SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the constitution and supported by other pieces of legislation. Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution in Benin. Article 23 of the Constitution, quoted by the members of the panel, confirms this in the following terms: “Every person has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, creed, opinion and expression with respect for the public order established by law and regulations”. Article 24 stresses the freedom of the press and stipulates that “freedom of the press shall be recognised and guaranteed by the state. It shall be protected by the High Authority of Audio-Visuals (sic) and Communications under the conditions fixed by an organic law”. The panel also referred to the provisions of Article 142 which indicates that “The High Authority of Audio-Visuals (sic) and Communication shall have as its mission to guarantee and assure the freedom and the protection of the press, as well as all of the means of mass communication with respect to the law (sic)”. Concerning legislation on the freedom of expression, members of the panel are of the opinion that Benin is well provided for. But they point out that the existence of such legislation does not imply its effective application. Moreover, the country does not yet have a law on access to information. A group of civil society organisations and media led by the Benin section of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Bénin) is working on a bill that has not yet been tabled at the National Assembly. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 64 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BENIN 2014 4.4 (2007=3.3 ; 2009=3.6 ; 2011=3.6)