Global Crisis of Freedom of Expression - Special Rapporteur | Press Conference | United Nations

Deadly attacks on journalists in Gaza and double standards and discrimination against those advocating for Palestinian rights have created a global crisis of freedom of expression, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression said.
Presenting her report to the General Assembly, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, highlighted the widespread violations of freedom of expression arising from the conflict in Gaza, including the killing of journalists in Gaza, the crushing of protests worldwide against the carnage, the muzzling of Palestinian advocacy and the upsurge of disinformation, misinformation and hate speech online and offline.
Speaking to reporters in New York today (18 Oct), Khan said, “The target killings of journalists, arbitrary detention of dozens of them, the extensive destruction of press facilities and equipment in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists, as you know, I think only one has been permitted to enter by Israel. The banning of Al Jazeera, the tightening of censorship within Israel and in the Occupied Territories, seem to indicate a strategy of the Israeli authorities to silence critical journalism and obstruct documentation of possible international crimes. We all know the deliberate killing of a journalist is a war crime, yet not a single killing of a journalist this past year, or for that matter, in previous years in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has ever been properly investigated, prosecuted or punished. Impunity is total.”
The Special Rapporteur also said, “Bans, including some blanket bans of pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been imposed in many European countries. Campus protests, as you know, in the United States earlier this year, were crushed harshly. Public display of Palestinian national symbols like the flag or the keffiyeh and certain slogans have been prohibited, even criminalized in some countries. Such blanket discriminatory prohibitions of speech, protest and slogans are inherently incompatible with international human rights because they fail to meet the test of necessity, proportionality and the principle of non-discrimination.”
Khan added, “We also see the silencing and sidelining of dissenting voices in academia and in the arts. Some of the best academic institutions in the world, as you know, have failed to ensure equal protection to all members of their academic communities, whether Jewish, Palestinian, Israeli, Arab, Muslim or otherwise, and intellectual intercourse has been diminished. Artistic freedom is being censored in many institutions in Western countries.”
She said, “While Arabs, Jewish Israelis and Palestinians are all targeted online, many companies, most companies, actually have shown a bias in their responses. As far as I could see, all of them were showing a bias in their responses, being more lenient regarding Israel and more restrictive about Palestinian expression. And from what I can see, it seems that inherently biased policies, opaque, inconsistent content moderation and heavy reliance on automated tools have led to this over restrictive, unbalanced content moderation.”
The Special Rapporteur also said, “Online and offline, international legal standards are being distorted and misinterpreted to conflate criticism of Israel and Zionism with anti-semitism. Anti-semitism is racial, the worst form of racial and religious hatred of Jews, and must be unequivocally condemned. But conflating protected speech which is political criticism with prohibited speech which is hate speech undermines the fight against anti-semitism, and it also chills freedom of expression.”
Khan added, “The point I want to make is equality is a fundamental principle of human rights, and States, companies and private institutions are obliged uphold that right to equality in the context of the right to freedom of expression of all persons, and any restriction, there are very clear guidelines laid down in international law as how they should be made and those guidelines are not being followed.”
The Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

[@DonaldMischenko]

The lack of participation in this and other meetings is shameful to all nations that are not in attendance

[@Steph_7d7]

The un is working with the wef now if you haven't heard, thats why no one cares about the un anymore, it's the opposite of united and the opposite of free speech.

[@kj6bbs]

people are scared to speak out against Israel, and based on its recent history, and all throughout, it's not surprising why people don't attend these meetings.

[@lone_ranger]

I noticed this too, but while i believe what @kj6bbs says is true, we do not know who is watching this Video or was watching the live Broadcast, so there might well be hundreds if not thousands of Journalists alone that have watched ...

[@theartistinspire]

Thank you for this report - the freedom of expression must be protected world wide!

[@waratahtoba8426]

Such a monumental presentation and so many vacant seats!

[@moudzy1446]

Thank you Ms. khan for your humility, knowledge, and contribution to society.

[@diewahrheit24]

Thank you for advocating for human rights and freedom of speech in the Middle East and in the world.

[@TigestHillu]

Freedom of expression is a global value not a regional asset. Thank you indeed for your voice for voiceless groups.

[@alcooper6186]

Well said

[@LoveofHumanityDemocracy]

The Worldwide Weapons Smuggling Business by Israel 🇮🇱 USA 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 EU 🇪🇺

[@JazMin1979-p6d]

Sad to see so few attending this talk. Love the words of the rapporteur but wish the UN could wield some action over and above words.

[@Sundancer09]

Agreed, but I only came across this by chance. I'm British, and our government arrests journalists who oppose their complicity in the genocide of Palestinians. Our media is censored in violation of our own laws! KZbin is also deleting pro-Palestinian comments.

[@dadaimiza]

Thank you for your report. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@desireebroughton5157]

Thank you

[@LouisSmans]

Freedom of speech !

[@Steph_7d7]

This really isn't the place or people that care about free speech, if you haven't heard the un has sided with the wef to advance wef agenda 2030 by five years and has endorsed anti free speech measures ever since by means of affiliation with the wef and the scripted industrial media. They're just a political donkey show now. Do your homework, they won't be doing it for you

[@CAT4U2C]

I am Canadian and I have already voiced my concerns with my Canadian government and did not get any reply BACK! as a citizen of this country my charter of rights are being violated during this crucial time in the world where you have to have a voice! My freedom of expression has been gagged by Instagram and the X platform and KZbin. And no one is doing anything about this. I’m very frustrated and disgusted.🎉

[@Sundancer09]

Same here in the UK where our government is now Zionist and they're arresting our journalists for supporting Palestinians.

[@SheCamp]

Absolutely right absolutely right

[@MagisterHenrik]

Thank you for very interesting and important information.

[@AkaluTefera]

❤Freedom For The People Of The World❤

[@acobbongcarawan7975]

God bless the UN Special Rapporteur for her comprehensive speech of reality w/o lies.

[@SheCamp]

She's absolutely right. They should be protected and considered. Essential workers

[@andynewfriends]

You don't need to have a PHD to know what she reported. The question is how you fix this.

[@csmith320]

How do we turn this report into action against Israeli government?

[@Sundancer09]

Also our own governments, as highlighted.

[@Ms-ti6zp]

You tuɓe won't let me like this video about freedom of expression. How ironic😂

[@jaimesald]

IS STATE INSTITUTION REPRESENTING HONESTLY THE PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD?

[@rightsofasia]

Action speaks louder than words UN can't do anything against Israel because of so-called veto power of the US and Europe.

[@Sundancer09]

Precisely. The UN must end the power of veto.

[@Mahle77]

When are you planning to help Palestine? How much longer you will be sitting on your hands and just watch? What happened to the attest warrants for Israel's top criminals? People are dying by masses and suffering beyond comprehension, if you have not noticed.

[@Sundancer09]

They're doing what they can while having their hands tied by the UN Security Council veto of the USA. This genocide wouldn't be possible without this American control of the UN.

[@madeleinegybels5389]

In Belgium we dad a pro Palestine protests together whit joodish against the killing in gaza and Lebanon

[@wolfgangchristianharings6256]

K-Rino and his Song :" Written in Blood "explain the Problem

[@kiranshahzada]

Great report, unfortunately just 4 people in audience.

[@Sundancer09]

Was news of this censored by Israel? I've only just discovered this by chance.

[@SheCamp]

Absolutely right

[@waratahtoba8426]

Long time overdue.

[@saicharanchilamakuri9712]

Land=people’s culture and development food and freedom not money and power 🎉

[@tka-tpa-prapatankalisari45192]

👩🏼‍🎓🎻. Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." - French philosopher, Victor Hugo

[@patriciabray5726]

Once again timely discussion for the protection of journalists. Forty years ago, The Committee for the Protection of Journalists was both part of the creation and active global support in the initial start of tackling the drug war in Mexico 🇲🇽 The killing of over 241 journalists in this war in Gaza needs investigative discernment and accountability. Renewal and even reform to address human decency and corruption never, ever go out of style to challenge each of us.

[@theodorehalder4587]

Sincere condolences for the departed soul, who risked their lives to share the news. It is evident how polarized information has led to ignorance, and freedom of expression has been oppressed. The lack of empathy and respect from the aggresors reflects their nature and tradition.

[@jaimesald]

Crisis needs to be overcome with Determination! Discourage Autocracy.

[@SafdarAli-ow4ij]

Although the massacre of lives of innocent children men and women in Middle East war is very horrible and devastating But the threat and and militancy of terrorism and fear of lives and properties and cultures that the other world not directly involved in the war has become severer than the participants of the war. All the world looks gloomy and helpless We must keep in mind as a global community that we are now indeed one Nation one world one voice and one discipline (in the term and definition of modern digital and technological arena), that we must keep our unity and strength intact in order to save our integrity and sovereignty and freedom that is of the same thorn in the eyes and of the objectives of the terrorists, regardless and irrespective of any distinction for them.

[@Sundancer09]

Define "terrorists". It's a name that governments give to people fighting for their rights. We aren't one world and never have been, especially now with over 8,000,000,000 people living in it.

[@SPR77]

👍🏾

[@suryanaray7942]

According to article 14 and 21 of the constitution of India in karnataka state Bangalore city civil court Complex police Loti charge and Brutal murder of Advocates in 2012 the state government was refused to give the cabinet sanction for CBI investigation in 2018 violated the supreme court judgement hence the state government was liable for under contempt of court FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO is necessary in the interest of the Justice in karnataka state in india

[@sarap3798]

👏👏👏

[@Qupez]

Freedom west Papua. Free west Papua Thanks God bless all From Aquino

[@terrycat7649]

❤UN ❤ i love you ❤ infinite highest lovestuff blessings ❤ terry ❤️

[@fatmakaradag3011]

Essential subject.

[@JohnChampagne]

Are there examples of campus protests that were repressed where the protestors were operating w/in the rules abt on-campus protests (e.g., rules that prohibit interference in other campus activities)? If the rules are too strict, it seems a bit late & self-serving to only protest enforcement of the rules when one's preferred cause is held to account or made to adhere to them. This is no defense of current government policy. But we might make more progress if the call of the protestors were for allowing taxpayers latitude to stop payment of their tax money toward support of things that offend their conscience. We could impose a requirement that they move the funds toward support of things that most people agree are better uses of public funds.

[@Sundancer09]

Yes, Germany was given as an example. They ban ALL pro-Palestinian protests, including just holding a placard or Palestinian flag. They also prohibit public meetings and debates concerning Palestinians while being the second largest supplier of weapons to the israeli regime.

[@Johnny-ql2vd]

Little less talk and a lot more action……

[@Sundancer09]

Without talk, there can never be action.

[@agnikollias6678]

Stop talking !!!! DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO

[@China-129]

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you might do things differently. - Warren Buffett

[@Sundancer09]

It's taken Israel 12 months to ruin their reputation with the majority of UN member states.

[@mesmerising3493]

With so much suppression on social media it's really a wonder that this hasn't come out sooner I have been suspended off meta for having an opinion and sharing it

[@Sundancer09]

💯 I've only just found this by chance. Just look at how few views and comments this bombshell report has received in two days!

[@adlerharry3280]

Where is Red Cross

[@cjmann3033]

In the Middle East, it is the Red Crescent.

[@khaledmohammed3311]

Look at Yemen and the recent d tentions for the humanitarian workers in that country

[@IdreesBangash-gb7ul]

Yes

[@raokamal4744]

Free Palestine

[@briangalsworthy4306]

Anything to say about loss of freedom to speak during Covid?

[@Sundancer09]

There was so much freedom to speak in the UK that the government managed to get away with violating lockdowns.

[@mohammadabdullah9168]

India 🇮🇳🎉❤🇮🇳

[@tkilla1202]

Does "Freedom of Expression" include "Vaccines are Dangerous"? Asking for a friend 😂

[@dadaimiza]

Talk that with your government.

[@peterbeer8657]

"Vaccines are Dangerous" is not a generally true statement. However, "Vaccines carry risks" is a true statement and should always be acceptable even though this has also been a banned expression.

[@Sundancer09]

The same can be said of any medical treatment. Vaccines save more lives than they harm.

[@SixOneNiner23]

I just wanna be free to tell jokes and meme the absurdity of a broken world. There’s so much hurt people are dead inside.

[@kamranchoudhry321]

❤❤❤

[@ManaSe-em4ct]

🙏UN

[@amirmohammadnoormohammad5590]

Remember Afghanistan 🇦🇫 please 🇦🇫.

[@Fox_Leo99]

NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!! NO RUSSIA IN UN !!!!

[@Sundancer09]

NO USA IN UN !!! NO USA IN UN !!!

[@PlatonPlaton-xs4zi]

You forgot, gentlemen, to resolve one small issue. Changing the status of a UN member in the event of a terrorist or fascist regime emerging in a member. In the case of Russia, it is necessary to resolve the issue of jointly countering the military aggression of this country (Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine)! Naturally, the aggressor has no right to vote! This must be secured legally!

[@lone_ranger]

I completely agree, but that will never happen because there are always vested interests in play.

[@Sundancer09]

@@lone_ranger No mention of the emerging fascist regimes in Israel, Germany, Argentina, Italy?

[@conniecarrozza5105]

These people make a lot of presentations through observations. When do they actually do their jobs i .e. Take action?

[@Sundancer09]

The job of a UN Special Rapporteur is to learn, investigate and report to the UN, couutries and individuals concerned. They have no power to take action. If only they were armed with hypersonic missiles...

[@ahsannews268]

I want to discuss with them, please give me time for the reason, I want to talk for at least one to one and a half hour with reference to Muslims.

[@aisaaysen5306]

You are biased when you take onus of the good work done by Türkiye on the Kashoghi case.

[@gnabiumrani]

ہے راستی کہ انسان مشتق ہے انس ہی سے بیماری دوستی کی ہے دشمن خلائق

[@adlerharry3280]

So unclear incoherent

[@svr5423]

I just learned about UNIFAIL - why weren't they successful in suppressing Hezbollah, as mandated?

[@Sundancer09]

Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese government and their defence forces.

[@EsperUltima]

What an overfunded soap opera the UN is

[@fetijasacco858]

Stop izrajel i Amerika

[@yolandael8725]

United Nations, I don't know if I mentioned this before. Last week Benjamin Quade rushed out his gate at the same time I was coming outside my backyard gate ready to cut my front grass. Police who Astral Project knew I planned to cut grass and sat up the staged drama. Benjamin Quade keeps doing what they tell him. I don't say anything to him, I just ignore Benjamin and don't look at him and keep going. These situations will be handled before the United Nations. Allah said Benjamin Quade wanted to say yes he irritates me. If he wants to say anything it has to be before the United Nations. I have tried to repeatedly be nice but police and courts keep him doing against me. They are seriously trying to get these issues before their courts. Like I said before Allah wants it before the United Nations. You are seriously finding out how the United States go into countries and start mess. Then come in and look like they are there to help when they are behind the curtains the whole time telling people what to do wrong to start trouble.

[@fr3derice]

People hating Jews and living is not UN standard. I have Journalists in there for public TV and it is not as you reported

[@Sundancer09]

Which part of illegally occupied Palestine do you live in?

[@yolandael8725]

United Nations, Allah showed me Ex-Military and Real Estate ainvestor Marty Blake is a very serious trouble maker. Allah also showed me FBI Director Christopher Wray would start more trouble.

[@opiyobola93]

If other countries like Russia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Europian countries are also involved, why did she only focus on Israel in her report? Was this not meant to demonize Israel? She is antisemitic, it seems.

[@joeleggiero4401]

Because 76 years of abuse by Israel to the Palestine

[@Sundancer09]

Israel demonises itself. They're the only regime currently on trial at the Hague for genocide, after 57 years of illegal occupation of Palestine.

[@suryanaray7942]

According to article 14 and 21 of the constitution of India in karnataka state police stations and Secret workshops innocent people s are illegally detained by the karnataka state police without court knowledge and phone tapping and Internet system snooping and violates the article 21of the constitution of india FBI investigation is necessary through the UNO is necessary in the interest of the Personal liberty in karnataka state in india

[@jaimesald]

>3M SUBSCRIBERS

[@disco7128]

.

[@joeleggiero4401]

Not sure how many accounts I had to open Facebook, Instagram TikTok....I feel being abused and bullies....Feel I am a prison for my own rights.

[@johnthewlis3920]

I couldn't understand her. Can you please get a better , clearer speaker? or use better accoustic equipment?

[@gaurav007]

Global Awareness drive support of FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION and FREEDOM of SPEECH is a every Human rights. Global Awareness drive support UN activities. I Condemn attacks on Journalists throughout the World. Global Awareness drive Peace campaign is on. Release Hostages is mandatory. Join our Campaign.

[@Sundancer09]

Is ending the illegal occupation also mandatory?

[@sammybitton5414]

Freedom of terror is what she’s trying to achieve

[@dadaimiza]

Says a thief.

[@AgusPrianto-ih8sw]

conference

[@Swedishfinnpolymath]

I am tired of the US election clown show. I will fight for many causes one of them being football. I will lobby hard for the FIFA Club World Cup to be moved to Scotland. I will give further updates as things move along.

[@reecewoods1775]

I would love to watch the world cup in Scotland! Even Scotland and/or Ireland. The USA certainly doesn't deserve it right now

[@krishanugoldar2747]

📵🔕🙇‍♀️🔕📵

[@adlerharry3280]

Palestine is not occupied...

[@dadaimiza]

You are right. It is stolen.

[@DB5-zx9gs]

The question on the matter of occupation has been settled in law in July 2024. It is beyond questioning now, unless you can think of a higher court than the ICJ.

[@joeleggiero4401]

So let's go and do the same in Israel....what you think?

[@raylouis9218]

Lol. What a surprise. You target israel. On the Qatari payroll?

[@Sundancer09]

Don't blame the investigator for the evidence they find of crimes...

[@CAT4U2C]

My freedom of expression has been taken away from me on the Instagram and on the X platform🎉

[@SheronFernando-x3l]

Western Dubble standards

[@SheronFernando-x3l]

USA western blody Dubble standards

[@user-sg9gu1gz4d]

Crybabies

[@Sundancer09]

Israelis.

[@sidneygordon3267]

There are only a few honest palastinians

[@disco7128]

.