Communications and Media

In the United Arab Emirates, there exist limitations on what people can say in public and what the print and broadcast media can report (BBC, 2010). Regulations have been put in place criminalizing comments and opinions that are perceived to be against the governing authorities (BBC, 2010). As a result, public opinion concerning certain topical issues is curbed, and the people do not have the liberty to talk, express themselves or act in the way they want.

This lack of the freedom of expression is a contravention of internationally accepted standards of democracy and human rights (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). In fact, the freedom of expression is one of the most fundamental rights that a government can accord its citizens. It is the most essential component in the establishment of modern-day democracy and is the most significant pointer that a regime or a governing authority is respectful of human dignity (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). One reason why the United Arab Emirates, like many other governments and socio-political institutions from all over the world, has limited the freedom of expression for its citizens and the media is that it is one of the most dangerous rights viewed from any governments perspective since it threatens the status quo and the publics yearning for change.

The freedom of speech and expression is a very important aspect of modern society and cannot therefore be underestimated or undervalued (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). As the renowned philosopher Voltaire once said I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. The function of governments all over the world is to wield political power on behalf of and for the good of the people. It is therefore of paramount importance that the peoples opinion be considered at all levels of decision making that ultimately affects them.

Without the freedom of speech and expression, this noble characteristic of socio-political institutions cannot be achieved (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). Where this freedom does not exist or is curtailed, opinion of the masses is curtailed, but where this fundamental right has been safeguarded, all decision making exercises are preceded by deliberations and discussions, therefore yielding decisions that are palatable to the majority of all stakeholders in the system. This will then guarantee the formation of a harmonious political and social unit where everyone feels they belong (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). The freedom of speech and expression is therefore important in all levels of the society, but more so for governments. Yet it is the government that muzzles the peoples ability to declare their divergent positions regarding topical issues, killing the creative instincts of its people.

Giving all citizens of the United Arab Emirates the freedom of speech and expression will help the government establish an effective rule in, which there is an avenue of addressing every issue that may arise concerning governance (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). When this essential freedom is assured, any criticism targeting the government will be voiced openly and not through informal channels like gossip and rumor-mongering. The government will then be accorded a formal channel to respond to such criticisms and let the people decide if they were fair or justified in the first place. In the contrary, rumors and other falsehoods will emanate from one corner of the country and spread like bushfire all across the board and the government does not have a basis for responding to them. This scenario has the potential of killing harmony and satisfaction exhibited by the people.

In conclusion, there is an urgent need, based on the above reasons and many others that the government of the United Arab Emirates and other Muslim and non-Muslim nations move to award this fundamental right to citizens in areas where it has not been granted. The freedom of expression is not only the cornerstone of modern day democracy it is also the surest way of respecting human dignity (The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, 2007). People need to express their opinions in a non-trivial manner without fear of subjugation whatsoever so that the society can move ahead in an environment where the truth prevails in an official way.