Artistic freedom, as defined by UNESCO, encompasses not only the right to create and disseminate without censorship but also broader civil, social, and economic protections. The report positions artistic freedom as central to democratic societies, underlining how restrictions—through political, religious, or economic pressures—directly threaten cultural diversity and human development. It outlines six key rights, including freedom of movement, association, and participation in cultural life, while noting that violations are rising globally. Using the 2005 Convention as a framework, the document proposes monitoring indicators and policies that embed artistic freedom within national legal systems. It links artistic freedom explicitly to Sustainable Development Goal 16, highlighting the role of cultural expression in peacebuilding and inclusive governance. Notable quotes by cultural advocates, including Deeyah Khan and Farida Shaheed, further underscore art’s role in resistance and the affirmation of human dignity.
UNESCO 2019 Artistic Freedom. Paris: UNESCO.