Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.13: Freedom of Thought and Expression

This chapter highlights Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which protects the freedom of thought and of expression. It covers the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds as specified under Article 13-1. The medium or form of the expression is irrelevant, as suggested by the provision. Freedom of expression is considered as a key element for individual autonomy and a major tool for the functioning of democracy, based on the core values of pluralism, transparency, and tolerance. Freedom of expression is also perceived as a pre-condition for the exercise of all other fundamental rights such as political rights (Article 23 of the ACHR), freedom of association (Article 16), and freedom of conscience and of religion (Article 12). Without an effective protection of Article 13, these other rights are weakened, pluralism is silenced, and totalitarian regimes may thrive.