The SRFOE publishes updated edition of the “Inter-American Legal Framework on the Right to Freedom of Expression”

Key Details

  • Region
    Latin-America and Caribbean

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has published an updated version of its Inter-American Legal Framework on the Right to Freedom of Expression. Originally released in 2009 under the mandate of Special Rapporteur Catalina Botero, the document compiles the standards developed by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the IACHR, and the RELE to protect freedom of expression in the region.

The update edition includes the recognition of new categories of specially protected speech, such as speech on environmental matters and speech denouncing gender-based violence. It also addresses the role of freedom of expression in relation to trade union rights and the defense of labor rights, as well as jurisprudential developments affirming the incompatibility of criminal legislation aimed at protecting the honor of public officials from critical commentary. The document further addresses strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), the scope of unprotected speech, including advocacy of hatred that constitutes incitement to violence.

Moreover, the report highlights specific standards on the right to freedom of expression online, recognition of the right to protest, protection of the speech of groups in vulnerable situations, the role of community radio stations for media diversity, and the importance of positive measures to ensure the freedom of expression of women journalists.

Through this report, the RELE seeks to provide tools for States and civil society actors to contribute to the protection of freedom of expression, reaffirming its vital role as a cornerstone of democracy in the Americas.

At this time, only the Spanish edition is available.

Click here to read the RELE press release.

Authors

Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights