Freedom of expression – a prerequisite for human rights and the sustainable development goals
The aim of Norway’s work on freedom of expression in development policy is to strengthen freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and as a prerequisite for the realisation of other human rights and democracy.
What
Freedom of expression is a goal in itself, but it is also a prerequisite for achieving the goals set out in the sustainability agenda. Respect for freedom of expression is under strong and sustained pressure around the world. Strengthening freedom of expression is necessary in order to restore peoples’ trust in the authorities and in one another and to ensure support for democratic, inclusive and sustainable development.
Why
There is consensus in research that there has been a negative trend in democratic freedom since around 2010 and that the decline seems to be greatest when it comes to freedom of expression. Of all the indicators in the Varieties of Democracy’s indicator set, the government’s censorship of the media has seen the greatest decline over the last ten yearspress freedom index for 2024 classifies a record-high 36 countries in the bottom category (Very serious situation) for press freedom, compared to just 21 countries in 2020.
How
Norad collaborates with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement Norway’s Strategy for Freedom of Expression in Foreign and Development Policy[2] (2021). The aim of the strategy is to strengthen freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and as a pre-requisite for realising other human rights and democracy.
Who/Where
Diversity in approaches and priorities has characterised Norwegian support for freedom of expression over time and Norway’s support has a broad geographical and thematic impact. Norwegian support contributes to results at several levels: from the protection of persecuted individual journalists to system changes through improved legislation and normative frameworks at state, national and international level.
Contact
For further information, please contact the Section for Human Rights and Civil Society.
[1] V-dem_democracyreport2023_lowres.pdf
[2] Strategy for Freedom of Expression in Foreign and Development Policy - regjeringen.no