![]() ![]() Therefore, it is unsurprising to see how the former is weakened in countries where press freedom or access to public information is diminished. These legislations affirm that the bond between democracy and freedom of speech is categorical. Additionally, it is an indispensable requirement for the very existence of a democratic society.’ At the same time, its preamble contains the following thoughts: ‘that the consolidation and development of democracy depend upon the existence of freedom of expression that any obstacle to the free discussion of ideas and opinions limits freedom of expression and the effective development of a democratic process and that guaranteeing the right to access to information held by the State will ensure greater transparency and accountability of governmental activities and the strengthening of democratic institutions.’ Moreover, Article 1 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression says: ‘Freedom of expression in all its forms and manifestations is a fundamental and inalienable right of all individuals. This right includes freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing, in print, in the form of art, or through any other medium of one's choice.’ That same convention prohibits previous or indirect censorship (mechanisms such as the abuse of official control, supply of paper for print media, and radio frequencies). Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights defines these concepts with absolute precision: ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression. ![]() We can find some valuable references to the subject in international legislation. At the same time, the availability of public information has been widened, which constitutes an element that is fundamental to social auditing, accountability, the fight against corruption, transparency in the use of public resources, and many other elements essential to efficient governance that pushes for the common good and drives egalitarian human development. It bears a dual nature: the first part is individual and allows all human beings to seek, receive and share information of any kind by any means the second one is social and refers to the population’s right to access information, especially if it is of public interest.īoth parts have grown exponentially during the past couple of decades due to the access to digital platforms. Most times, these concepts appear as synonyms, on occasions they can exist independently, but normally they are linked and complement each other.įreedom of speech is born out of autonomy of thought and conscience, out of every person’s possibility to assume their own ideas, share them, and use them to find development for themselves, their families, and their society. Countries that achieve balanced social development and democratic stability are those that respect essential human rights such as speech and press freedoms. The intimate relationship between press freedom and democracy is indisputable. ![]()
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