#Human Rights Day Essay competition#
WHY DOES FREEDOM OF SPEECH MATTER?
By; JeanPaul Manikuze, 23
The right to freedom of expression is crucial in a democracy. Information and ideas help inform political
debate and are essential to public accountability and transparency in government. This includes the
right to communicate and express oneself in any medium, including through words, pictures, images,
and actions (including through public protest and demonstrations)
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. It also underpins most other rights and allows
them to flourish. The right to speak your mind freely on important issues in society, access information
and hold the powers that be account, plays a vital role in the healthy development process of a society.
International, regional and national standards also recognize that freedom of expression includes any
medium, be it orally, in written, in print, through internet or through art forms.
Freedom of expression in the modern world is a characteristic attribute of the social life as it allows
people to vent their thoughts and feelings without the fear of prosecution. Moreover, it helps people to
know the ideas of others and use their talent to accomplish complex tasks. In the present era, when
social media has percolated to all walks of life, freedom of expression has become an important voice
for the common people. It has immense benefits and they are as follows:
Responsibility; a person obtaining freedom of speech tends to become responsible and also aware of
liabilities. In addition, the power transforms the society making it more progressive with gradual
evolution. It is an amazing option to express the view however racism and offending speech should be
prohibited by the government in social media.
Improvement of self-confidence; people who are suppressed from low self-esteem and incapable of
taking decisions. Government around the world should encourage the common man to express dissent
verbally as it makes the democracy vibrant. It plays a very important role in opposing the rules that are
anti-people and only aid the rich.
Innovation; freedom of expression ensures he promotion of the spirit of innovation. Countries such US
and UK provide the amenable environment to people so that they can think freely and create new
products as well as services. Care should be taken by the various communities that fascism is not
promoted in the guise of freedom.
Development of a nation; freedom of expression is instrumental in facilitating the communication
channel between the government and public. An autocratic dictator may never be able to understand
the problems of the common individuals. Prior to implementing the social scheme or the plan, the
political leadership can take the feedback of people to make changes in their social and economic lives.
Democratic countries can easily manage the dissent as they provide an outlet in the form of free speech.
If the freedom is curbed, it can give rise to armed agitations that will not only harm the nation but also
destroy the social structure.