Freedom of expression: still a precondition for democracy? 13 and 14 October 2015, Strasbourg

The Council of Europe will hold a conference on the implication of the European Court of Human Rights case-law on freedom of expression on the Internet.

During the Conference, three key topics will be discussed:
carré orange Freedom of expression as a fundamental value of democracy
carré orange Challenges to freedom of expression posed by the Internet
carré orange The role of the European Convention on Human Rights

Participation
The freedom of expression Conference is open to Representatives of member States, members of Council of Europe expert committees, Parliamentarians, ECtHR Judges and Registry Lawyers, Journalists, national ombudspersons, cartoonists, civil society, Internet industry, academia and students; UNESCO; OSCE; EU…

Objectives
To raise awareness and command the attention of member states, private sector and civil society about the Council of Europe historical role and responsibility as a guardian of freedom of expression in Europe, to show-case the Council of Europe acquis, notably the jurisprudence of the Court.

To provide a forum for reflection and discussion on how to assess the impact of state action (legislative and non-legislative) on freedom of expression;

To build European momentum for a continued and intensified dialogue between all actors, as an imperative for the realisation of freedom of expression at all times and contexts, including in times of crisis;

To mark decisive steps towards strengthening Council of Europe collective action with other international organisations on promoting freedom of expression in Europe,in particular the Europe-wide programme to support national mechanisms to protect freedom of expression (see Secretary General’s report “State of democracy, human rights and rule of law in Europe”).

Seminars
carré orange Session 1 – Free and pluralistic public debate, a precondition for democracy; how to create an enabling environment?
carré orange Session 2 – Freedom to “offend, shock or disturb”: where do we stand?
carré orange Session 3 – The fight against terrorism: are we all potential suspects?
carré orange Sesion 4 – Protecting freedom of expression online: what is the role of intermediaires?
carré orange Session 5 – Decrypting the implications and assessing the costs of mass surveillance on freedom of expression
carré orange Session 6 – Strengthening our commitment to freedom of expression in all contexts: Policies – Actions – Tools

The conference will be webcast live on the Council of Europe web site and on this page

Source; Council of Europe

By

Robert Williams

Editor in Chief

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