(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: 1 December 2000 – for immediate release States must act to stop killing of journalists and amend defamation laws, say OSCE, UN and OAS free speech representatives A joint statement issued by the three experts tasked with guaranteeing free expression internationally (1) identifies two […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
1 December 2000 – for immediate release
States must act to stop killing of journalists and amend defamation laws, say OSCE, UN and OAS free speech representatives
A joint statement issued by the three experts tasked with guaranteeing free expression internationally (1) identifies two key areas where states must take action: killing of those exercising their right to freedom of expression and the use of defamation and libel laws to chill free speech.
The rapporteurs stated:
“Attacks such as the murder, kidnapping, harassment of and/or threats to journalists and others exercising their right to freedom of expression, as well as the material destruction of communications facilities, pose a very significant threat to independent and investigative journalism, to freedom of expression and to the free flow of information to the public.
“States are under an obligation to take adequate measures to end the climate of impunity and such measures should include devoting sufficient resources and attention to preventing attacks on journalists and others exercising their right to freedom of expression, investigating such attacks when they do occur, bringing those responsible to justice and compensating victims,” they went on.
Mr Hussain, Mr Canton and Mr Duvé agreed that it was important to introduce effective mechanisms in the regions of the world not yet covered, welcomed the beginning of such a process in the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and encouraged moves in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific towards a similar goal.
The rapporteurs took the opportunity to endorse Defining Defamation, ARTICLE 19’s Principles on Freedom of Expression and Protection of Reputation. Their statement recommended the repeal of criminal defamation laws in favour of civil legislation and spelled out the minimum standards to which defamation laws should conform.
The full joint statement can be viewed at
www.article19.org/docimages/865.htm
Note for editors
1. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression met with representatives of NGOs, UNESCO, journalists associations and human rights experts in London on 29-30 November 2000, under the auspices of ARTICLE 19, assisted by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.
