Resolution 44/12, Freedom of Opinion and Expression. A/HRC/RES/44/12/

In this resolution, the Human Rights Council, guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, reaffirmed that the right to freedom of opinion and expression, both online and offline, is a human right guaranteed to all, in accordance with article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that it constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic societies and development, and that it is critical to combating corruption, recognized that the effective exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression is an important indicator of the level of protection of other human rights and freedoms, and bearing in mind that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and acknowledged the important role of business enterprises in the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and in enabling access to information.

Called on all States to promote, protect, respect and ensure the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, both online and offline, and to take all measures necessary to put an end to and to prevent violations and abuses of these rights and ensure that relevant national legislation complies with their international human rights obligations and is effectively implemented.