doubt about its constitutional
based on dignity, equality, freedom
protection.1
and
The
full
enjoyment
of
artistic
justice
may
limit
artistic
expression.
expression is dependent on other
Artistic expression enjoys protection
rights such as right to access to
at international level. The treaty-
information, freedom of association
based human rights systems of the
and
United
assembly,
freedom
of
Nations,
the
UNESCO
conscience, and right to language
framework, as well as African Union
and participation in cultural life,
and sub-regional blocs, to the extent
among others. All these rights also
of their relevance, enshrine and
enjoy
protection
protect these rights. Common in all
thereby fortifying the protection of
these initiatives is the requirement
artistic expression by the supreme
that states, including Zimbabwe,
law of the land.
conform in law and conduct to
The importance attached to freedom
ensure
of expression, and by extension
promote and protect artistic freedom
artistic expression, is one reiterated
in a context devoid of discrimination
by Zimbabwean courts as one of the
against particular artists. Zimbabwe
most
is
constitutional
important
individuals
to
rights
for
achieve
full
a
that
they
signatory
international
to
respect,
most
fulfil,
of
instruments
the
on
development, challenge the status
freedom of expression and artistic
quo
expression
and
hold
public
officials
and
constitutional
provisions have fully domesticated
accountable.
the international law provisions, for
Yet,
freedom
artistic
absolute;
of
expression
expression
it
is
is
subject
and
not
an
to
the
limitation provisions of Section 86 of
the 2013 Constitution. Among other
criteria for its limitation, laws of
general
1
application
in
a
society
example
However,
UNESCO
AND
consistent
susceptibility
to
with
limitation,
ICC.
its
a
number of laws, policies and public
decisions have been deployed by the
state to limit freedom of expression
in general, and artistic expression in
specific situations. The Censorship
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