Guidelines regarding free speech in the international arena are notoriously murky.
In its Article 18, the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights reinforces the right to freedom of conscience, thought and religion, as well as the ability for an individual to "manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."
In its Article 19, however, the Declaration reinforces the "right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
The Declaration does not elucidate the implications of these rights.
The Inter-American Convention on Human Rights, though it functions only for North and South America, does represent an international codification of limits on freedom of speech.
The Convention's Article 13 asserts the right to freedom of expression, but also denounces "any propaganda for war and any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitute incitements to lawless violence or to any other similar action against any person or group of persons on any grounds including those of race, color, religion, language, or national origin."
In its Article 12, though, the Convention acknowledges the possibility of limitation of expression of religious beliefs if "necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals, or the rights or freedoms of others."
