All of the UN’s member states express a desire to follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which, among other things, states that:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. (Article 19)
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. (Part of Article 20)
Task of examining
Freedom of expression, such as in a long-term free and independent media, is central to democracy.
Journalists have a key role in examining those in power and revealing poor conditions. Sida has contributed towards training many thousands of journalists, such as in Belarus, so they can receive the tools they need. Development assistance also goes to organizations that work for better media laws and improved working conditions for journalists. We also work to increase security for journalists in conflict zones and for imprisoned journalists to be freed.
In some countries, it is not possible for journalists who are critical of regimes to perform their work. Many are forced to leave their countries and continue their work in exile. Sida is supporting some exile radio stations that are working for democratic change in their home countries.
Sri Lanka is the democracy ranked worst in Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index and many journalists have been killed. Sweden, Norway and Denmark are providing support to the Sri Lanka Press Institute to promote peace in the country.
In countries where there has recently been a war and in new democracies, the media can play an important role in stopping the spread of rumours and highlighting conflicts from various perspectives. Conflicts can be subdued by a reduction in tensions between different interest groups if everyone’s voice is heard. The media also has an important task in monitoring the interests of vulnerable population groups.
Authors, actors, artists and other cultural figures also play an important role in expanding the room for debate and diversity in public discussions.
Internet reduces isolation
Mobile phones and the internet have opened up new possibilities for democracy. It is becoming more difficult for authoritarian societies to stop information from seeping in from the outside world. Sida is providing support for efforts that will make it easier for poor people to use such communications channels.
In many countries, the radio is the most important source of information for people who live in poverty. Radio is an effective and cheap way to reach out to people and to be able to broadcast in several languages. One example is Indonesia, where Sida has been contributing to radio broadcasts for many years.
Freedom of expression is of great importance to human rights. It is about giving people the power and freedom to place demands on how the state and authorities manage their tasks. In this way, freedom of expression can play an important role in how other rights – such as clean water, having a roof over your head and health care – can benefit poor people.
Sida is now focusing even more on freedom of expression and other civil and political rights, such as the right to vote, local democracy, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.
Contact people: Pia Hallonsten and Christina Dahlman (e-mail: 
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