Everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas without fear or interference.

Freedom of expression is one of our most fundamental rights. It is fundamental to the existence of any open society or government; it is fundamental to the respect of human dignity; and vital for the fulfillment of other human rights. Freedom of expression gives us a voice to challenge injustice and the status quo. For this reason, it is also one of the most threatened rights.

There are a wealth of individuals and organizations around the world seeking to uphold and promote these rights.

They speak truth to power, when governments use 'national security' as an excuse to stifle political opposition and criticism. In recent years, heightened fears about terrorism and security have been invoked to justify increased repression of individuals and groups exercising their right to free expression.

They work on behalf of thousand of prisoners of conscience - people imprisoned and oppressed because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, ethnic origin, sex, skin-color, language, national or social origin, economic status, birth, sexual orientation or more.

What can we do?

Among those standing up for our 'Freedom of Expression' is Every Human Has Rights campaign partner PEN, formed in 1921 to support 'poets, essayists and novelists', which helped to define the concept of freedom of expression contained in Article 19 of the UDHR. The struggle to protect and promote this right is as important today as it was when the right was defined in the aftermath of World War Two.

International PEN brings together writers, journalists, poets - all those using the written word to promote ideas - in the common belief that it is through this sharing that bridges of understanding can be built between peoples. These bridges cross political, geographical, ethnic, cultural, religious and other divides. For this reason, the protection of the right to freedom of expression - the freedom to express ideas without fear of attack, arrest or other persecution - has always been at the heart of International PEN's work.

The Elders' Every Human Has Rights campaign is also pleased to highlight other campaign partners' work promoting Freedom of Expression. Internews partnered with the campaign to create this public service announcement for World Press Freedom Day. Witness, in addition to providing their video Hub, put on an event to showcasing some of the best grassroots human-rights reporting from around the world, as part of the PEN World Voices Festival.

Every person makes a difference!

Start today to live by the principles of the UDHR by pledging to stand up for our Freedom of Expression!

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