U.S. SPONSORS U.N. PLAN TO RESTRICT FREE SPEECH

November 11, 2009

APN Newsletter

A proposal sponsored by the Obama administration at the United Nations seeks protection for "freedom of opinion and expression" whilst actually calling for a worldwide crackdown on freedom of speech. The United States led resolution, demands that nations condemn and criminalize any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence. Critics are alarmed that the United States is pursuing a plan that would protect "freedom of opinion and expression" by cracking down on statements critical of other religions.  

The resolution cites the "right to freedom of opinion and expression" as "one of the essential foundations of a democratic society." It also expresses deep concern over "violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression." and cites the responsibility of states to "encourage free, responsible and mutually respectful dialogue." The resolution then demands "that all states take measures to prevent such violations, by ensuring that national laws comply with international human rights obligations."  

An Egyptian spokesman told the assembly, that freedom of expression sometimes has been "misused to proliferate negative racial and religious stereotyping and incitement to racial and religious hatred." He said "This resolution condemns 'negative stereotyping of religions and racial groups,' an oblique reference to jihad doctrine and Islamic suprematism. Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic States, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, warned, "We want a clear message sent to the West regarding the line they cannot cross" regarding free speech about Islam and terrorism."  

In practice, hate speech laws are used in most of the world to silence dissent, not protect vulnerable minorities." The 57 member nations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have lobbied for the "anti-defamation" plan, which is based on the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam, since 1999. The Cairo declaration states "that all rights are subject to Shariah law, and makes Shariah law the only source of reference for human rights."

Source: The Jakarta Globe