Restrictions on access to information should be permissible only for good and compelling reason, as when prescribed by international human rights standards or necessary for the protection of a democratic society or the basic rights of others. The realization of people's right to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from the development of self-reliant communication structures requires national and international assistance. All people have the right to acquire information and skills necessary to participate fully in public deliberation and communication. Journalists must be accorded full protection of the law, including international humanitarian law, especially in areas of conflict. They must have safe, unrestricted access to sources of information, and must be able to seek remedy, when required, through an international body.
All people have the right of reply and to demand penalties for damage from media misinformation.
Individuals concerned should have an opportunity to correct, without undue delay, statements relating to them which they deem to be false and which they have a justified interest in having corrected. Such corrections should be given the same prominence as the original expression. States should impose penalties for proven damage, or require corrections, where a court of law has determined that an information provider has willfully disseminated inaccurate or misleading and damaging information, or has facilitated the dissemination of such information. All people have the right to protect their cultural identity. This includes respect for people's pursuit of cultural development and the right to free expression in languages they understand.