59th Session of the Human Rights Council Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Theme: Freedom of Expression and Elections in the Digital Age

Mr. President,

The right to freedom of expression is crucial, as it enables people to share their views and opinions freely, and to seek and receive information to support their decision-making during elections. As Pope Leo XIV says “only informed individuals can make free choices”.[1] 

The Holy See maintains that participating in politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it promotes the common good.[2] Most citizens engaging with electoral processes also by participating in the political debate have their voices heard through social media. Indeed, the use of new technologies in digital age can contribute positively to freedom of expression during election periods. However, there are risks of people being conditioned by these technologies when engaging in politics and, ultimately, living together in society. In this respect, my Delegation wishes to offer the following observations: 

Firstly, just because digital technologies “increase the possibilities of interconnection and dissemination of ideas, it does not follow that they promote freedom […] and democracy for all.”[3] It is evident that the exercise of freedom of expression during election periods must be conducted in a manner that respects the inherent dignity of every person, as well as for the benefit of the common good. “The human person is the foundation and purpose of political life”[4] and the well-being of the individual person and the wider community must always be the ultimate goal and measure of social communication.[5]

Secondly, the right to freedom of expression carries a responsibility for everyone who exercises it, not just media professionals. Although people now have a plethora of platforms on which to express themselves, the speed of spreading information often exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgement, can result in imbalanced and improper forms of self-expression.[6] Contributing positively to the common good demands the fostering of greater discernment, critical thinking, and a sense of personal responsibility for the contents created and the information shared in digital environments. 

Thirdly, there is a need to cultivate digital environments that facilitate open and inclusive dialogue, while safeguarding against attempts to censor, marginalize or cancel certain viewpoints, particularly those rooted on religious and moral convictions. Religious views are a vital contributor to democratic discourse, yet there is an increasing marginalization of religion and religious views, particularly Christianity, even in nations that consider themselves beacons of tolerance.[7]

Finally, in this digital age, there is an urgent need to recover the commitment to truth. “Society has a right to information based on truth”[8]; yet, digital technologies have “proved to be one of the areas most exposed to disinformation and to the targeted distortion of facts and interpersonal relations.”[9] Transparent and factual information is essential for safeguarding the legitimacy and integrity of democratic processes. Only truth can unite and enable to confront the challenges of our time more resolutely.[10]

Thank you, Mr. President.