Post by Sheynat on Dec 28, 2008 8:42:56 GMT -5
Freedom of Expression
A resolution to increase democratic freedoms.
Category: Furtherment of Democracy
Strength: Mild
Proposed by: Omigodtheykilledkenny
Description: Assured that freedom of expression is an essential human right deserving of international protection;
Determined that no one should have to put their lives, families, liberty or property at risk for expressing honest dissent with, otherwise criticizing or even satirizing their leaders, governments, societies, churches or any other institutions of established power;
Chastened by the sacrifices already made by prisoners and victims of conscience throughout the world;
Nonetheless convinced that free expression does not extend to such abuses as defamation, incitements to disorder, or academic fraud;
Agreed that for purposes of this resolution defamation is defined as the use of knowingly false information, or the raising of such with reckless disregard for its truthfulness, in a deliberate attempt to impugn the character or reputation of any individual, group or organization, excepting government institutions or political leaders,
Be it therefore resolved that the World Assembly:
Affirms the right of all people to express their personal, moral, political, cultural, religious and ideological views freely and openly, without fear of reprisal;
Requires member states to respect and uphold this right in all available media to all individuals under their jurisdiction;
Expects member states to enforce this right fairly and equitably in the application of national laws;
Allows member states to set reasonable restrictions on expression in order to prevent defamation, as well as plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement, and other forms of academic fraud; incitements to widespread lawlessness and disorder, or violence against any individual, group or organization; the unauthorized disclosure of highly classified government information; the unauthorized disclosure of strictly confidential personal information; and blatant, explicit and offensive pornographic materials;
Forbids member states from abusing these restrictions in an effort to stifle free expression among law-abiding citizens.
Votes For: 254
Votes Against: 84
[Delegate Votes]
Voting Ends: Thu Jan 1 2009
