Resolution on Protecting the Right of Free Speech
16th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA – PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM
21 – 24 January 2008, Auckland, New Zealand
Resolution on Protecting the Right of Free Speech
APPF16/RES/20
(Sponsored by New Zealand)
THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM
Recalling that Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948, asserts the right of all people to freedom of opinion and expression;
Supporting the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in building human rights capacity at the regional level;
Recognising the importance of free speech in allowing full participation in society;
Accepting the universality, indivisibility, inter-relatedness and inter-dependence of human rights;
RESOLVES TO:
- Reaffirm the fundamental right of all people to free speech;
- Call on all member countries to ratify core human rights treaties;
- Encourage the development of national human rights institutions, the adoption of national plans of action, and increased human rights education and awareness-raising.
