Freedom of Speech as a Fundamental Right Freedom of speech is an essential human right, enshrined in various international declarations and constitutions, with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration
📋 Exam Question
Recommended length for task 2: 175–300 words
Read the material below.
Using all the provided material, write a text in which you respond to the idea that freedom of speech is a fundamental right.
Text 1:
- From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Text 2:
- A journalist in Kampala, Uganda, protesting after a police raid on a newspaper in May 2013
Text 3:
Germany's national football team cover their mouths in protest against FIFA's ban on the 'One Love' LGBTQ+ armband during the World Cup in Qatar
✏️ Model Answer
Freedom of Speech as a Fundamental Right
Freedom of speech is an essential human right, enshrined in various international declarations and constitutions, with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirming that everyone has the right to express their opinions without interference. This fundamental right is vital for the development of democratic societies, allowing individuals to challenge injustices and speak out against oppression.
The protests depicted in the images reinforce the importance of this right. In the first image, a journalist in Uganda uses silence as a powerful form of protest against the police raid on a newspaper. The act of taping the mouth symbolizes the oppression faced by journalists who dare to voice dissent in restrictive environments, highlighting the significant risks involved in exercising free expression. Similarly, the second image, showing Germany's national football team covering their mouths during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was a response to FIFA's decision to ban the "One Love" armband, which was intended as a gesture of support for LGBTQ+ rights. The players' action powerfully conveyed their opposition to the suppression of free speech and expression, particularly in a global event like the World Cup, where human rights issues are often sidelined.
Both examples demonstrate the importance of speaking out against censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression, a right that is often threatened by both government and corporate interests. Without the ability to freely express opinions and dissent, societies risk falling into authoritarianism, where citizens are silenced, and human rights are violated. Therefore, defending freedom of speech is critical for the protection of democracy, human dignity, and social progress.
3A Read the material below.
Referring to the material, reflect on whether values such as human rights and freedom of expression have a place in all cultures.
You may find the material in tasks 1 and 2 useful in your answer.
Text 1:
From Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that gay fans will be welcome at the 2022 World Cup, but demanded that visitors “respect our culture”.
The Emir’s words reflect what local organisers have maintained throughout the protracted build-up to this year’s World Cup – that the LGBT community will be welcome in Qatar, but that the local culture must be respected. …