Communication, Business and Human Rights: The Current Challenges to Freedom of Expression

ABSTRACT: Freedom of expression is a well-established basic right in the context of communication rights, as specified in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought and expression.” Despite the fact that communication has advanced to unprecedented levels throughout the globe, there are still instances in which prohibitions on speech influence communication rights in many nations. This article analyzes reports of international organizations evaluating how freedom of expression is restricted, highlighting how limitations may arise from different kinds of abuses, such as government control over the media, limiting the freedom of information, or imposing laws that criminalize defamation. It also explores how attempts to protect religious and philosophical beliefs, schools of thought, and certain ideologies affect the freedom of expression of the population, certain groups of people, or businesses. It is also important to note how certain kinds of speech restrictions, such as those prohibiting obscenity, fraud, speech that violates intellectual property rights, speeches that encourage imminent lawless action, and others, can help to create a social environment that fosters dignity, respect for the law, and the application of essential moral values in a society. KEY WORDS: freedom of speech, business, communication, human right