A/HRC/4/27 page 6 an increasing number of countries, of legislation concerning the decriminalization of charges related to defamation, libel and slander. Nonetheless, the slowness of this trend cruelly displays the difficulty of abandoning deleterious habits related to the preservation of political and economic influence. B. Press releases1 13. On 8 February 2006, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Doudou Diène, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, and the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression made a special call for tolerance and dialogue regarding the publication of representations of the Prophet Muhammad by the media in some countries and the reactions it prompted in various parts of the world. The Special Rapporteurs noted that article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects religion or belief as one of the essential rights. They also recalled that respect for the right to freedom of expression as articulated in article 19 of the same instrument constitutes a pillar of democracy and reflects a country’s standard of justice and fairness. While both rights should equally be respected, the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities: it requires good judgement, tolerance and a sense of responsibility. 14. On 24 March 2006, the Special Rapporteur issued a statement welcoming the release of journalist and writer Akbar Ganji, whom he met in November 2003 at the Evin Prison while visiting the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Rapporteur paid tribute to Mr. Ganji’s strength and determination, stating that he can be an example and an encouragement for the numerous intellectuals, students, journalists and writers imprisoned because of their opinions. 15. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2006, the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression of the Organization of American States, Ignacio Álvarez; the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Miklos Haraszti; and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Faith Pansy Tlakula, commended the central role the press has been playing for the progression of democracy and human rights throughout the world. In 2006, the World Press Freedom Day also shed light on the link between freedom of the press and poverty eradication. The four Special Rapporteurs noted that a free and independent media is a key to combat poverty, as journalists serve as a medium to ensure unhindered circulation of ideas and promotion of education and awareness, thus providing more opportunities for a better future. 1 The full text of the statements is available on http://www.unog.ch/unog/website/ news_media.nsf/.