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  Freedom of information, opinion and expression

The UN General Assembly adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on 16 December 1966.

ICCPR Article 19 states:

1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
   ( a ) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
   ( b ) For the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health or morals.