1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Submitted by Fida Marvat (Pakistan), Sep 25, 2012 at 10:28

The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is supposed to inform the legislative processes and governance practices of all the member states of the UN. The right to freedom of expression is recognised as a human right under Article 19 of the UDHR. Subsequently, it is also recognised in international human rights law and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It is also numbered 19 in ICCPR where it is said that everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference and everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. The same article 19 goes on to say that the exercise of these rights carries special duties and responsibilities and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions when necessary, for respect of the rights or reputation of others or for the protection of national security or of public order or of public health or morals.

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