society that is not well-informed is not truly free. "Within this context," added the Court, "journalism is the primary and principal manifestation of freedom of expression of thought."
In this manner, the inter-American tribunal consecrated the link between freedom of the press and freedom of expression, which is an inherent right of all human beings. This idea was reiterated by the IACHR in 2000,when it adopted the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression, which states in its Preamble that "freedom of the press is essential for the full and effective exercise of freedom of expression and an indispensable instrument for the functioning of representative democracy, through which individuals exercise their right to receive, impart, and seek information[.]"
"In spite of the importance that the Inter-American System has given to respect for freedom of expression, it is unfortunate that threats, aggressions, assassinations and harrassment of journalists continue to occur in the continent. These not only restrict the fundamental rights of journalists, they also have a chilling effect on the informative work of the media."
May 3 was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as World Press Freedom Day, in commemoration of the Windhoek Declaration, approved May 3, 1991.
Washington, D.C., May 3, 2004.