The United Progressive Party Administration's efforts at enhancing the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression has resulted in the country playing host to an international human rights seminar for journalists.

On August 10 and 11, the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights IACHR will conduct a Human Rights Seminar for Journalists in the Caribbean at the Jolly Beach Resort to sensitize them on issues relating to human rights, with emphasis on freedom of expression.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is the principal organ of the Organisation of American States OAS which is charged with protecting human rights in the Americas. To carry out its mandate, the Commission, among other things, organizes and conducts conferences, seminars and meetings with representatives of Governments, academic institutions and non-governmental groups.

President of the Commission is Antiguan Jurist Clare Roberts, who has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the Commission in its defense and protection of human rights in the Hemisphere and more so in the Caribbean region.

Minister responsible for Information Dr. the Hon. Edmond Mansoor said that the government sees the selection of Antigua and Barbuda by the OAS as the host country for the seminar as a strong approval of and a tribute to the efforts of the Government's commitment to the full and unimpeded democratization of the media.

He pointed out that the monopoly of the state media has ended and the hallmark Freedom of Information Act gives the public unprecedented access to government information and records.

"We look forward to welcoming journalists from around the region to Antigua and Barbuda for this important seminar. My government's actions have made our country an ideal exhibit of the promotion and protection of freedom of expression," Dr. Mansoor concluded.