Combating Racism while Respecting Freedom of Expression

The aim of the expert seminar organised by ECRI was to look at how to combat racism while respecting freedom of expression, and which legal and policy measures are the most appropriate to achieve this aim. While noting the tensions existent between freedom of expression and freedom from racism and racial discrimination, the experts emphasized the complementarity of these two rights. It was concluded that «there needs to be a combination of factors if the objective is to be achieved of achieving synergy between these two basic human rights. These include restrictions based on law, but only if they are sensitively applied and with adequate safeguards; and they should be accompanied by appropriate mechanisms of self-regulation backed up by firm Government action in the area of social policy. Above all there needs to be developed a consensus within society supportive of the values espoused in this seminar.» (p. 5-12)

Source : http://www.coe.int/t/e/human_rights/ecri/

Download the Proceedings, Strasbourg, 16-17 November 2006

Combating Racism while Respecting Freedom of Expression