Recommendation on the Freedom of Expression in Africa
We the participants of the Forum of NGOs participating at the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 10th African Human Rights Book Fair held at Ngor Diarama Hotel, from November 20 – 22, 2004,
Deeply concerned about the state of freedom of expression in many African Countries;
Noting with concern the continued harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, exiled and the execution of journalists in the continent;
Considering the hostile environment in which journalist in the continent carry out their work;
Worried about the negative use of the media in ethnic and religious issues by warlords, politicians and other members of civil society;
The Forum recommends that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights:
- appoint of a Special Rapporteur on Freedom of expression.
- Provide adequate resources for the Rapporteur to effectively carry out his/her mandate.
- ensure that press laws and constitutional provisions on the continent are in conformity with the African Charter and with international principles regarding the media.
Done in Dakar, November 22nd, 2004
