Publishers and Librarians Promote Freedom of Expression
Series:
Publisher:
IFLA/IPA Joint Press Release
9 October 2002
An international group of librarians and book and journal publishers
re-asserted the importance of freedom of expression for democracy,
creativity and prosperity, expressing its willingness to further
promote and work towards ensuring respect of this fundamental human
right.
The joint statement on freedom of expression was agreed by the Joint
Steering Group, established by the International Federation of Library
Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the International Publishers
Association (IPA).
The statement reiterates the need to put into place national legal
frameworks in accordance with international instruments guaranteeing
the freedom of expression and calls for a full application of the
principle in the print and the electronic environments. Both
organisations commit themselves to oppose steadfastly any attempts to
restrict this fundamental freedom.
Alex Byrne, Chair of the IFLA Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Committee declared:
"In a world of turmoil, it is vitally important for global
understanding that all peoples should be able to express their views
and read and see the views of others. Librarians and publishers share a
commitment to ensuring the widest possible access to information. IPA
and IFLA have jointly pledged to promote freedom of expression and
access and to resist attempts to censor or inhibit printed or digital
publication."
Lars Grahn, Chair of the IPA Freedom to Publish Committee said:
"It is a core mission for librarians and publishers to guarantee
everyone's right to express opinions in written forms without
interference. The Internet has led to an accelerated exchange of
information throughout the world, but which in turn can give rise to
new types of censorship. IFLA and IPA now have to fight on both the
print and digital fronts to promote and defend the freedom of
expression, and in particular the freedom to publish."
Full text: A Joint Statement on Freedom of Expression
Further information from:
Benoît Müller
Secretary General
International Publishers Association (IPA)
Avenue de Miremont 3
CH-1206, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 3463018
Fax: +41 22 347 57 17
Email: secretariat@ipa-uie.org
Ross Shimmon
Secretary General
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
P O Box 95312
2509 CH, THE HAGUE
Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 3140884
Fax: +31 70 3834827
Email: ross.shimmon@ifla.org
Notes for editors:
IFLA is the global voice of the library and
information profession. Established in 1927, it celebrates its 75th
anniversary at its annual conference in Glasgow, Scotland in August
2002. IFLA currently has more than 1,750 members in over 150 countries.
More information can be found on the IFLA website www.ifla.org
IPA represents the publishing industry world-wide
through 78 national, regional and specialised publishers associations
in 65 countries. Established in 1896, IPA was founded to promote the
lifeblood of publishing: Copyright protection and freedom to publish,
internationally. IPA is an accredited Non-Governmental Organisation
enjoying a consultative status to the United Nations. For more about
IPA, see: www.ipa-uie.org.
The members of the IFLA/IPA Steering Group are:
IFLA:
- Ingrid Parent (Co-Chair), IFLA Governing Board member
- Claudia Lux, IFLA Governing Board member
- Sandy Norman, Copyright Consultant, UK
- Ross Shimmon, IFLA Secretary General
IPA:
- Herman P. Spruijt, IPA Executive Committee (Publisher, the Netherlands), Co-Chair
- Ted Nardin, Chairman, Professional and Scientific Publishers Group,
Association of American Publishers (Mc Graw-Hill Companies, USA) - Lex Lefebvre, Secretary General, STM
- Benoît Müller, Secretary General, IPA
Last update: 5 October 2012