United Nations and Organization of American States To Hold Meeting on
Freedom of Expression at American University Washington College of Law

WASHINGTON, DC, March 16, 2010 – The United Nations Special Rapporteurof Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the Organization of the American States Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, American University Washington College of Law, and the Institute DEMOS are holding a Meeting of Experts on Freedom of Expression in the Americas, March 19 and 20 at Washington College of Law.

The Meeting of Experts seeks to provide input for a working document of the Special Rapporteurof Freedom of Opinion and Expression which will also be shared with the OHCHR to be used in the Regional Consultations that are being planned.

 “We are pleased to host this important event at American University Washington College of Law, together with the rapporteurs for freedom of expression,” said Dean Claudio Grossman.  “Unfortunately, in spite of the international legal obligations fully guaranteeing this right, we see direct and indirect attacks on expression that range from the killing of journalists to various forms of economic pressure.  This conference will contribute to identifying concrete ways to support freedom of expression and the important work performed by the rapporteurs.”

Catalina Botero, OAS Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, and Frank LaRue UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression will attend. Specific topics to be addressed over the two day session include "Vulnerable Groups-Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the Fight against Discrimination” and “Legitimate Restrictions and Limitations to Freedom of Expression." This Meeting will focus on Inter-American H.R. standards and will be followed by another meeting in Geneva next month to look intoother standards.

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