A/HRC/7/14
Page 28
less favoured segments of the population to take the full benefits of the new
technologies.
On freedom of expression and freedom of religion
84.
The Special Rapporteur urges media professionals, as well as the public at large,
to be conscious of the potential impact that the ideas they express may have in raising
cultural and religious sensitivities. The dissemination of intolerant and discriminatory
opinions ultimately promotes discord and conflict and is not conducive to the promotion
of human rights. Media corporations and journalists’ associations, in cooperation with
national and international organizations, should organize regular human rights training
programmes in order to enhance professional ethics and sensitivity to cultural diversity
of media professionals.
85.
The Special Rapporteur further emphasizes that, although limitations to the
right to freedom of opinion and expression are foreseen in international instruments to
prevent war propaganda and incitement of national, racial or religious hatred, these
limitations were designed in order to protect individuals against direct violations of
their rights. These limitations are not intended to suppress the expression of critical
views, controversial opinions or politically incorrect statements. Finally, they are not
designed to protect belief systems from external or internal criticism.
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