The Camden Principles on Freedom of Expression and Equality

According to this document, the Camden Principles are written to guide legislators, policy-makers, and civil society in balancing the rights to freedom of expression and equality, reaffirming the perspective that the rights to freedom of expression and equality are mutually supportive rights that play a "vital role in safeguarding human dignity, ensuring democracy, and promoting international peace and security".

These principles were prepared by ARTICLE 19 - an independent human rights organisation that works to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression - on the basis of discussions involving a group of United Nations and other officials, and civil society and academic experts in international human rights law on freedom of expression and equality issues, at meetings held in London in December 2008 and February 2009. The principles represent "a progressive interpretation of international law and standards, accepted State practice (as reflected, inter alia, in national laws and the judgments of national courts), and the general principles of law recognised by the community of nations."

As stated in the document: "The development of these principles was motivated by a desire to promote greater consensus globally about the proper relationship between respect for freedom of expression and the promotion of equality. While tensions can arise between competing visions of these rights, the focus globally has been disproportionately on these potential tensions rather than the far more important positive relationship between them. Furthermore, international law provides a basis for resolving the tensions, as outlined in these Principles."

ARTICLE 19 is calling for individuals and organisations around the world to endorse these principles with a view to providing authority and support for them.