World Press Freedom Day

 Journalism can be exercised by a wide range of actors, including bloggers and others. In addition to protecting the safety and security of journalists, States have an obligation to create an enabling environment for free and independent journalism . Strong protections for journalists’ sources and whistleblowers are often a precondition for a range of journalistic activities, and critical to the public’s right to know .

 States are obliged to prohibit advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discriminaiton, hostility or violence. Efforts to combat such advocacy may be necessary to protect the freedom of expression of individuals and groups. However, any restriction on hate speech and related advocacy must nevertheless be provided by law, and necessary and proportionate to pursue a legitimate objective.