OxfordX: (English) International Standards on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is co-organised by the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights (Faculty of Law, University of Oxford) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It explores the regional and international standards relating to freedom of expression, including press freedom, access to public information, safety of journalists and challenges created by the digital world.

Freedom of Expression MOOC

Course Description

This comprehensive, multilingual MOOC on Freedom of Expression, offered by OxfordX in collaboration with UNESCO and the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, is an exceptional opportunity for legal professionals, journalists, academics, and anyone interested in understanding the complex landscape of freedom of expression in today's world. Running from May 29 to June 30, 2023, this intermediate-level course delivers a rich, in-depth exploration of the principles, challenges, and applications of freedom of expression across various contexts.

What Students Will Learn

The international legal framework underpinning freedom of expression
Legitimate restrictions on the right to freedom of expression
Legal frameworks regarding the right to access information
The importance of journalist safety and the issue of impunity
Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression in the digital age

Prerequisites

No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, a basic understanding of legal concepts and an interest in human rights and freedom of expression would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

General principles and scope of freedom of expression
Limitations on the right to freedom of expression
Access to information and its role in democratic processes
Safety of journalists and the threats they face
Digitalization and its impact on freedom of expression

Who This Course Is For

Judicial actors (e.g., judicial branches, public ministries, public defenders, electoral courts)
Human rights ombudsmen
Judicial law clerks
Journalists
Academics
Professionals interested in freedom of expression and human rights

Real-World Applications

Legal professionals can better interpret and apply freedom of expression laws in their practice
Journalists can understand their rights and protections while reporting
Academics can enhance their research and teaching on freedom of expression topics
Policy makers can develop more informed policies related to freedom of expression
Activists can more effectively advocate for freedom of expression rights

Syllabus

Module 1: General Principles and Scope of Freedom of Expression

International legal framework
Overview of regional protection regimes

Module 2: Limitations

Legitimate restrictions on freedom of expression
International and regional protection regimes
Court doctrines

Module 3: Access to Information

Legal frameworks for the right to access information
Role in democratic political processes and sustainable development

Module 4: Safety of Journalists

Physical risks faced by journalists
Specific threats to women journalists
Issue of impunity

Module 5: Digitalisation

Contemporary challenges to freedom of expression online
Application of existing legal frameworks to online contexts

Course Structure

Each module includes accessible background material, comprehension quizzes, and a pre-recorded webinar. The course is flexibly designed, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace before July 14, 2023. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate, making this an excellent opportunity for professional development and enhancing one's understanding of this crucial aspect of human rights.