Part I: General Principles Principle 1. Importance of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information 1. Freedom of expression and access to information are fundamental rights protected under the African Charter and other international human rights laws and standards. The respect, protection and fulfilment of these rights is crucial and indispensable for the free development of the human person, the creation and nurturing of democratic societies and for enabling the exercise of other rights. 2. States Parties to the African Charter (States) shall create an enabling environment for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information, including by ensuring protection against acts or omissions of non-State actors that curtail the enjoyment of freedom of expression and access to information. Principle 2. Non-interference with freedom of opinion Freedom of opinion, including the right to form and change all forms of opinion at any time and for whatever reason, is a fundamental and inalienable human right indispensable for the exercise of freedom of expression. States shall not interfere with anyone’s freedom of opinion. Principle 3. Non-discrimination Everyone shall have the rights to exercise freedom of expression and access to information without distinction of any kind, on one or more grounds, including race, ethnic group, colour, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, political association, national and social origin, birth, age, class, level of education, occupation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status. Principle 4. Most favourable provision to prevail Where a conflict arises between any domestic and international human rights law, the most favourable provision for the full exercise of the rights to freedom of expression or access to information shall prevail. 10