Most societies are truly based on the rule of law, elected governments rely on the judicial branch to deliver on its obligations to its citizens and to protect and promote universal human rights. As stated in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 16: Peace, stability, human rights and effective governance based on the rule of law are important conduits for sustainable development. It is therefore central that this branch is strengthened, giving it greater responsibility and relevance to address new challenges related to the Internet and freedom of expression. Such new challenges concerning the relationship between governments and social media networks have led, as one example, to the shutting down of these applications, violating freedom of expression and other correlated rights, after decisions of Courts, for instance.
Over the last few years UNESCO and the Interamerican Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression has teamed with a number of judicial systems in IberoAmerica, including supreme courts and judicial training schools and institutions in strengthening the capacities and knowledge of judicial operators hindered by new challenges associated with the Internet and freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists.
UNESCO proposes this session, in coordination with Freedom of Expression Rapporteurs and Regional Human Rights Courts, to address the role of Judiciary System in protecting Freedom of Expression in the Cyberspace. This is ground-breaking, inspiring, new work with a new group of stakeholders.
Speakers provisionally confirmed:
Botero, Catalina
Caldas, Roberto
Díaz de León, Eugenia
Lanza, Edison
Lemos, Ronaldo
