Article 19

Definition

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) protects the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It states that everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference and to express them freely, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media. This article underscores the significance of open dialogue and communication in fostering a democratic society and highlights the importance of media and information in promoting human rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Article 19 is vital for democracy as it supports informed public debate and political participation.
2. This article is essential for the protection of journalistic freedom, allowing reporters to seek and disseminate information without fear of repression.
3. International human rights laws reference Article 19 as a fundamental guideline for evaluating freedom of expression across different nations.
4. Article 19 also emphasizes that restrictions on freedom of expression must be prescribed by law and necessary for a legitimate aim, such as national security or public order.
5. The interpretations of Article 19 have evolved, expanding its scope to include digital communication and social media platforms in recent years.

Review Questions

• How does Article 19 contribute to the functioning of a democratic society?
  • Article 19 contributes to democracy by ensuring that individuals can express their opinions freely and participate in public discourse. This freedom allows citizens to hold their governments accountable, promote diverse viewpoints, and engage in open discussions about societal issues. By protecting freedom of expression, Article 19 fosters an environment where informed debates can take place, which is essential for a healthy democratic process.
• Discuss the implications of censorship on the rights outlined in Article 19.
  • Censorship significantly undermines the rights protected under Article 19 by limiting individuals' ability to express their thoughts and access diverse information. When governments impose restrictions on free speech or limit media coverage, they create an environment where citizens are unable to engage fully with societal issues or challenge prevailing narratives. This stifling effect can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency, making it crucial to oppose censorship in order to uphold the principles of freedom enshrined in Article 19.
• Evaluate how Article 19 interacts with emerging technologies and the digital landscape.
  • Article 19's application has expanded with the rise of digital technologies and social media platforms, necessitating a reevaluation of how freedom of expression is understood in this context. The rapid spread of information online raises new challenges regarding misinformation, hate speech, and privacy concerns. Evaluating Article 19 in this digital age involves balancing the need for free expression while protecting individuals from harmful content. As societies navigate these complexities, it's essential to uphold the core principles of Article 19 while adapting them to fit contemporary communication channels.

Related terms

Freedom of Speech: The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint, closely linked to Article 19 of the UDHR.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech or writing that is considered objectionable, often in conflict with the rights protected under Article 19.

Right to Information: The entitlement of individuals to access information held by public authorities, reinforcing the principles established in Article 19.