By ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission of Human Right (AICHR) committed to support ASEAN governments in proactively building cooperation among ASEAN member states to strengthen the common commitment to protect Freedom of Expression especially empowering civil society through multi-stakeholder engagement to achieve quality freedom.
Initiated by AICHR, this High-Level Dialogue held in Medan, 11-12 April 2018, attended by decision-makers, formulators and opinion-makers as well as experts from 10 ASEAN member states revealed that Freedom of Expression has been challenged in the current information era. Disinformation (including hoaxes) that quickly spreads through social media, barriers in freedom of religion and protection of vulnerable groups such as minorities, certain ethnic groups, women and children, and persons with disabilities get the attention. Hate speech and hoaxes issued by irresponsible groups harm freedom of expression, are tough to prevent and stop, and even some governments were late in responding due to various reasons. This problem should be solved cross-sectorally, by enforcing rules and educating the public to avoid believing in the wrong information and hatred.
Dr. Dinna Wisnu, the Indonesia Representative to AICHR said, “Regulations to guarantee freedom of expression grow in several ASEAN member states but the legalistic approaches intended to punish acts have limitations when they are not empowering civil society nor promoting protection of citizens and consumers. For the Indonesian context, the tendency for vulnerable freedom of expression happens during the election period. It means all stakeholders need to anticipate in order to avoid eroding the Freedom of Expression.”
Edmund Bon Tai Soon, AICHR Representative from Malaysia said, “Human rights-based approaches should be more nuanced, giving maximum space to freedom of expression while maintaining social order as stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
This Dialogue was initiated by AICHR Indonesia, Dr. Dinna Wisnu in collaboration with AICHR Malaysia, Edmund Bon Tai Soon. The participants and speakers included SOMRI (Senior Official Meeting on Responsible Information), SOMY (Senior Official Meeting on Youth), on Women and children, ACWC (ASEAN Commission for Protection and Promotion the rights of Women and Children), UNESCO, OHCHR (UN Office of High Commission on Human Rights), SEANF (ASEAN Human Rights Forum), ASEAN experts and civil society.
Source: https://aichr.org/news/press-release-aichr-high-level-dialogue-on-managing-freedom-of-expression-in-the-information-age-medan-indonesia-11-12-april-2018/. Archived at https://perma.cc/5LPQ-PZUT
