243. Freedom of expression under Article 9, read together with Article 27(2),96 of the African Charter is the cornerstone of a democratic country, and any violation of the right to freedom of expression impacts on the full realization of other rights and freedoms enshrined in the African Charter and other international instruments. 244. The right to freedom of expression has also been recognized as a AC HP R fundamental human right under other international human rights instruments, such as the UDHR,97 and the ICCPR.98 At the Regional level, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance 99 provides in its Article 27(8) that, “In order to advance political, economic and social governance, State Parties shall commit themselves to promoting freedom of expression, in particular freedom of the press and fostering a professional media.” 245. The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa (the Declaration)100 which supplements the provisions of Article 9 of the African Charter underscores respect for freedom of expression by providing that “No one shall be subject to arbitrary interference with his 96 97 Article 27(2) provides that “The rights and freedoms of each individual shall be exercised with due regard to the rights of others, collective security, morality and common interest.” Article 19. 98 Article 19 of the ICCPR provides that “[e]veryone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice." 99 Adopted by the 8th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, held in Addis, Ethiopia, on 30 January 2007. 100 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, adopted by the African Commission during its 32nd Ordinary Session, 17 - 23 October, 2002, Banjul, The Gambia. 72