African Commission publishes revised Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission) has published the revised Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Declaration). The Declaration was adopted by the African Commission at its 65th ordinary session in Banjul, The Gambia.
The Declaration has been revised to bring it in line with developments in the internet age. In this regard, the preamble contains the following provisions:
Recognizing the role of new digital technologies in the realization of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information and the role of open government data in fostering transparency, efficiency and innovation;
Affirming that the same rights that people have offline should be protected online and in accordance with international human rights law and standards;
Acknowledging that the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information using the internet are central to the enjoyment of other rights and essential to bridging the digital divide …
The Declaration is structured as follows:
- Part I: General principles.
- Part II: Freedom of expression.
- Part III: Access to information.
- Part IV: Freedom of expression and access to information on the internet.
- Part V: Implementation.
The Declaration is accessible here.
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