The U.N. is good for just about nothing but it might be seen as hopeful that most countries are signatories to the United nations' International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. And in signing it, they make it part of their own law. It is a very "Canadian" document, however, giving with one hand and taking back with the other. Here are parts of it:
Article 19"
1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals.
Article 20
1. Any propaganda for war shall be prohibited by law.
2. Any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence shall be prohibited by law.
So it ends up JUSTIFYING restrictions on speech: The good old familiar Leftist doublespeak that Orwell noted long ago. No wonder some of the world's most oppressive regimes have ratified it.
