Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. Captured within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under Article 19, it is defined as follows: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without judgements, interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” However, the right to freedom of speech and expression is quickly becoming one of the most contested and restricted issues around the world today.
This volume showcases various perspectives and voices on the right to freedom of expression and speech in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly around the issues of the right to seek, impart and receive information and ideas. It explores current protests across the region and delves into the current calls for action these movements are fighting for, all while drawing attention to the intersectionalities between freedom of speech and how it ensures the whole range of human rights.
This issue of Arrow for Change includes contributions from Gayatri Khandhadai, APC's Asia policy regional coordinator, and Shubha Kayastha, the director of Body and Data, an APC member organisation in Nepal.
Read the full report here.