The European Organisation of Military Associations (EUROMIL) and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) are pleased to invite you to a side event on Armed Forces and Freedom of Speech on Monday, 17 September 2018, from 18h15 to 19h45 in Warsaw.
OSCE participating States have committed themselves to ensure the right to freedom of expression and freedom of speech of their citizens, a principle which is enshrined in key international human rights instruments. In times where new tools of mass communication, social media and modern technologies enable every citizen with internet access to share his or her thoughts with a potentially worldwide audience, the freedom of speech becomes increasingly important. On the one hand, citizens are encouraged and empowered to use their freedom of speech, communicate and discuss with others, on the other, especially online communication comes with certain risks linked to privacy, security, and the protection of sensitive data.
In the special case of the armed forces, restrictions are often imposed on the freedom of speech of the military personnel, in part because of the need for them to be seen as politically neutral and, in part, to prevent dissent and insubordination and to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information.
The side event will aim at sharing experiences and fostering constructive discussion on good practices in the OSCE region on the right to freedom of speech, exploring how states regulate freedom of speech in the context of the armed forces.
Introduction:Graziella Pavone, Human Rights Officer, ODIHR
Moderator: Emmanuel Jacob, President, EUROMIL
Speakers:
Prof. Ian Leigh, Durham Law School
William McDermott, Project Officer, Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF)
Mette Lind-Hansen, Centralforeningen for stampersonel – CS (Denmark)
The language of the meeting will be English. Light refreshments will be provided.
Participants wishing to attend the meeting are requested to register online at https://www.osce.org/odihr/hdim_2018 no later than 29 Aug 2018, 12.00 p.m.
