3 May 2014: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UN human rights advisors urged governments around the world to promote and protect the rights to freedom of expression and information, highlighting the recommendation of the UN High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda (HLP) to adopt a governance goal.

The call came from a group of 31 Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts associated with the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR). In a joint open letter, the advisors emphasize that ensuring rights to freedom of expression and information, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and public participation will contribute to achieving development aims. They say public decision making on sustainable development should be democratic, transparent and participatory.

The statement highlights the importance of environmental impact assessments. They called for ensuring that human rights, social, cultural and environmental strategic and impact assessments give due consideration to the concerns of all those affected, and to holders of traditional knowledge and practices.

The HLP issued its report in May 2013, recommending five key ‘transformations,’ including open and accountable public institutions. In a set of 12 mutually supporting goals, they proposed ensuring good governance and effective institutions. [Open Letter] [IISD RS Story on HLP Report]