A/HRC/14/23 projection of negative and degrading images of women and about their unequal access to information technology. Governments were therefore called upon to empower women by enhancing their skills, knowledge, access to information technology and role in the development of new technologies. The Special Rapporteur considers that the exercise of the freedom of expression necessarily implies an increase in women’s participation in public affairs and in their involvement in decision-making on issues that may directly influence their development. 48. The existence of other effective means notwithstanding, electronic communication media are now available that allow women to disseminate information immediately and cheaply, as well as enabling them to establish contacts and networks and to organize, mobilize and inform themselves more effectively. 49. The fact that the possibility of reporting domestic violence, violence against women and child abuse now exists has a direct effect on the fight against impunity. Silence is also a form of impunity, and one way of breaking it is to ensure women’s freedom of expression. (b) Children 50. The Convention on the Rights of the Child requires Governments to ensure that children are able to exercise their right to freedom of expression (art. 13). The Special Rapporteur considers that freedom of expression is the primary channel for participation and serves as a mechanism for inclusion; this right is therefore necessarily linked to the recognition of and respect for human dignity from childhood onward. 51. The evolution of one’s own thinking, the ability to express one’s thoughts clearly and the capacity to use alternative means of expression, such as art and electronic and audiovisual means of communication, begin to be developed in childhood. Therefore, child protection programmes should make a special effort to focus on respect for children’s freedom of opinion and expression. Early stimulation and learning programmes should also be promoted, as should full access to schooling and participatory educational programmes that encourage critical thinking, the capacity for expression and a culture of peace.4 52. While upholding the right to freedom of expression, Governments have a duty to protect children from information that could undermine their dignity and development. They should therefore establish protective mechanisms and define their content, scope and implementation methods in their domestic human rights laws (see section C below on limitations). 53. Respecting children’s freedom of expression and listening to them attentively are also an important factor in combating child abuse and domestic violence and in ensuring that these acts do not go unpunished. 2. Persons living in extreme poverty: access to communication and freedom of expression 54. As poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon that restricts the exercise of all human rights, its eradication would help to ensure the realization of these rights, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to have access to new communication technologies. The limitation of this right leads to social exclusion and obstructs human development. 4 GE.10-13049 Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, General Assembly resolution 53/243. Article 1 stipulates that “[a] culture of peace is a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behaviour and ways of life based on […] [r]espect for and promotion of the right of everyone to freedom of expression, opinion and information”. 9