The use of digital technology, social media and the internet has completely changed how individuals express themselves, and how societies seek, receive and share information. These changes are starkly portrayed in situations of armed conflict where the stakes on ensuring access to accurate information are raised even higher. This has also created new possibilities for parties to the conflict and others to block and manipulate information, including through spreading misinformation, disinformation and propaganda. The resulting confusion expands to understanding the applicable legal framework. Despite significant research into the relationship between international human rights law and international humanitarian law, little attention has been given to the exercise of freedom of expression in armed conflict. A deeper look on a normative level on reveals a dynamic relationship not previously extensively explored, but which is becoming more apparent and important in our digitalised worlds.

Supervisors:
Ola Engdahl, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Stockholm University
Pål Wrange, Stockholm University
Inger Österdahl, Uppsala University