LA COLUMNA DE MARTÍN LAZO CUEVAS

By Martín Lazo Cuevas

Freedom of expression is one of the most fundamental human rights and, at the same time, one of the most demanding in its exercise. Protected by legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19) and national constitutions like Mexico’s (Article 6), this freedom enables individuals to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions without fear of censorship or reprisals, while respecting the rights of others and public order.

However, the true value of freedom of expression lies not only in its formal existence but in its conscious and constructive exercise by all social actors.

The citizen exercises their right by participating in public life: by expressing opinions, proposing ideas, denouncing injustices, and engaging in debate. Their voice forms the foundation of a dynamic, pluralistic, and ever-evolving society. Every citizen who expresses themselves responsibly helps build a stronger social fabric, where differences enrich rather than divide.

The government representative, when exercising freedom of expression, carries an amplified responsibility: their words are not just personal opinions but acts of institutional communication. They must speak with truth, clarity, and respect, avoiding the use of discourse as a tool of manipulation or exclusion. Their expression should strengthen citizens' trust in institutions.

The social, political, or religious leader finds in freedom of expression a power to summon and transform. Their words can mobilize great collective efforts or trigger painful divisions. Therefore, their speech must be imbued with strong ethical principles, a vision of the common good, and an awareness of their influence over those who listen.

The journalist and the writer are natural guardians of freedom of expression. From rigorous investigation to the narrative construction of our realities, their work is essential to ensure society has access to truthful information and spaces for reflection. They do not merely inform: they help educate citizens in the critical exercise of their own freedom.

In conclusion, exercising freedom of expression is an act of permanent social construction. It is not merely about speaking: it is about speaking to build, to dialogue, to correct, to inspire. It is about ensuring that every spoken or written word carries the seed of better understanding, a stronger democracy, and a more dignified coexistence.

Defending freedom of expression means not only ensuring that everyone can speak but also cultivating the responsibility to speak with social awareness, ethics, and hope. Only then, word by word, will we build the free, just, and united society we all long for.