Media

HKU Faculty of Education to hold Distinguished Lecture - President of the Australian Human Rights Commission to speak on “Freedom of Speech and the Asia Pacific: Does Charlie Hebdo Go Too Far?”

18 Jun 2015

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that underpins a successful democracy. But it is not an absolute right. It must be balanced with other freedoms in society. This address considers the reasons for protecting satirical publications such as Charlie Hebdo, while, at the same time, enacting laws that prohibit ‘hate’ or racist speech that ‘offends and insults’ or leads to physical violence and conflict.

Nations within the Asian region have adopted significantly differing approaches to the protection of freedom of speech. Additionally, and unlike other parts of the world, there is no regional Charter or Bill of Rights to which nations have adhered and no regional court or commission to provide jurisprudence on fundamental freedoms. The practices of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and Australia are examined by reference to the agreed international protections for freedom of speech. It is concluded that states of the Asian region typically recognize freedom of speech in their constitutions, but permit wide-ranging exceptions under legislation. It is suggested that ASEAN and other institutions, such as CHOGM or the APF on National Human Rights Institutions, might play a leadership role in facilitating a cohesive regional standard to provide more effective freedom of speech in practice.

Members of the media are welcome to cover the event. Details and programme are as below:

Date:              June 26, 2015 (Friday)
Time:              5:00 pm
Venue:           Rayson Huang Theatre, the University of Hong Kong
Language:    English

Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs is the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, taking up her appointment in 2012. She was Dean of the Faculty of Law and Challis Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney from 2007-2012 and Director of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law from 2005-2007. Professor Triggs has combined an academic career with international commercial legal practice and worked with governments and international organisations on disputed continental shelf and other territorial claims, World Trade Organisation law and human rights.

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Rachel Li, Senior Manager (Development and Communications) (Tel.: 2219 4270 / E-mail: lirachel@hku.hk).