“In addition, the United States would like to discuss the rights of freedom of opinion and expression, particularly focusing on artistic expression and creativity.
Artistic expression and creativity as a form of freedom of expression is fundamental to the development of vibrant cultures and the functioning of democratic societies.
Artistic expression has given us some of the great social commentary on humanity and the human condition. We are a richer human race for having the genius of Shakespeare, Shostakovich, Rumi, Octavio Paz, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Frida Kahlo, Chinua Achebe, and Nadine Gordimer – just to name a few. Today, contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Salif Keita are inspiring and challenging us.
The right to freedom of expression, including artistic and creative expression, is enshrined under article 19 of the ICCPR. States Parties to the ICESCR recognize the right, under Article 15, to benefit from the protection of interests resulting from one’s artistic production. Artistic expression is critical to the human spirit. At HRC-23, we welcomed the report by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, which addressed the right to freedom of expression and creativity.
Artistic expressions and creations have come under particular attack because they convey specific messages and articulate symbolic values in a powerful way. A satirist provoking laughter and derision is as powerful as a writer urging change. It is little wonder that dictators seek to silence art.
Freedom of opinion and expression is enshrined in the UDHR and the ICCPR, and the United States defends this right vigorously wherever it is threatened. Likewise, the United States takes seriously any threats to the right to freedom of expression, including artistic and creative expression, and we look forward to engaging on this issue further.”
– Ambassador Keith M. Harper, Representative of the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Council; Geneva; March 13, 2015.
Complete text:
https://geneva.usmission.gov/2015/03/13/freedom-of-expression-including-artistic-expression-is-a-universal-right-enshrined-in-iccpr/