DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN AFRICA Arrangement of Principles Part I: General Principles Principle 1. Importance of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information Principle 2. Non-interference with freedom of opinion Principle 3. Non-discrimination Principle 4. Most favourable provision to prevail Principle 5. Protection of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information online Principle 6. Protection of human rights defenders and others Principle 7. Specific measures Principle 8. Evolving capacities of children Principle 9. Justifiable limitations PART II: Right to Freedom of Expression Principle 10. Guarantee of freedom of expression Principle 11. Media diversity and pluralism Principle 12. Media independence Principle 13. Public service media Principle 14. Private media Principle 15. Community media Principle 16. Self-regulation and co-regulation Principle 17. Regulatory bodies for broadcast, telecommunications and the internet Principle 18. Complaints Principle 19. Protection of journalists and other media practitioners Principle 20. Safety of journalists and other media practitioners Principle 21. Protecting reputations Principle 22. Criminal measures Principle 23. Prohibited speech Principle 24. Economic measures 5