How do countries support free speech?
A group called The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University in the US did a study last October. They asked people from 33 countries about free speech. They shared the results in a report called ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’
The report says that Scandinavian countries (like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) support free speech the most. But some countries in the Global South (like Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Jordan) support it the least.
Since 2021, free speech has decreased in many places. The biggest drops happened in the United States, Israel, and Japan. Even in countries where free speech is strong, people do not always support speech that is offensive to religion or national symbols.
Usually, if people in a country support free speech, the government also protects it. But in some places, like India, Hungary, and Venezuela, people believe in free speech, but their government does not protect it well.
What is free speech?
Free speech means we can say and share our ideas without the government stopping us, either by speaking or writing about them.
Free speech is part of a bigger right—freedom of expression, which includes the right to speak, to be heard, and to be an active member of society. This means we can also receive and share information of all kinds using different media.
The right to freedom of expression is protected by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Why is free speech important?
- It helps people express themselves and be creative.
- It helps people talk and learn new things.
- It helps people ask questions and check if their government is fair.
Are there limits to free speech?
Many countries protect free speech, but there are some rules against some kinds of speech. Speech that spreads hate, discrimination, or violence is not allowed because it can harm people.
But free speech is not only about laws. People should also respect different opinions. A free country is a place where people can talk and share their thoughts without fear!
