Resolution on IFLA, Human Rights and Freedom of Expression

Whereas,        The American Library Association has endorsed Article 19 of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and

Whereas,        ALA Policy 53.1.12 states that "The American Library Association believes that freedom of expression is an inalienable human right, necessary to self-government, vital to the resistance of oppression, and crucial to the course of justice, and further, that the principles of freedom of expression should be applied by libraries and librarians throughout the world;" and

Whereas,        IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) has endorsed Article 19 and it appears as part of IFLA's long-term policy; and

Whereas,        In a resolution, "The importance of freedom of expression and free access to information," adopted by the IFLA General Council, August 1995, IFLA has resolved that "The IFLA General Conference is deeply concerned about increasing infringements on free expression and the free flow of information in many parts of the world, and the mounting cases of abuse and even killing that are being recorded;" and

Whereas,        IFLA has further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring freedom of expression by plans to forming a committee on Access to Information and Freedom of Expression; and

Whereas,        Matters concerning human rights and freedom of expression are central to the ability of librarians and libraries to serve the needs and interests of their users world-wide; and

Whereas,        Periodically, the IRC is requested by ALA members that ALA go on record at IFLA conferences opposing the abridgement of human rights and freedom of expression in various countries; and

Whereas,        The American Library Association, six other library associations (ALISE, SLA, AALL, MLA, ARL and ARLS/NA) and many U.S. institutions are members of IFLA; now, therefore, be it

Resolved,       That the ALA work with other associations and institutions that belong to IFLA to develop positions and programmatic plans of action in support of human rights and freedom of expression; and, be it further

Resolved,       That the International Relations Committee (IRC) receive information regarding issues concerning human rights and freedom of expression; and, be it further

Resolved,       That the president or the member officially representing the Association at IFLA conferences be directed to support and carry them out; and, be it further

Resolved,       That in the absence of such specific direction, the president or the member officially representing the Association at IFLA conferences is empowered to vote on new IFLA resolutions related to human rights and freedom; their votes shall be guided by ALA's adoption of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the good of the Association.

ADOPTED BY THE
COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
July 2, 1997

Elizabeth Martinez
Secretary of the ALA Council


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Resolution on IFLA, Human Rights and Freedom of Expression