OAS :: Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression

Quote of the day

Attacks on journalists are specifically intended to silence them, and so they also constitute violations of the right of a society to have free access to information.

Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Mexico

Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression

The Office of the Special Rapporteur was created to stimulate awareness of the importance of the full observance of the right to freedom of expression and information in the hemisphere, given the fundamental role that this right plays in the consolidation and advancement of the democratic system.

During the Second Summit of the Americas the Heads of State and Government of the Americas recognized the fundamental role of freedom of thought and expression, and noted their satisfaction regarding the creation of the Special Rapporteurship and expressed their commitment to support the Office. During the Third Summit of the Americas, held in Quebec City, Canada, the Heads of State and Government ratified the mandate of the Office of the Special Rapporteur. The OAS General Assembly has on various occasions expressed its support for the work of the Office of the Special Rapporteur and entrusted it with follow-up or analysis of issues related to freedom of expression.

In the same way, since its beginnings, the Office of the Special Rapporteur has also had the support of civil society organizations, the media, journalists and, most importantly, individuals who have been victims of violations of the right to freedom of thought and expression. They, in turn, have viewed the Office of the Special Rapporteur as an important source of support to reestablish the safeguards necessary for the exercise of their rights or to ensure just reparations as warranted by their particular situation.