Freedom of Thought, Opinion and Expression

A Fundamental Dimension of Human Dignity

The freedom to think, form opinions, seek information and express ideas is fundamental to human dignity and to the functioning of open and democratic societies.

The Confederation of Humanitarian Nations (CNU) recognizes freedom of thought, conscience, opinion and expression as essential components of individual autonomy and responsible participation in community life.

These freedoms allow people to:

  • develop and hold their own beliefs and opinions;
  • seek and receive information;
  • exchange ideas;
  • participate in public debate;
  • question institutions and established ideas;
  • communicate cultural, scientific, artistic, political or philosophical views;
  • defend human rights peacefully.

The CNU promotes these freedoms in accordance with international human-rights law and with equal respect for the dignity and rights of others.

International Legal Foundations

Freedom of opinion and expression is recognized in major international and regional human-rights instruments.

These include:

  • Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
  • Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR);
  • Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, where applicable;
  • Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, within the scope of EU law;
  • national constitutional guarantees, including Article 21 of the Italian Constitution where Italian law applies.

These instruments do not all have the same geographical scope or legal effect.

Their application depends on the jurisdiction concerned and on the specific legal framework governing the case.

Freedom of Opinion

International human-rights law distinguishes between freedom of opinion and freedom of expression.

The freedom to hold opinions without interference is particularly strongly protected.

Individuals must be free to develop political, cultural, religious, philosophical, scientific or personal opinions without being compelled to adopt a particular belief or viewpoint.

The mere possession of an opinion must not become a basis for arbitrary punishment, discrimination or persecution.

Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression protects the ability to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through different forms and media.

It may include:

  • spoken communication;
  • written expression;
  • journalism;
  • artistic expression;
  • academic and scientific discussion;
  • religious or philosophical discourse;
  • political debate;
  • digital communication;
  • peaceful human-rights advocacy.

Protection is not limited to opinions that are popular or universally accepted.

Open societies require the possibility of disagreement, criticism and debate.

At the same time, freedom of expression carries responsibilities and is exercised within a legal framework protecting the rights and safety of others.

Freedom to Seek and Receive Information

Freedom of expression is not limited to the right to speak.

It also includes the ability to seek and receive information and ideas.

Access to reliable information is essential for:

  • informed individual decisions;
  • democratic participation;
  • public accountability;
  • scientific and cultural development;
  • protection of human rights.

The CNU therefore considers access to information, transparency and responsible communication important components of human dignity.

This does not mean that every person has an unrestricted right to every piece of information.

Legitimate restrictions may apply, for example, to personal data, professional confidentiality, protected investigations or other information subject to lawful confidentiality requirements.

Freedom of the Press

A free and plural