Article 19

Definition

Article 19 refers to a provision in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that emphasizes the importance of freedom of opinion and expression. It asserts that everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. This principle is vital in protecting the concept of press freedom, as it underlines the necessity for a free press in democratic societies, enabling informed public discourse and accountability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 19 is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948, which sets a global standard for human rights.
2. The article plays a critical role in democratic societies by ensuring citizens can access information freely and engage in open dialogue.
3. Violations of Article 19 are often linked to government censorship, where authorities restrict media and control the flow of information.
4. The protection of Article 19 is essential for journalists, as it empowers them to investigate and report on issues without fear of retribution.
5. International organizations often use Article 19 as a benchmark to assess the state of press freedom in various countries around the world.

Review Questions

• How does Article 19 contribute to the concept of press freedom and why is this important for democratic societies?
  • Article 19 reinforces press freedom by establishing that everyone has the right to seek and share information without interference. This is crucial for democratic societies because a free press serves as a watchdog that holds those in power accountable, promotes transparency, and fosters informed citizenry. By protecting journalists' rights to express themselves freely, Article 19 supports an environment where diverse opinions can be heard and debated.
• Discuss the implications of violating Article 19 on society's access to information and public discourse.
  • Violating Article 19 undermines society's access to critical information and stifles public discourse. When censorship is enforced, citizens are denied the ability to seek out diverse perspectives and challenge dominant narratives. This can lead to misinformation spreading unchecked and creates an environment where authoritarianism can flourish due to a lack of scrutiny from the press. The overall health of democracy is compromised when individuals cannot freely share ideas and seek information.
• Evaluate the role of international bodies in enforcing Article 19 and promoting press freedom across different nations.
  • International bodies play a vital role in enforcing Article 19 by monitoring violations, advocating for policy changes, and providing support to journalists facing repression. Organizations like the United Nations and various NGOs actively promote awareness around press freedom issues globally. They work with governments to establish legal frameworks that protect journalists' rights while also raising public consciousness about the importance of free expression. This multifaceted approach helps create accountability and encourages countries to uphold their commitments under international law.

Related terms

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A landmark document adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, outlining fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.

Press Freedom: The right of journalists and media organizations to report news and express opinions without censorship or restraint from the government or other entities.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information that may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient by authorities.