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Over 3,300 already enrolled in online course on freedom of expression for parliaments and their staff
Recognizing the unique role of parliamentarians in enabling the right to freedom of expression the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the (IPU) and the (CLD) launched a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Freedom of Expression for Parliaments and their Members in October 2024. , allowing anyone interested to register and access the course materials at their own pace.
The course has engaged over 3,300 participants, including parliaments and their members, parliamentary staff, as well as key stakeholders in media regulation from more than 180 countries. The course covers how to foster dialogue on freedom of expression as a fundamental pillar for enabling human rights for citizens around the world.
This understanding has reinforced my conviction that parliaments must act as guardians of fundamental rights, creating an environment in which freedom of expression is effectively protected while balancing other legitimate interests of society.
Remaining available in , , and , the course features insights from leading experts and members of parliament on a range of topics relating to freedom of expression, including:
international and regional legal standards,
legitimate restrictions for freedom of expression,
principles for both broadcast and online media regulation, and
application of parliamentary immunity and responsibilities.
I found great importance of the course in my country, particularly with right of public speaking and expression for all citizens, which is set in international law.
This course takes place within the framework of a UNESCO-IPU partnership for a shared commitment to empowering parliamentarians with knowledge and capacities on the intersection of freedom of expression and parliamentary functions.
Following this course, it will be important to organize more initiatives in our countries on these crucial topics of freedom of expression for parliaments and their members.
This MOOC, the first organized by UNESCO engaging parliamentarians, expands and builds on UNESCO’s Judges’ Initiative, which has trained over 36,000 judicial actors from more than 160 countries on regional and international standards relating to freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information since 2013.
The MOOC is supported by IPU and the UNESCO Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.
