Defamation and Its Prohibition in Human Rights System

Defamation is prohibited in the international system of human rights and in domestic legal systems. Prohibition of defamation in domestic legal systems is explicit, but not in the international documents of human rights. Given that defamation causes damage to the reputation of people, and international instruments including the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, European Convention on Human Rights, American Convention on Human Rights and African Charter on Human and People's Rights have emphasized to respect the rights or reputation of others in the enjoyment of human rights, especially the right to freedom of expression, no body hesitated in banning defamation. Unfortunately, we see differences on the components of this legal concept, which can obscure the concept and range of defamation, and thus pave the way to abuse of libel laws. This disagreement also can be seen in the choice between criminal and civil laws dealing with libel. It is hopeful that the international system and domestic legal systems have accepted almost the same defenses against libel charges. Acceptance of these defenses is such that prevent, unauthorized damage to the rights and reputation of others and, at the same time, prevents violation of the right to freedom of expression. These defenses, especially, ensure the rights of those accused of libel against public officials and governmental bodies.