Freedom of Speech as a Fundamental Right Freedom of speech is an essential human right, enshrined in various international declarations and constitutions.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-10-03
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:
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:
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
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.
In Qatar, homosexuality remains a criminal offence.
Text 2:
The world is not progressing towards any utopian acceptance of human rights any time soon. FIFA’s choice of Qatar as host of the 2022 men’s football World Cup has been controversial since day one. It is a prime example of “sportswashing” used to polish away a murky political or humanitarian reputation. And then the host nation barred the rainbow flag purporting that their beliefs should not be insulted. I say insult away! Don’t give in to the forces of oppression! It is always time to take a stand.
-Betty K. Vistarama, British Human Rights Activist
Text 3:
Press release by the English Football Association:
FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captain Harry Kane wears the One Love armband in FIFA World Cup games.
As the nation’s football federation, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captain not to attempt to wear the armband during the games.
We cannot put our players in a situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.
We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented – we wrote to FIFA in September informing them of our wish to wear the One Love armband to actively support inclusion in football, and had no response.
Our players and coaches are disappointed – they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.
Text 4:
Final score: Qatar 1 - Human rights 0
Answer
Reflection on Human Rights and Freedom of Expression in All Cultures
The question of whether values such as human rights and freedom of expression have a place in all cultures is a complex one. The material provided sheds light on this issue, particularly in the context of Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On one hand, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, has stated that gay fans will be welcome at the World Cup, but with the caveat that visitors must "respect our culture." This comment points to the delicate balance between respecting local cultural norms and upholding universal human rights. In Qatar, homosexuality remains a criminal offence, which contrasts sharply with the stance many countries, particularly in the West, take regarding LGBTQ+ rights. The expectation that visitors adhere to Qatar’s cultural norms while in the country raises questions about the limits of cultural relativism when it comes to fundamental human rights. Can a culture truly demand respect for its values if those values contradict basic human rights, such as the right to love freely and openly?
On the other hand, figures like British human rights activist Betty K. Vistarama argue that FIFA’s choice to host the World Cup in Qatar is an example of "sportswashing," where sports are used to distract from political or humanitarian issues. She advocates for standing up against oppressive forces, highlighting that values like freedom of expression and human rights should not be compromised for the sake of cultural respect. This perspective aligns with the argument that universal human rights are inalienable and should transcend cultural boundaries, even if they clash with local traditions or laws.
The controversy surrounding the "One Love" armband further complicates the matter. FIFA's decision to impose sporting sanctions on players wearing the armband in Qatar is a clear example of how sporting organizations can enforce policies that limit freedom of expression, even when those expressions are in support of inclusion and human rights. The English Football Association's frustration with FIFA's response illustrates how international institutions can play a significant role in either upholding or undermining human rights.
In conclusion, while respect for culture is important, it should not come at the expense of fundamental human rights. The ongoing debates about Qatar’s human rights record, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights, show that these values must be defended globally, even when they challenge local customs or governmental policies. It is crucial that the international community continue to question and resist any attempts to justify the violation of basic human rights in the name of cultural preservation or political expediency.
3B
One topic of discussion in the media today is how people can express their opinions in an effective way, which means that one is actually contributing to making a difference on a particular issue.
Referring to the material below, write a text in which you reflect on what young people in English-speaking countries can do to effectively express their opinions on the current issues mentioned below.
Quote 1:
"I have to worry about every penny I spend, and I don’t go out that much any more. And I can’t even think about getting my own place to live when I go off to study. Mum and dad are going to be stuck with me for decades!! I wish I were old enough to vote for our politicians so they would listen to us and do something about it."
-Jackie Billington, 15, London, UK
Quote 2:
"I own my own body. No group of old, grey, moral terrorists is going to tell me what to do. They’re threatening our abortion rights. This attack on our right to choose is cowardly and reprehensible. I can’t wait until I can vote these dinosaurs out of office!"
- Yannike Moore, 17, Austin, USA
Quote 3:
"I worry about the environment, there’s plastic everywhere. Our country is drowning in plastic and our weather is turning on us, flooding us out of house and home. It’s time to take action, stand up and be counted. But where do I start, do I join an organisation, political party, go on school strikes?"
- Ram Devi, 14, New Delhi, India
Quote 4:
"They say my country is free, perhaps compared to our dark history it might be. But I feel apartheid is still lurking in the shadows and I don’t feel safe on our streets. It’s not easy being a black boy in South Africa even though we’re supposed to have won our freedom. It’s time for me to stand up and be heard. I will protest on the streets, on the internet, at school and in the media until people listen."
-Melokuhle Mokoena, 15, Johannesburg, South Africa
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