Project Elicit - Value of Freedom of Expression as a UN Volunteerin SriLanka

By -

 The Value of Freedom of Expression as a UN Volunteerin SriLanka

Maintaining freedom of expression in Sri Lanka is crucial for advancing human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development, according to a United Nations Volunteer (UNV). Itisafundamentalrightthatgivespeopletheabilitytoexpresstheirthoughts,challenge authority, and advance society. Protecting freedom of expression is essential for promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development in Sri Lanka's post-conflict and economic recovery environment.


EnhancingGoodGovernance and Democracy

AccountabilityandTransparency:Byallowingpeople,journalists,andcivilsocietytoholdthe government responsible for its acts, freedom of expression fosters accountability and transparency in government.

MakingInformedDecisions:Thepublicmaymakewell-informeddecisionsregardingelections, policy, and government when there are free and open dialogues and media.



AdvancementofSocialJusticeandHumanRights

Advocacyforhumanrightsiscloselyrelatedtofreedomofexpression.Itmakesitpossiblefor under-represented groups to express their grievances and call for justice, such as women, members of ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

Itguaranteesthattopicslikediscrimination,gender-basedviolence,andcorruptionaretalked about and dealt with.


EncouragementofReconciliationandPeacebuilding

OpencommunicationisessentialfornationalhealingandreconciliationinSriLanka'spost- conflict setting. Further splits may result from the suppression of free expression.

Mutualunderstandingbetweenvariousethnicandreligiousgroupingsisfacilitatedbyplatforms that permit a variety of narratives.



FacilitatingYouth andCivil SocietyParticipation

Digitaladvocacyand youthactivismareessentialtosocietalchange.Youngpeoplecanexpress their concerns, take part in policydiscussions, and aid in the growth of the countrybyensuring their freedom of expression.

Inordertopromotesocialprotection,environmentalsustainability,andhumanrights,civil society organisations depend on this freedom.



PromotingSocialandEconomicDevelopment

Openlinesofcommunicationandafreepressaidin theexposureofcorruption,guaranteeing prudent resource distribution and financial stability.

Research,innovation,andcreativeindustriesallflourishinasettingwhereideasarefreely shared.


UNVolunteers' Contributiontothe Advancement ofFreeExpression

SupportinganddefendingtherighttofreespeechisconsistentwiththeUN'sfundamentalvalues as a UNV, especially SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This comprises:


promotinginclusivediscourseindevelopment initiatives and communities.

promotingdigitalliteracyandindependentjournalisminordertocombatfalse information.

encouragingsafespaceswhereunder-represented communitiescanvoicetheir concerns.


Tosumup,freedomofexpressionisnotonlyarightbutalsoessentialtotheprosperity,peace, and democratic advancement of Sri Lanka. Supporting and defending this right is essential to creating a society that is resilient, inclusive, and just, in my opinion as a UN volunteer.


- By Nidhurshana Thiyagarajan -

UN Volunteer 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Project Sureki Hetak 8.0 - Phase 01

By -
Image
  Empowering Women for a Safer Tomorrow: Sureki Hetak 8.0 – Phase 01 Sureki Hetak 8.0 project “First phase” earned its name from the quote “Empower women, and secure tomorrow.” This phase was aimed at alumni women students who learned the first aid and self-defense methods. It was executed under the direction of Leo club of University of Colombo. The focus of this session of the training was for the young women to cope not only with medical emergencies but also with potential physical attacks. This phase of the project was attended with great enthusiasm by the university students. The students were provided two interrelated forms of training, one dealing with the medical side and the other with security. The first segment, The First Aid Training session, was conducted by Lion Member Mr. Dayananda. He focused on accident prevention, emergency response, and provision of first aid. Basic life saving techniques such as Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound treatment, and emergency...
Read more

Project Elicit 2025

By -
Image
                      Project Elicit 2025 Unveiling the Challenges of Freedom of Expression in Sri Lanka In a world where communication fuels progress, freedom of expression stands as a pillar of democracy. However, in Sri Lanka, this fundamental right faces numerous challenges, from censorship and legal restrictions to societal pressures that suppress open dialogue. Recognizing the need to address these pressing issues, Project Elicit 2025 embarked on a mission to explore and highlight the obstacles to free speech in the country. The Journey of Project Elicit 2025 Project Elicit 2025, spearheaded by a dedicated team, focused on gathering valuable insights into the state of freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. Through extensive research, expert discussions, and firsthand accounts, this initiative aimed to create awareness and encourage dialogue on the barriers to free speech, press freedom, and legal limitations that impact indi...
Read more

Project විසඳමු - Phase 02

By -
Image
    Justice Beyond the Cell : Providing Legal Aid to Inmates in Need On the 26th of March, our team of 20 dedicated members participated in Phase 2 of the "WISADAMU" project at the Welikada Prison complex, providing free legal consultation to remand prisoners. The group was divided into two teams: Group 01 visited the New Magazine Prison, where we interacted with 22 female prisoners, while Group 02 went to Colombo Remand Prison, offering legal advice to 20 male prisoners. The most pressing issue faced by many of the prisoners was their inability to obtain bail due to various legal challenges. A significant number of them were unable to afford bail due to their economic circumstances, while others had no relatives or legal representation to assist them in securing their release. Our lawyers worked diligently to offer practical advice and solutions, helping prisoners understand their rights and potential legal avenues. Three dedicated lawyers from the Legal Aid Commission—Mr. L...
Read more