Freedom of Expression

Today there is unprecedented global access to information, media and technologies of expression. A fantastic number of books, films and journals, newspapers and blogs are produced and distributed constantly across the globe, and with the development of technologies, global networks and political realities, more people than ever before are engaged in free expression, as well as the debate surrounding it.

Simultaneously, one-third of the world’s countries today impose severe restrictions on free expression in general and media in particular, and leading international organizations report negative trend lines on virtually all fronts of the fight for this fundamental right. Over the last ten years more than 1,000 journalists and media support staff have died trying to cover news in 96 countries. Simultaneously, international mechanisms to protect this freedom have been polarized by debates on its relationship to religious dignity and national security, and new geopolitical developments have led to an environment in which international pressure is increasingly ineffective against the worst violations of press freedom and press safety.

The roles and capacities of local actors in this context are of singular importance, and connectivity across borders can have a definitive impact on local action, contributing to advocates’ capacities, legitimacy and security. Simultaneously, the new challenges posed to free expression raise new questions about that freedom’s nature, scope and application.

The Global Forum on Freedom of Expression will seek to address these dynamics by bringing some of the world’s leading thinkers on the issue together with those individuals most actively exercising and defending their freedom of expression across the globe.

The Global Forum on Freedom of Expression will gather free expression advocates and practitioners from around the world, and open a space for them to strengthen global connections, to exchange skills, ideas and best practices; to establish strategies and techniques for working in repressive and dangerous environments; and to build opportunities for communication and cooperation with other actors. Finally, participants will be inspired to continue their important work through creating new links and relationships with others working to promote and protect free expression.

For general information on Freedom of Expression, please visit the following websites:

http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/264
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
http://www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/1993-handbook.pdf
http://www.everyhumanhasrights.org/freedom-of-expression