Implementing Freedom of Expression: A Checklist for the Implementation of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa

ARTICLE 19 has published a checklist designed for civil society organisations (CSOs) who wish to conduct analyses of the implementation status of the African Union’s Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa. The checklist intends to allow CSOs working on issues relating to freedom of expression and access to information to establish the key obstacles to the fulfilment and protection of freedom of expression. According to the publishers, the checklist interprets each article of the Declaration in a comprehensive manner, providing details on how freedom of expression should be fulfilled and what measures might support it.

The checklist can be used for researching and writing "shadow reports" to be submitted to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These "shadow reports" allow CSOs to provide information regarding the state of affairs on the ground and offer a list of questions that the African Commission can ask government delegations during the examination of state reports. "Shadow reports" can also allow CSOs to submit recommendations to the African Commission that can thereafter be submitted to state parties. In addition, the checklist can be used to establish focus areas for freedom of expression campaigns and advocacy initiatives to influence policy or legislative reviews. The publishers have included a condensed version of the checklist, which summarises the main points of the Declaration and the principal areas in which states should provide guarantees for freedom of expression through specific legislations and policies.