Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are 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. The Constitution of the Republic of Ivory Coast places great emphasis on the country’s commitment to democratic values, respect and the protection of fundamental, individual and collective liberties. In its preamble, the Constitution states the adherence of the people of Ivory Coast to “the rights and liberties as defined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1981 African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights”. Freedom of Expression in particular is covered in articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution. As long as the law, the rights of others, national security and public order are respected, “the freedom of thought and expression, particularly the freedom of conscience, religious or philosophical opinion are guaranteed for all” by the Constitution. Moreover, the Constitution states that “everyone has the right to freely express and share their ideas”. The possession of this right is also attached to the prohibition of any propaganda whose purpose or consequence will favour a social group over another, or encourage racial or religious hatred. In line with the provisions of the Constitution, the primacy of freedom is stipulated in the media and broadcasting laws of Ivory Coast. Article 1 of the Media Act 2004-643 of 14 December 2004 hence stipulates that “the publication of any newspaper or periodical is unrestricted”. Article 4 of the said law adds that the distribution of any newspaper or periodical shall also be unrestricted. Along the same lines, the Broadcasting Act 2004-644 of 14 December 2004 stipulates that “audiovisual communication is unrestricted”. 74 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER IVORY COAST 2009