UN Human Rights Council 62: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression

UN Human Rights Council 62: UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on Freedom of Expression. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders. Thank you, Mr Vice President, We thank the Special Rapporteur for her important work and today’s report. We commend her dedication throughout her mandate during which she has been a principled and authoritative voice for the protection of freedom of expression worldwide. We express our deep appreciation for her leadership, independence, and consistent defence of journalists, human rights defenders, and open civic space. We remain committed to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, online and offline including through our role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition. This right is foundational to democratic societies, accountability and the protection of all other human rights. Digital platforms and large technology companies play an increasingly significant role in shaping public debate. Their decisions have profound implications for access to information, media pluralism, and the safety of users. We therefore support efforts to promote greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights in the design and governance of digital platforms. We will continue to engage on this important matter, working with partners to ensure that digital technologies strengthen, rather than restrict, freedom of expression. Special Rapporteur, what practical steps can states take to ensure technology companies respect freedom of expression while avoiding over-regulation or unintended restrictions on legitimate speech? Thank you