UN commission OAS comment on Wikileaks

www.cidh.oas.org...

December 21, 2010 – In light of ongoing developments related to the release of diplomatic cables by the organization Wikileaks, and the publication of information contained in those cables by mainstream news organizations, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression see fit to recall a number of international legal principles. The rapporteurs call upon States and other relevant actors to keep these principles in mind when responding to the aforementioned developments.

The right to access information held by public authorities is a fundamental human right subject to a strict regime of exceptions.

A little bit fence-sitty on some of the points and vague on "protected interests" but quite firm on the need to protect journalists, whistleblowers and their value to society.

Direct or indirect government interference in or pressure exerted upon any expression or information transmitted through any means of oral, written, artistic, visual or electronic communication must be prohibited by law when it is aimed at influencing content. Such illegitimate interference includes politically motivated legal cases brought against journalists and independent media, and blocking of websites and web domains on political grounds. Calls by public officials for illegitimate retributive action are not acceptable.

I like the sentiment, but since when does anyone really respect the 'wishes' of the UN? The UN will be ineffectual so long as the US and Israel blatantly ignore it's resolutions. And any country that is affected by it's sanctions points to the real weakness of that nation.

In the hierarchy of importance, the UN falls somewhere between modern western societies and OPEC countries, and the rest of the world. A sad little organization, really.

To be honest, I'd agree with you solely based on the length and absurdity of the title of this office

"When I grow up, I want to be a Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection
the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression"

Is a rapporteur a reporter who develops good rapport?

It want do any good. But I applaud them for trying.

Thats probably ended a few careers of people we'll never know.

Originally posted by justwokeup
Thats probably ended a few careers of people we'll never know.

If that happens, the thought of it is a little awe-inspiring. Someone standing up, clearing their throat quietly and giving this declaration even though the room is buzzing with other conversation and noone is really listening. Then, just as quietly, they are escorted out the door. Resignedly. I feel all solemn thinking about it..