Freedom of Expression

Category: Policy Areas | Back to Glossary

Journalists and activists are critical intermediaries connecting public officials with citizens and serving as government watchdogs, and their rights and safety need to be protected.

Technical specifications: Protection of the individual right to free expression. This includes the protection of human rightsAn essential part of open government includes protecting the sacred freedoms and rights of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and holding those who violate human rights accountable. T... defenders and journalists in their work to defend people’s rights, hold governments to account, and communicate to the public about government actions.

See also: Freedom of AssemblyPeaceful assembly — a fundamental human right — is essential to healthy and effective democratic institutions. Technical specifications: Protection of the individual right to peacefully assemble, ... More, Freedom of AssociationFreedom of association — the right to join a formal or informal group to take collective action — is a universal right and can be used as a mechanism for public accountability. Technical specifica... More, Online Civic SpaceAs online spaces for participation become increasingly popular, governments must work to ensure protection of basic rights — including the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association — in th... More