Welcome to our Freedom Page. Through this addition to our website we hope to promote freedom of expression and provide an educational resource for students. We are launching the page in line with UNESCO's priority of promoting free speech, aware that in the post 9/11 world beset with uncertainties there is one enduring, universal wish - for freedom of speech. Whether at UNESCO's General Conference in Paris last year, or the World Press Freedom Day in Brisbane in April this year, it's clear there are now widespread signs of unease about the loss of freedom of expression.

In 1783 George Washington wrote: 'If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter'. His message is as valid today as it was when he penned it.

Our Freedom page is an attempt to raise awareness among students over this often neglected right of free speech. The page and its copy come with 'ethicals' which may prompt student debates on the freedom of expression issues. It also takes into account UNESCO's deep and continuing concerns about journalist murders around the world because the profession's work is critical to providing us with the information we need to function as a civil society.

We hope the page helps build knowledge about this fundamental human right which in too many countries, no longer exists.

Paul Smith
Chair, Communications Commission, UNESCO New Zealand

NEW! Visit our Pacific Press Freedom Alert

Click here to find out about World Press Freedom Day 2011