UN Human Rights Council 62: UK General Comment on the draft resolution on freedom of expression

UN Human Rights Council 62: UK General Comment on the draft resolution on freedom of expression
UK General Comment on the draft resolution on freedom of expression. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
Thank you, Mr President
The UK is pleased to join consensus on this important resolution and thanks the Core Group for its leadership throughout the negotiations. Freedom of opinion and expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, accountability, and the protection of all human rights.
At a time when journalists, media workers, human rights defenders, and civil society actors face growing threats, this resolution sends a clear signal that they must be able to carry out their work freely and safely. The strengthened language on safety of journalists, combating impunity, transnational repression, and strategic lawsuits against public participation is welcome.
We particularly welcome the resolution’s strong recognition of the barriers that women and girls continue to face in exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression. The strengthened language on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, digital inequalities, and the importance of women’s and girls’ full, equal, meaningful and safe participation online and offline is especially important.
We welcome the resolution’s focus on digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and information integrity. Responses to disinformation must remain rooted in international human rights law while promoting transparency, accountability, and access to reliable information.
As co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition alongside Finland, the UK remains steadfast in its commitment to media freedom worldwide and is proud once again to support this resolution.
Thank you.