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IBAHRI beefs up freedom of expression panel

Professor David Kaye, former UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (2014–2020), has been appointed to serve as the 15th member of the IBAHRI High Level Panel.

The High Level Panel’s secretariat is the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom  made the appointment.

The panel is the independent advisory body of the Media Freedom Coalition.

It was established in July 2019 and is composed of 15 leading experts in the field of international law.

Last year, 2024, marked the fifth anniversary of the Media Freedom Coalition – and the work of the High Level Panel – now with 51 member states, co-chaired by Estonia and Germany.

The High Level Panel’s remit is to provide legal advice and recommendations for the purposes of promoting and protecting a vibrant, free and independent media.

The High Level Panel also provides individual states with legal advice in the form of legal opinions on draft legislation or legislation already in force, where media freedoms are engaged.

Opinions

It is also called upon to provide amicus curiae opinions at the request of international courts and tribunals in media freedom cases of general public importance.

Professor Kaye is Clinical Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where he teaches international human rights law and international humanitarian law, while directing the International Justice Clinic.

Baroness Kennedy said: “I am delighted to officially appoint David Kaye as the 15th member of the High Level Panel. He is a valuable addition to the panel at a critical time for the protection of media freedom and democratic values globally.

“His voice and expertise will add further force and authority to this body of eminent international lawyers and jurists, which I am proud to chair.”