Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any democratic dispensation. Democracy cannot be realized without a free flow of ideas and information, and the possibility for people to gather, to voice and discuss issues, criticize and make demands, and defend their interests and rights.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have commissioned a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Freedom of Expression for Parliaments, prepared by the Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD). The course aims to develop the skills and capacity of members of parliament, parliamentary staff, civil society organisations, academics and others with a focus on parliaments to protect and promote freedom of expression inside and outside of parliament.

The course will feature internationally recognized experts and members of parliament from around the world, who will share their knowledge and expertise as well as relevant parliamentary experiences in promoting and protecting freedom of expression.

The course will be available from 28 October 2024 in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

The content of the course is based on a 2018 IPU publication, Freedom of expression for parliaments and their members: Importance and scope of protection. The MOOC is free, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.