15/09/2022

Improving freedom of expression through the UPR

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On the 5th of September 2022, the Human Rights Council (HRC) and UNESCO held a high-level discussion on fostering freedom of expression through the UPR process.

The UPR has proven to be a human rights mechanism that serves to find solutions to today's social, economic and political challenges, including freedom of expression. During the 3rd UPR cycle there were many the recommendations on freedom of expression and safety of journalist issues as well as on access to information.

The event, moderated by UPR Info’s Programme Manager Nargiz Arupova, was an opportunity to reflect on the developments during the previous reviews, and to renew efforts towards enhanced implementation of recommendations already accepted on freedom of expression.

“By formulating targeted recommendations through the UPR, by overseeing their implementation and by assisting the building of the necessary capacity, States can help ensure that freedom of expression is upheld everywhere, that media professionals can exercise their professional activities freely and that journalists can operate in safe environments” said Ms Nada Al-Nashif, Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights at the opening of the side event.

During the event, UNESCO has launched a Guidance note for Member States on how to word recommendations in the fields of freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information. The Guidance aims at advancing the use of specific recommendations to allow for a targeted follow-up at the country level. It can therefore can also assist UN Country Teams, National Human Rights institutions (NHRIs) and civil society in their work doing so.