Freedom! Freedom is a very funny concept. It’s there and it’s not there! You have it this minute and the second minute it’s gone! Funny indeed…

Freedom is nothing else but the ability to think, speak, act, or live without undue external constraints or coercion.
Freedom can refers to personal liberties like freedom of speech, religion, and movement. It can mean political rights like the right to vote. It is social autonomy like choosing one’s occupation or lifestyle.

Global Rankings of Human Freedom Index

The Human Freedom Index (HFI) is a comprehensive measure that assesses personal, civil, and economic freedoms across countries.

According to the 2023 report by the Cato Institute and Fraser Institute, the global human freedom Index is as shown:

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Human Freedom Index Scores (2023-24):

• Switzerland – 9.39
• New Zealand – 9.20
• Denmark – 9.35
• Ireland – 9.27
• Estonia – 9.32
• Sweden – 9.43
• Iceland – 9.31
• Luxembourg – 9.29
• Finland – 9.33
• Norway – 9.23

Bottom 10 Countries with the Lowest Human Freedom Index Scores (2023-24):

• Syria – 2.96
• Yemen – 3.43
• Sudan – 3.81
• Myanmar – 3.88
• Iran – 4.03
• Venezuela – 4.22
• Egypt – 4.24
• Somalia – 4.49
• Saudi Arabia – 4.53
• Iraq – 4.73

These rankings show how much freedom individuals in these countries enjoy. This includes speech, religion, economic choice, and personal autonomy.

Fundamental Freedoms and Their Limitations

Fundamental freedoms are core rights essential for individual autonomy and democratic societies. They are enshrined in various national constitutions and international declarations, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Key Fundamental Freedoms and their Limitations

Freedom of Speech and Expression
This is the right to express opinions without censorship or restraint.

This freedom allows one to express opinions, share ideas on social media, or challenge policies without fear of punishment.

It promotes open dialogue, journalism, and accountability in leadership.

The limitations to this freedom is the restrictions to prevent hate speech, incitement to violence, or defamation.

Countries have laws that restrict against speech that promotes racism or terrorism.

Freedom of religion and belief
This is the right to practice, change, or abstain from religion.

This freedom allows one to worship or not as you choose, celebrate religious holidays, and wear religious attire.

The freedom encourages tolerance and coexistence among diverse communities

The limitations to this freedom is to protect public safety, order, health, or the rights of others.
There is no one who can be allowed to practice religion that harms others or violate public health regulations.

Freedom of assembly and association
This is the right to gather peacefully and form groups or organizations.

The law limits this freedom to prevent riots, protect public safety, or during states of emergency.

Freedom of Movement
This is the right to travel freely within a country and to leave and return.

This freedom allows one to travel where they want, relocate for a job, or visit family.

It supports trade, education, and cultural exchange.

The freedom can be restricted during public health crises like pandemics, for national security, or legal reasons.

Right to Privacy
This is the protection against arbitrary interference with one’s personal life.

The limitations to this freedom can be applied where surveillance can be permitted for national security or law enforcement purposes. Legal authorization is often required.

Legal frameworks for limitations of Freedoms
Several frameworks are available to justify limitations of freedom

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
   Article 18(3) allows limitations on freedom of religion or belief when it is prescribed by law. Limitations are allowed when necessary to protect public safety, order, health, and morals. They are also allowed to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. This freedom can’t be restricted for national security reasons.
2. National constitutions

• In Canada The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms permits certain rights to be limited. These limitations are allowed if they can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
• In Kenya, the constitution states that rights can be limited by law. This limitation must be reasonable and justifiable. The standard is an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality, and freedom.

How to Balance Freedoms and Limitations
Common notion is that while fundamental freedoms are essential, they are not absolute. Limitations are imposed to balance individual rights with the collective interests of society. To balance freedom and limitations any restrictions should be:

• Prescribed by law and the legal provisions should be accessible
• The restrictions should be necessary and proportionate. It must tackle a pressing social need and be proportionate to the aim pursued.
• The restrictions should be applied equally and without no discriminatory or bias.

Why is freedom important?
The importance of freedom is expressed as these:

• It guarantees human dignity by allowing individuals to live authentically and pursue their values.
• It enhances creativity and progress as free societies often foster innovation, debate, and growth.
• Freedom under the rule of law ensures people are treated equally enhancing justice and fairness
• Freedom leads to peace and stability. When people feel free and heard, societies are less to face unrest or oppression.

Conclusion
Excess freedom is dangerous, over restrictions on freedom is also very dangerous. There is need to find a common ground by balancing freedom and limitations.
What’s your thoughts?