The Right to Freedom of Thought

The Right to Freedom of Thought, as reflected in the Charter of Palermo (2015), affirms that every individual must be able to form, hold, and express ideas without coercion, surveillance, or constraint.

In this framework, freedom of thought includes access to information, education, and the conditions necessary for critical reflection. Barriers such as restricted access to knowledge, linguistic exclusion, or environments shaped by fear and marginalization can limit individuals’ ability to think freely and participate fully in social life. Addressing these barriers is therefore central to ensuring that this right is meaningfully realized.

The Charter also underscores the relationship between freedom of thought and democratic participation. The ability to question, imagine alternatives, and articulate dissent is essential to building inclusive institutions and responsive governance. For migrants and diaspora communities in particular, whose perspectives are often shaped by displacement and transnational experience, this right plays a key role in shaping more equitable and informed public discourse.

Accordingly, the Charter calls on institutions to safeguard spaces—both formal and informal—where ideas can be developed and exchanged openly. By supporting access to education, protecting freedom of expression, and fostering environments of trust, public actors can ensure that freedom of thought is upheld as a foundational element of a democratic and pluralistic society.

  • "One of the most difficult things we literally encounter is most of the time we find it so difficult to have a conversation, to communicate. So it makes how we communicate, it's like it's slowing down communications. And we can't even express ourselves in some situations. Sometimes when someone do something wrong or someone wronged you in the process, you can't even tell the person how you feel because, um, you don't have the words, you don't have the language."

    —Christiana Agyapong

  • “I’ve had a lot of difficulty learning Italian, and I still struggle with it—really, very much so. Because of that, I haven't been able to integrate well, as it is a very, very difficult language. I just haven't been able to master it very well. Consequently, I haven't really formed many friendships with Italian speakers, since I find it hard to connect with others.”

    —Fatima Rahali