Swedish exhibition on the ‘Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Freedom of Speech’ at the end of the 1026th Deputies meeting

Speech by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Strasbourg, 15 May

I thank Sweden for marking the beginning of its Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers with an exhibition about human rights, and particularly about freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of any truly democratic society. I believe that it sets the tone for the next six months, and I am looking forward to an energetic and explicit defense and promotion of the values of the Council of Europe.

Freedom of expression is becoming a central issue in our efforts to ensure full compliance of all our member states with standards set by the European Convention on Human Rights. Only two weeks ago, we marked World Press Freedom Day, and I used that opportunity to express my concern about restrictions to the freedom of expression and media which are far too often seen immediately before and during elections.

I also continue to be very concerned about physical attacks on journalists and the practice of using laws of criminal defamation to silence voices of dissent and disagreement.

Another issue related to freedom of expression, which the Council of Europe should examine is the effect of concentration of the media. The media have tremendous influence on public opinion. If ownership is controlled by a small group of private owners or political godfathers - it will inevitably influence the democratic process.

As Secretary General of the Council of Europe, I defend the freedom of expression as defined by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. And that applies also to cases when the right to freedom of expression serves to disseminate offensive views, and we have had quite a number of them in the recent times. Article 10 envisages some possibilities of restrictions to freedom of expression, but these should be decided by courts, not politicians. At the same time, that does not mean that I approve or defend the practice of gratuitously offending our fellow citizens. It is not illegal, but it is wrong even though the exercise of the freedom of expression, however offensive and irresponsible it may be, can never justify extremism and can never excuse violence.

In fact, the best way to reduce tensions and prevent violence is to ensure that human rights – and that includes the freedom of expression – are respected and protected, all the time in all situations for everyone, regardless of religious beliefs or political opinions, and without second thoughts and politically motivated footnotes. And in my view, mutual respect is a human right. Without mutual respect and human rights, there is no democracy, there is no stability and there is no security. We need to be constantly reminded of this simple truth, and I believe that the Swedish Chairmanship will not miss an opportunity to make that point.