Security concerns should not hamper freedom of speech, conference

Security concerns should not hamper the freedom of speech and the liberty of the press, stressed participants in the Arab-African follow up conference of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) in their final Declaration, dubbed Marrakech Declaration, adopted Wednesday evening at the end of the three-day gathering.

The document insists that the freedom of speech and liberty of the press should be major elements in the construction of the information society in Africa, the Arab region and the whole world.

All individuals should participate and benefit from the information society, underlined the final document, noting that new information and communication technologies and the media should help in providing a fair access to sustainable development.

The Declaration also underscores that national legislations should guarantee independence and plurality of the media.

Participants noted that the society of information should facilitate the participation of women and allow them use fully information technologies, adding that cultural diversity should be, not only preserved, but also encouraged.

The conference brought together over a hundred of media institutions officials, researchers and communication experts from all parts of the world.