Document detail

Desecrating expression: an account of freedom of expression and religion in Asia

Bytes for All; Asian For Human Rights & Development; Global Partners Digital (2016), 80 pp.
"This report outlines the international human rights standards and processes related the protection of freedom of expression and religious belief, and discusses regional trends and challenges. The nine country case studies include the stories of many people across the region struggling to defend freedom of expression and promote an understanding of free expression that this is consistent with the expression of religious views. Some of the stories are horrifying – people are being killed for what they believe and say while exercising their rights to express that belief. It also provides an overview of the relevant laws and standards which impinge on people’s rights in each of these countries. It is a challenge to governments in the region to recognise their responsibility to protect the rights of their own citizens. The Jakarta Declaration set out in this report is a stirring declaration of the responsibilities, not just of governments but of all the relevant actors. It set out a clear path to the essential task of protecting rights to free expression in the region and ultimately, to the protection of religious belief itself." (Andrew Puddephatt, p.8)
Contents
1 About the Report, 7
2 Introduction and International Standards, 17
3 Regional Trends and Challenges, 26
4 COUNTRY SUMMARIES, 30
Bangladesh -- India -- Indonesia -- Malaysia -- Maldives -- Myanmar -- Pakistan -- Sri Lanka -- Vietnam
5. Laws and Freedom of Expression and Religion, 58
6. Online Spaces, 62
7. Recommendation, 66
I. Annexures: Jakarta Statement of Recommendations, 73