Under article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognizes freedom of expression as a human right. In Article 9 of UDHR, it is stated that everyone has the right to freedom of expression including freedom of seeking, receiving and imparting information and ideas without limitations. The exercise of these rights was amended in the version of Article 9 in ICCPR to carry special duties and responsibilities depending on certain restrictions when necessary to protect others rights or reputations, national security, public order, public health and morals. In Areopagitica, John Milton declared that freedom of expression is not only the right to express, or disseminate, information and ideas but three other aspects including the right to seek, the right to receive, the right to impart information and ideas (644). The protection of freedom of expression is also recognized by international, regional and national st
andards as a right not only the content but also the means of expression including any mediums, whether it be orally, in written, in print, through the Internet or art forms. Freedom of expression is of the essence of human rights. It bolsters other rights and helps them to flourish. Each person has not only the right to speak but also the right to hear. They can express their ideas not only through consensus but also through dissension. The lack of access to freedom of expression, especially in developing countries, leads to discrimination among different social classes such as girls and women, LGBT communities, disabled people. If they are not encouraged to raise their ideas, views, worries, and needs, they are deprived of meaningful participation in society. This is due to the impact of poverty, discrimination, religious and cultural barriers which causes significant restrictions for minority groups on access to freedom of expression. Therefore, access to free expression is vital to both personal and social development.