UNAMI: Freedom of expression is essential for democratic societies

INA-  Baghdad


The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said on Wednesday that freedom of expression is essential to the functioning of all democratic societies.

A statement by UNAMI on the occasion of the 30th World Press Freedom Day, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "this year's celebration of World Press Freedom Day was carried out under the slogan 'Building a future based on rights: press freedom is the focus of human rights'.

"Freedom of expression is fundamental to the functioning of all democratic societies, and free and independent media promote a healthy exchange of ideas and opinions, they do not only increase transparency, but are also an important tool to inform authorities and leaders when their policies do not have the intended impact, in order to enable institutions to adapt and thus thrive," the statement added.

"The United Nations across the country continues to document ongoing cases of harassment and intimidation, as well as cases of reprisals carried out either by legal means or by violence against those exercising their right to freedom of expression," it said.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, stressed that "silencing, obstructing, excluding or undermining public discourse achieves only two things: tarnishing the image of the state and undermining public trust," noting that "this leads to a severe effect, hindering open and public dialogue."

 She continued that "It is essential to ensure that anyone can express themselves freely and without fear of reprisals, and this includes ensuring that the legal framework protects speech rather than unduly restricting it, and when laws are used to silence them, freedom of expression is placed under serious threat, undermining one of the building blocks of a democratic society."

"The United Nations remains committed to supporting Iraqis in defending freedom of expression and other fundamental rights,” she added.