Misunderstood FoE

Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

Now this first part is all clear and understood that all humans have a right to freedom of expression but the most misunderstood and most neglected part is the second part that talks about duties, responsibilities and certain restrictions that must be taken into account while exercising this human right.

That same Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) says that the exercise of this right carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:

(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;

(b) For the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals.

Similarly, the Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) also talks about this fundamental human right.

Part 1 of the Article 10 says "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This Article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises."

Once again the most neglected part of this human rights is the Part 2 of the same Article 10 of ECHR that says "The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary."

GPUH has taken this initiative of "Misunderstood FoE" to raise awareness about this most misunderstood and most neglected part. We believe that human expression when used inappropriately can cause huge conflicts among people of different races, communities, nations and faiths. Therefore, this right must be exercised within certain limits to minimise these conflicts. Every human, community, nation and religion deserves equal amount of respect. Hence, any misuse of this right shall be condemned and stopped in the interest of peaceful living of all human race.