Belfast 2008
Resolution on the freedom of speech
The congress of the Liberal International convening from May 15-17th 2008 in Belfast, Northern Ireland:
Reaffirming the importance of freedom of expression, as guaranteed under international law through numerous human rights instruments, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 3 of the Oxford Manifesto.
Considering that the individual freedom to express oneself is among the most fundamental principles of liberalism, as outlined by great liberal thinkers such as Voltaire and John Stuart Mill, also and especially when disagreeing with others.
Emphasizing that freedom of speech is an inherent aspect of democracy and that suppressing or ex-ante confining this right weakens democratic societies;the decision to express an opinion rests with the individual holding that opinion, recognizing that there are legal limits to the right to freedom of speech but that these legal hurdles should be as low as possible.
Considering that the freedom of expression serves to protect all expressions of religion and life principles, especially those of minorities.
Recognizing that, according to the UNDP 2007 annual report and The Wall Street Journal Index of Economic Freedom 2008, adhering to the principle of freedom of expression and other democratic principles create favorable conditions for economic development and prosperity of citizens.
Also concerned that some governments have used repercussions against countries of citizens that have exercised their right to freedom of expression as an argument to discourage individuals from expressing their opinion instead of using the tumultuous responses worldwide as an opportunity to underline the importance of the freedom of speech and urge countries worldwide to embrace this principle.
Also concerned that religious fundamentalists have cynically encouraged such repercussions as a gross overreaction to publications of opinions which they could and should have respected.
Ask its member parties to:
a. Consider this resolution as a statement of liberal parties worldwide to promote and defend the right of each individual to speak, write and express themselves freely on any issue of their choice.
b. Maintain discussion on freedom of expression with those who are trying to limit it about the value and importance of this right for democracy and economic development.
c. Urge their governments to refrain from imposing further restrictions on the freedom of speech in circumstances of uncertainty and to remove any existing legislation which imposes undue restrictions on the freedom of speech.
d. Urge their governments to commit themselves to promoting solidarity with countries upholding this right to their own detriment (e.g. in the case of boycotts) while not tolerating countries that restrict the freedom of expression of their own civilians as a pre-emptive measure.
e. Urge people to use their right of freedom of speech responsibly.
f. Urge all governments not to discourage or use pressure of any kind against the exercise by any persons (whether their own citizens or not) of their right to freedom of expression.
