UN Supports Restrictions on Freedom of Expression

An interesting development in this tale of the abrogation of freedom of speech in the west. On November 24, 2005, a letter was sent from the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (Asma Jahangir of Pakistan) AND the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance (Doudou Diène of Senegal) established by the Commission on Human Rights to Mary Louise Overvad, the Danish Ambassador to the UN. It makes for a very interesting read. Apparently the UN believes that limitations can be placed on the freedom of expression (which is clearly why it tolerates genocide in Sudan, which is entirely a different matter). I have transcribed the text of this letter below.

Excellency,
We have the honour to address in our capacities as Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance established by the Commission on Human Rights resolutions 2004/36 and 2005/64 respectively.

In this connection, we should like to bring to your Government's attention information we have received concerning cartoons representing the prophet Mohammad and published in a newspaper.
According to the information received, cartoons representing the prophet Muhammad in a defamatory and derogatory manner were published in the news paper Jyllands Posten in the course of September 2005. It is reported that the series of cartoons were published after a writer complained that nobody dared illustrate his book about Muhammad. Following the publication, two cartoon illustrators allegedly received death threats.

While we do not wish to prejudge the accuracy of these allegations and believing that limitations to the right to freedom of expression have to be applied in a restrictive manner, we would like to express our concern regarding actions that seem to reveal intolerance and absence of respect for the religion of others, particularly in the aftermath of 11 September 2001. Such actions may also constitute threats to the religious harmony of a society, and the source of incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence on the basis of religion which are prohibited by article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Moreover, it is our responsibility under the mandates provided to us by the Commission on Human Rights and reinforced by the appropriate resolutions of the General Assembly, to seek to clarify all cases brought to our attention. Since we are expected to report these cases to the Commission, we would be grateful for your cooperation and your observations on the following matters:

1. Are the facts alleged in the above summary of the case accurate?

2. Has a complaint been lodged by or on behalf of the persons affected by the consequences of these publications and has any judicial or administrative decision been taken so far?

3. What are the existing policy measures to promote religious tolerance and the ones to closely monitor that kind of developments?

We would appreciate a response by sixty days. We undertake to ensure that your government's response to each of these questions is accurately reflected in the reports we will submit to the Commission on Human Rights for its consideration.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration

SIGNED

Asma Jahangir
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Doudou Diene
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

I have altered the article in only one way... to bold the line about restrictions on freedom of expression (the first bolded line was done so in the original.)

I don't quite know where to begin. For one, the UN has admitted that it believes freedom of expression demands restrictions. Also, it feels that it's the UN's responsibility to act as censor to the world's press.

A previous post discusses anti-Semitic cartoons in the Arab press. How many of these letters do you suppose Asma and Doudou have sent to the ambassadors from Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and Syria and all of those Arab countries which indulge in their own unique brand of "Freedom of expression." I suspect not too many, but I could be wrong.

I think we know that this is all hypocrisy. The UN gives voice and acknowledges countries that have no business being recognized. It's mission of avoiding war is successful... and that is why we continue to have Genocide, ethnic cleansing and so on. But as long as they keep the reins on the presses around the world, they are assured of minimal criticism.