A/HRC/12/50
the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of
the child;
(g)
To respect freedom of expression in the media and broadcasting, in particular
the editorial independence of the media;
(h)
To promote a pluralistic approach to information and multiple points of view
by encouraging a diversity of ownership of media and of sources of information, including
mass media, through, inter alia, transparent licensing systems and effective regulations on
undue concentration of ownership of the media in the private sector;
(i)
To create and permit an enabling environment in which training and
professional development of the media can be organized in order to promote and protect the
right to freedom of opinion and expression and can be carried out without threat of legal,
criminal or administrative sanction by the State;
(j)
Consistent with their human rights law obligations, to refrain from the use of
imprisonment or the imposition of fines for offences relating to the media, which are
disproportionate to the gravity of the offence;
(k)
To adopt and implement policies and programmes that aim to effectively
raise awareness of, and disseminate information and education on, prevention and treatment
of HIV/AIDS and other diseases through effective and equal access to information and all
appropriate means, including through the media and availability of information and
communication technologies, and targeted at specific vulnerable groups;
(l)
To adopt and implement laws and policies that provide for a general right of
public access to information held by public authorities, which may be restricted only in
accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
(m) To facilitate equal participation in, access to and use of information and
communications technology, such as the Internet, applying a gender perspective, and to
encourage international cooperation aimed at the development of media and information
and communication facilities in all countries;
(n)
To review their procedures, practices and legislation, as necessary, with a
view to ensure the full and effective implementation of all their obligations under
international human rights law, including to ensure that any limitations on the right to
freedom of opinion and expression are only such as are provided by law and are necessary
for the respect of the rights and reputations of others, or for the protection of national
security or of public order (ordre public) or of public health or morals;
(o)
To refrain from using counter-terrorism as a pretext to restrict the right to
freedom of opinion and expression in ways that are contrary to their obligations under
international law;
(p)
While noting that article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights provides that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities, to refrain from imposing
restrictions that are not consistent with paragraph 3 of that article, including on:
(i)
34
Discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human
rights, government activities and corruption in government; engaging in
election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including
for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or
belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups;
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