Freedom of expression
11. Paragraph 2 requires guarantees of the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds regardless of frontiers. This right extends to the guarantee of the expression of every form of subjective idea and opinion capable of transmission to others, subject to the provisions in article 19, paragraph 3, and article 20. It includes political discourse, commentary on one’s own and on public affairs, canvassing, discussion of human rights, journalism, cultural and artistic expression, teaching, religious discourse [and commercial advertising] The scope of paragraph 2 embraces even views that may be regarded as deeply offensive, although such expression may be restricted in accordance with the provisions of article 19, paragraph 3 and article 20.
12. Paragraph 2 protects all forms of expression and the means of their publication. Such forms include, but are not limited to, the spoken and written word and such non-verbal expression as images and objects of art. Means of expression include books, newspapers, pamphlets, posters, banners and legal submissions. They include all forms of audio-visual as well as electronic and internet-based media. Paragraph 2 does not, however, provide a right of free expression in any specific location.
13. A State party may choose one or more national or official languages, but it may not exclude, outside the spheres of public life, the freedom to express oneself in a language of one’s own choice, and article 27 of the Covenant expressly provides that persons belonging to ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of their group, to use their own language.
Freedom of expression and the media
14. A free, uncensored and unhindered press or other media is essential in any society for the ensuring of freedom of opinion and expression and the enjoyment of other Covenant
rights. It constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. The Covenant embraces a right to receive information on the part of the media as a basis on which they can carry out their function. The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion. Pursuant to article 19, the public also has the right to receive information as a corollary to the specific function of any journalist to impart information.
15. States parties must take particular care to encourage an independent and diverse media. They must also promote and protect access to the media for minority groups.
16. [States parties should ensure that public broadcasting services operate in an independent manner. Actions to ensure independence may include the setting out of the mandate of such broadcasters in law and the provision of legislative guarantees of independence and editorial freedom, as well as the provision of funding in a manner that does not undermine independence].
17. Issues concerning the media are discussed further in the section of this general comment that addresses restrictions on freedom of expression.
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/comments.htm
11. Paragraph 2 requires guarantees of the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds regardless of frontiers. This right extends to the guarantee of the expression of every form of subjective idea and opinion capable of transmission to others, subject to the provisions in article 19, paragraph 3, and article 20. It includes political discourse, commentary on one’s own and on public affairs, canvassing, discussion of human rights, journalism, cultural and artistic expression, teaching, religious discourse [and commercial advertising] The scope of paragraph 2 embraces even views that may be regarded as deeply offensive, although such expression may be restricted in accordance with the provisions of article 19, paragraph 3 and article 20.
12. Paragraph 2 protects all forms of expression and the means of their publication. Such forms include, but are not limited to, the spoken and written word and such non-verbal expression as images and objects of art. Means of expression include books, newspapers, pamphlets, posters, banners and legal submissions. They include all forms of audio-visual as well as electronic and internet-based media. Paragraph 2 does not, however, provide a right of free expression in any specific location.
13. A State party may choose one or more national or official languages, but it may not exclude, outside the spheres of public life, the freedom to express oneself in a language of one’s own choice, and article 27 of the Covenant expressly provides that persons belonging to ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with other members of their group, to use their own language.
Freedom of expression and the media
14. A free, uncensored and unhindered press or other media is essential in any society for the ensuring of freedom of opinion and expression and the enjoyment of other Covenant
rights. It constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. The Covenant embraces a right to receive information on the part of the media as a basis on which they can carry out their function. The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion. Pursuant to article 19, the public also has the right to receive information as a corollary to the specific function of any journalist to impart information.
15. States parties must take particular care to encourage an independent and diverse media. They must also promote and protect access to the media for minority groups.
16. [States parties should ensure that public broadcasting services operate in an independent manner. Actions to ensure independence may include the setting out of the mandate of such broadcasters in law and the provision of legislative guarantees of independence and editorial freedom, as well as the provision of funding in a manner that does not undermine independence].
17. Issues concerning the media are discussed further in the section of this general comment that addresses restrictions on freedom of expression.
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/comments.htm