Implementing Freedom of Expression: A Checklist for the Implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression

Published by Article 19, this checklist is designed for civil society organisations who wish to conduct analyses of the implementation status of the African Union’s ‘Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa’. The checklist aims to allow civil society organisations working on issues relating to freedom of expression and access to information to establish the deficiencies in terms of concrete provisions for the fulfilment and protection of freedom of expression. For this reason some of the questions cover areas broader than the issue of freedom of expression itself. The checklist interprets each article of the Declaration in a comprehensive manner, providing substantial details on how freedom of expression should be fulfilled and provided for.

The checklist can be used for:

• Researching and writing shadow reports to be submitted to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• Establishing areas of focus for freedom of expression campaigns and advocacy initiatives to influence policy or legislative reviews.