“Journalists at Risk: part of the job?” – New study of the Council of Europe

Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

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Back “Journalists at Risk: part of the job?” – New study of the Council of Europe

The work of journalists is often associated with risk and danger. Journalists are exposed to unwarranted interferences during their activities, which may result in high levels of fear. The pressure, attacks and psychological abuse journalists face may result in self-censorship.

The Council of Europe (СoE) is committed to promoting the safety of journalists. To throw more light on the issue, the CoE’s Information Society Department has launched a comprehensive quantitative study on unwarranted interference, fear of crime and self-censorship among journalists in Europe. The study will present a unique opportunity to research one of the most important issues facing journalists today.

The study will attempt to reach around 1.000 journalists in all 47 CoE member States. They will complete a questionnaire exploring unwarranted interference. This includes attacks on the physical integrity of journalists, the harassment of journalists, the experience of impunity and threats to journalistic sources. It will explore how these experiences may have a chilling effect on media freedom.

The research is led by Professor Marilyn Clark from the University of Malta who works with representatives of a number of specialised NGOs: the European Federation of Journalists, Index on Censorship, International News Safety Institute and the Reporters without Borders.

The questionnaire will be disseminated in April 2016 and the completion of the research, publication and presentation to public is expected by the end of 2016.

The results of the study will feed into a wider strategy by the Council of Europe on the topic of media freedom and safety, including the standard setting, the co-operation and the online Platform on safety of journalists https://www.coe.int/en/web/media-freedom.

Photo: @ Shutterstock

Strasbourg 1 March 2016

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In time of conflict

The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear.

Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage