The construction of historical memory is closely linked to the guarantees provided by the right to freedom of expression. This right ensures that victims and society in general are able to speak about the past, narrate their own stories, and call for and influence social discussion and institutional reform. Mechanisms such as access to State archives, participation in the media, journalistic coverage of armed conflicts and the free flow of stories, artistic endeavours, criticisms and condemnations empower victims and the rest of society in the construction of alternative narratives and independent memories. This article examines case law of the Inter-American System of Human Rights that elaborates on freedom of expression, and considers its importance for the construction of historical memory. It also touches upon some decisions taken by the Colombian high courts, relevant to a context in which mechanisms of transitional justice have recently been implemented.

中文翻译：

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言论自由在历史记忆建构中的作用

历史记忆的构建与言论自由权所提供的保障密切相关。这项权利确保受害者和整个社会能够谈论过去，讲述自己的故事，并呼吁和影响社会讨论和制度改革。诸如查阅国家档案、参与媒体、新闻报道武装冲突和故事的自由传播、艺术努力、批评和谴责等机制使受害者和社会其他人能够构建替代叙述和独立记忆。本文考察了阐述言论自由的美洲人权体系的判例法，并考虑了其对历史记忆构建的重要性。