World Press Freedom Day

  Protecting Freedom of Expression through Comparative Global Case Law: Databases to Advance Rights . Location: Satow Room, Lerner Hall, Columbia University. Sponsored by: Columbia GFoE and UNESCO. Speakers: Catalina Botero, Columbia GFoE; Hawley Johnson, Columbia GFoE; Juan Manuel Ospina, Columbia GFoE; Daniel Ospina Celis, Dejusticia; Nelly Chepngetich Rotich, Strathmore University, Natalie Alkiviadou, Future of Free Speech; Alberto Godioli, University of Groningen; Laura Little, Temple University Law School; Raisa Carrillo, Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa; Stephen Townley, Trial Watch, Clooney Foundation for Justice. 9:00 - 10:20 AM. Panel Discussion V - Protecting Freedom of Expression through Comparative Global Case Law, Databases to Advance Rights

 Everyone has the right to hold their own opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds through any media and regardless of frontiers. The right to freedom of opinion and expression is established under article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) , under the same broad terms as article 19 of the Universal Declaration ofHuman Rights .

  States have a duty to promote and protect the free exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The right to freedom of opinion is absolute and cannot be restricted.  However, States may restrict the right to freedom of expression under very limited circumstances. According to article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , any restriction must be: • provided by law; • undertaken to respect the right or reputations of others; protect national security or public order, or protect public health or morals; and • necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate objective. “States should refrain from imposing restrictions on: discussions on government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, government activities and corruption; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or...