Freedom of expression, protected by the ICCPR and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is essential for democracy and political transparency. Most countries have limitations, including hate speech and restrictions on government information. It is a cornerstone of human development and enlightenment.
Freedom of expression is, essentially, freedom of speech, although the term is more often used to describe outlets other than the spoken word, namely writing. While its primary purpose is to protect the right to communicate information, it also protects the right to seek and receive information. Several countries have restrictions on freedom of expression and some do not recognize it as a right at all. Despite this, freedom of expression is considered a human right by both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19).
Freedom of expression is considered essential for a functional democracy. The right to seek, receive and transmit all forms of information is key to holding good and fair elections. It is also the cornerstone of any citizen-controlled government, because knowledge of government decisions and actions is vital to political transparency.
While this freedom is a protected right in many countries, including the United States, where it is protected by the First Amendment, most countries have limitations. These typically include child pornography bans, certain advertising regulations, and obscenity laws. It is also illegal in the United States and many other countries to voice the threat of danger when there is none.
The regulation of hate speech is perhaps one of the most controversial issues regarding freedom of expression. Hate speech is considered the transmission of ideas, and typically limits are placed on this form of speech only when it accompanies threats or plans for violence. Most countries typically have media controls regarding the safety of members of the military, making it illegal to disseminate information about troop locations or plans when it could endanger the military.
Freedom of expression also includes the retrieval of information. This means that people have the right to seek and acquire information on almost any subject, including the actions of their government. While this form of expression has far more limitations than others, it is typically advocated in most democracies.
A free and open exchange of ideas is considered not only one of the primary pillars of democracy, but also of human development and enlightenment as a whole. Freedom of expression allows people from all walks of life to express their beliefs and opinions and to know the opinions of others. The protection of this human right is of the utmost importance for several countries and almost all global organizations.
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