18 June 2003
OAS MEETING REAFFIRMS IMPORTANCE OF FREE EXPRESSION
Governments across the Americas have reaffirmed the importance of free expression and access to information as essential components of democracy by issuing a declaration calling for a "new commitment of governance" for the continent, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).
At the annual meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Santiago, Chile, bringing together ministers of foreign affairs from more than 35 countries, ministers issued the Declaration of Santiago on Democracy and the People's Trust. I
t contained this clause: "Recognizing that democracy is made stronger with full respect for freedom of expression, access to information and the free dissemination of ideas, and that all sectors of society, including the news media through the plurality of information that they disseminate, can contribute to a climate of tolerance for all views, foster a culture of peace and strengthen democratic governance."
IAPA sent a delegation to the meeting on 8 June to lobby for such a clause and focus attention on press-freedom violations in Venezuela and Cuba. It welcomed the declaration, saying the OAS "has given clear indications of its commitment to freedom of the press and expression."
However, IAPA also noted that the imprisonment of 28 independent journalists in Cuba and what it called a lack of press freedom in Venezuela were a reminder that "we are still a long way from being able to enjoy press freedom throughout the Americas."
The OAS general assembly also adopted a resolution on Access to Public Information and Strengthening of Democracy, which obliges member states to "respect and promote respect for everyone?s access to public information and to promote the adoption of any necessary legislative or other types of provisions to ensure its recognition and effective application."
The resolution instructed the OAS Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Eduardo Bertoni, to continue including in his annual report an update on access to public information in the Americas.
Read the full declaration: http://www.oas.org/xxxiiiga/english/docs/agdoc4224_03rev3.pdf
Read IAPA's statement: http://www.sipiapa.com/pressreleases/chronologicaldetail.cfm?PressReleaseID=961
Visit these links:
- OAS Special Rapporteur on Free Expression: http://www.cidh.oas.org/Relatoria/English/PressRel03/PRelease8003.htm
- OAS Special Rapporteur's 2002 Annual Report on Free Expression in the Americas:
http://www.cidh.oas.org/Relatoria/English/AnnualReports/AR02/TableofContent2002.htm
- Inter-American Commission on Human Rights: http://www.cidh.oas.org/defaultE.htm
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