(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 29 October 2002 ARTICLE 19 press release: Johannesburg 29th October 2002 ARTICLE 19 WELCOMES THE ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN AFRICA The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a landmark Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa at […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is a 29 October 2002 ARTICLE 19 press release:
Johannesburg 29th October 2002
ARTICLE 19 WELCOMES THE ADOPTION OF THE DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN AFRICA
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a landmark Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa at its 32nd Ordinary Session, in Banjul, The Gambia, held from 17th to 23rd October 2002.
The Declaration is the culmination of a long period of collaboration and consultation between the African Commission and ARTICLE 19, and symbolises the commitment and determination of the African Commission to tackle the continued and increasing violations of the right to freedom of expression and information in many African countries.
The Declaration addresses in a holistic and comprehensive manner the major threats to freedom of expression and information on the Continent and will serve as a benchmark to evaluate states’ compliance with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It will also strengthen the right to freedom of expression and information in the context of the African Union and the NEPAD initiative, paving the way for the recognition of the role of the media in these important processes.
The declaration stresses the “fundamental importance of freedom of expression as an individual human right, as a cornerstone of democracy and as a means of ensuring respect for all human rights and freedoms”.
“ARTICLE 19 appreciates this important move and will continue to work closely with the African Commission to monitor the implementation of this Declaration by state parties to the African Charter,” said Andrew Puddepphatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.
NOTES:
1. The Declaration and reports of previous meetings are available in French and English at www.article19.org/docimages/1410.doc.
2. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is established under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in Africa.
