Freedom of expression is crucial. It helps express opinions and hold those in power accountable — leading to improved governance — in different countries. But there is limited freedom of expression in many countries in Asia, Africa and other continents, leading to concerns. While around forty countries provide unrestricted freedom of expression, others provide restricted freedom of expression. But the freedom of expression is at the crisis level in around forty countries, mostly in Asia and Africa. Consequently, most people of the world have some form of restricted freedom of expression that leads to the suppression of their diverse concerns and a lack of transparency and accountability in many countries, ultimately hindering the progress of many societies and individuals.
There are legal, political and other reasons for restricted freedom of expression. Government censorship, political benefits of restrained freedom of expression and pressure from authorities lead to restricted/limited freedom of expression in many countries. Government censorship through digital or cyber laws plays crucial roles in restricting/limiting freedom of expression in many countries. In 2024, for instance, Sri Lanka enforced the Online Safety Act restricting freedom of expression, leading to protests. Though governments often argue that it is necessary to protect public safety and morals, it infringes on or restricts the rights to free speech of dissent voices in less democratic or authoritarian countries. Among others, self-censorship, fear of repercussions for speaking out against the status quo and societal pressure lead to restricted freedom of expression in different countries.
Government and international organizations have definitely made constitutional, international pressure based and other efforts to address the reasons, leading to the improvement in the freedom of expression in many countries. Different countries provide freedom of expression through constitutionalizing it and implementing legislation to protect media and the freedom of speech. Inter-governmental organizations and non-government organizations, both local and international, provide support for media outlets and journalists facing government censorship or persecution and carry out campaigns to aware the public about their rights to freedom of expression in different countries. Among others, international organizations and different countries create diplomatic pressure on the countries that violate freedom of expression in order to encourage it.
But there are diverse flaws in the steps taken, leading to the limited outcomes of the efforts, or even the deterioration of freedom of expression in many countries. There remains a lack of implementation of constitutional and inconsistent application of laws aimed at protecting media in many countries. Additionally, political and other causes of restricted freedom of expression including controversial provisions in cyber laws are less addressed in many countries including authoritarian countries — keeping the chance of their misuse and overuse aiming to suppress dissent voices. Among others, there is insufficient funding and resources allocated to support programs and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting freedom of expression.
Steps are crucial to address the reasons for restricted/limited freedom of expression and improve it in many countries in Asia, Africa and other regions. Implementing constitutional provisions and laws that protect freedom of expression is vital. Addressing the concerns with cyber security or digital laws with reforms will definitely make notable improvements in many countries including many of those countries where freedom of expression is far less. International pressure may also help improve freedom of expression. But fostering a culture of tolerance to diverse views/opinions may be helpful in many countries.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
