Freedom of Expression
2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR
FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION 2001
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I - GENERAL REPORTS
A. Mandate and Competence of the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression
B. The Office of the Special Rapporteur’s Principal Activities in the Year 2001
1. Promotion and Dissemination Activities
2. Country visits
CHAPTER II-EVALUATION OF THE STATE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE HEMISPHERE
A. Introduction
B. Evaluation
C. State of Freedom of Expression in the Member States
CHAPTER III - REPORT ON ACTION WITH RESPECT TO HABEAS DATA AND THE RIGHT OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN THE HEMISPHERE
A. Introduction
B. Legal Framework
1. Right to information within the framework of the freedom of expression
2. Access to public information
3. The action of habeas data
C. Access to information in the member countries
1. Statistical analysis
2. Laws and practices on the right of access to information and the action of habeas data: information classified by country in alphabetical order
D. Final Observations
CHAPTER IV - MEDIA ETHICS
A. Introduction: Freedom of Expression and Media Responsibility
B. Acceptable government regulation of press content under the American Convention on Human Rights
1. Protection of Individuals’ Rights and Reputations
2. Protection of National Security, Public Order and Public Health or Morals
3. Accuracy of News
C. Mechanisms to encourage ethical behavior by the media without governmental involvement
1. Codes of Ethics
2. Training
3. Press councils
4. Criticism of the Media
D. Conclusion
CHAPTER V - CASES OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE INTER-AMERICAN SYSTEM
A. Inter-American Court of Human Rights
B. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
1. Cases Declared Admissible by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights during 2001
2. Precautionary Measures
CHAPTER VI - FINAL REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ANNEXES
1. Complete text of Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights
2. Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression
3. Press releases
4. Declaration of Chapultepec
5. International Mechanisms for Promoting Freedom of Expression
6. A Model Freedom of Information Law