A/76/380 the Inter-American Court of Human Rights interpretation of article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights (“freedom of thought and expression”). 76 43. Arguably, looking beyond providing access to specific information to developing an information environment conducive to critical thinking, the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities asserts that “without access to information and communication, enjoyment of freedom of thought […] for persons with disabilities may be seriously undermined and restricted”. 77 Therefore, it concludes that States parties should promote assistance and support for them, including Internet access and alternative modes and methods of communication (e.g., easy -to-read formats). While not specifically considering freedom of thought, the former Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, highlights that journalists are necessary for the functioning of any democratic society, in providing individuals and society alike “with the necessary information to allow them to develop their own thoughts”. 78 44. Furthermore, a former judge of the European Court of Human Rights argues that access to information is a prerequisite for freedom of thought, since “every person who is ill-informed [or lacking necessary information] cannot think freely”. Therefore, destroying public sources of information, including mass media, propaganda and censorship (e.g. book-burning campaigns), could undermine the freedom. 79 The Special Rapporteur also observes that “free thinkers” value the free flow of ideas and information, for whom insufficient information or plurality of sources – especially in educational settings – could violate freedom of thought. 80 45. The right to education. The Committee on the Rights of the Child observes that the right to education “draws upon, reinforces, integrates and complements” freedom of thought, 81 while others postulate that education enables children to develop the cognitive skills necessary to fully enjoy their fr eedom of thought, including how to protect themselves from thought manipulation and to think critically for themselves. 82 Consequently, States must direct education to “development of the child’s personality, talents and mental […] abilities to the fullest potential”, 83 and the right to education can “only” be enjoyed “if accompanied by the academic freedom of staff and students”. 84 Moreover, the State may have obligations to facilitate child leisure and rest. Research indicates that playing “performs a significant role” in brain development, particularly in early years, and that without sufficient rest, children lack the “mental capacity for meaningful participation or learning”. 85 46. The right to cultural life and science. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes that freedom of thought __________________ 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 21-14191 Gomes Lund et al v Brazil, para. 197. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, general comment No. 2 (2014) on accessibility (CRPD/C/GC/2), para. 21. A/HRC/20/17, para. 3. See https://intersentia.com/docs/CHRLR_2012_01.pdf, pp. 82 and 87. See also www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks. Submission from Humanists UK. Committee on the Rights of the Child, general comment No. 1 (2001) on the aims of education (HRI/GEN/1/Rev.9 (Vol. II), p. 385, para. 6). Consultation with Humanists International; submission from Association européenne pour la défense des droits et des libertés (ASSEDEL); see also https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000244676. Committee on the Rights of the Child, general comment No. 17 (2013) on the right of the child to rest, leisure, play, recreational activities, cultural life and the arts (CRC/C/GC/17), para. 27. Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 13 (1999) on the right to education (HRI/GEN/1/Rev.9 (Vol. I), p. 70, para. 38). Committee on the Rights of the Child, general comment No. 17 (2013) (CRC/C/GC/17), paras. 9 and 13. 13/28