This is actually the best example for why encryption isn't a human right. Postal mail isn't encrypted, telephone calls aren't encrypted, and the UN hasn't made a declaration about that. Why is that?
It's because encryption is a red herring. The theory that encryption is going to stop government surveillance is ridiculous. Even a perfect technology is not going to override national politics. Any government oppressive enough to require surveillance of its citizens will not be stopped by encryption. They will just block it or require a backdoor, or find yet more exploits that they won't announce in order to take advantage silently (whether it's the government directly, or one of the many 0day-for-pay players)
Either way they will enforce their will, until the citizens reform their government. You can't tech your way out of politics. You want an end to surveillance? Then go get involved in politics! Force your government to stop surveiling its citizens! Don't wait for someone else do the heavy lifting for you.
Postal mail isn't encrypted because it's not viable for ordinary citizens to encrypt physical mail.
However, tampering with mail, or opening someone else's, is a federal crime with harsh penalties attached. The message is clear: "postal secrecy" is highly valued.
It's because encryption is a red herring. The theory that encryption is going to stop government surveillance is ridiculous. Even a perfect technology is not going to override national politics. Any government oppressive enough to require surveillance of its citizens will not be stopped by encryption. They will just block it or require a backdoor, or find yet more exploits that they won't announce in order to take advantage silently (whether it's the government directly, or one of the many 0day-for-pay players)
Either way they will enforce their will, until the citizens reform their government. You can't tech your way out of politics. You want an end to surveillance? Then go get involved in politics! Force your government to stop surveiling its citizens! Don't wait for someone else do the heavy lifting for you.