3UHDPEOH
Reaffirming the fundamental
importance of freedom of expression
as an individual human right, as a
cornerstone of democracy and as a
means of ensuring respect for all human
rights and freedoms;
Reaffirming Article 9 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Eights;
Desiring to promote the free flow of
information and ideas and greater
respect for freedom of expression;
Convinced that respect for freedom of
expression, as well as the right of access
to information held by public bodies
and companies, will lead to greater
public transparency and accountability,
as well as to good governance and the
strengthening of democracy;
Convinced that laws and customs that
repress freedom of expression are a
disservice to society;
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Recalling that freedom of expression is
a fundamental human right guaranteed
by the African Charter on Human
and Peoples’ Rights, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and
the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights, as well as other
international documents and national
constitutions;
Considering the key role of the media
and other means of communication
in ensuring full respect for freedom of
expression, in promoting the free flow
of information and ideas, in assisting
people to make informed decisions
and in facilitating and strengthening
democracy;
Aware of the particular importance of
the broadcast media in Africa, given
its capacity to reach a wide audience
due to the comparatively low cost of
receiving transmissions and its ability to
overcome barriers of illiteracy;