Claire Thompson, Freelance PR Consultant, Waves PR
The Freedom of Speech Debate
Thoughts developed from an Article 19 discussion at the House of Lords, March 25, at which they effectively launched the Camden Principles. The event was organized as part of the efforts of ARTICLE 19 to strengthen dialogue and common ground between those involved in defending free expression and the right to equality.
We expect to be able to speak, write, blog and express our views, yet in reality freedom of speech is so complex, so fraught with the minefields of personal belief and interest, and filled with such fear of giving offence, that many shy away from it.
Freedom of speech and anti-discrimination laws are often seen as clashing rights. Throw in the complexities of ownership (copyright) and defamation, and this was always going to be an interesting discussion.
My conclusion, by the end of it, was that we need to be offended. Regularly. And learn to challenge those who offend, fighting words with words, bigotry with reason, whilst incitement to crime, on whatever grounds, should be punished. (Brave words from someone who generally shies away from harsh debate!)
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Central America: Second Platform of Action for Strengthening Freedom of Expression
For immediate release – 11 May 2010
Human rights defenders and media professionals from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua met in San Salvador between 22-23 April 2010 for the regional conference Second Joint Action Platform Meeting to Strengthen Freedom of Expression in Central America, sponsored by ARTICLE 19. The conference followed up on a previous meeting in July 2009, which aimed to promote and defend freedom of expression for all people in Central America.
The first conference had concluded that the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information, is deteriorating in Central America. Participants had agreed to share experience and implement a range of collective actions. These included workshops on best practice, collaborative advocacy and special submissions to the Universal Periodic Reviews of El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras, all of which have been implemented over the last months.
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For immediate release– 29 April 2010
Mexico: International Mission Attacked in Oaxaca
Human Rights Defenders, Activists and Journalists Killed or Missing
Yesterday at 14h30, a convoy of over 40 international and local human rights defenders, activists and journalists were attacked by an armed group in the town of San Juan Copala, Oaxaca State.
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Mexico: A Fourth Journalist Goes Missing in Michoacán State
Another journalist has been reported missing in Mexico, the fourth to disappear in Michoacán since 2006. Ramón Ángeles Zalpa, a journalist with more than ten years’ reporting experience, was last seen on 6 April at 13h00, when he left home for the National Pedagogical University, where he is also a professor.
ARTICLE 19 has initiated legal proceedings with local and federal authorities in an attempt to speed up the search for Ramón Ángeles. The organisation has also requested that the National Human Rights Commission grant him “precautionary measures”, a special status intended to guarantee the safety of an individual at risk, along with their family. The Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Journalists and the local Office of the General Attorney’s in Michoacán has now opened a file (number ACPGR/MICH/U-II/034/2010).
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We expect to be able to speak, write, blog and express our views, yet in reality freedom of speech is so complex, so fraught with the minefields of personal belief and interest, and filled with such fear of giving offence, that many shy away from it. 
Article19, communications, media | claireatwaves | 
May 15, 2010 12:44 pm | 
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