In many countries journalists and other media actors are facing censorship, political and economic pressure, intimidation, job insecurity, abusive use of defamation laws as well as physical attacks. These offences are often committed in a context of impunity, which has a chilling effect on media freedom. The Council of Europe advocates an enabling environment where journalists can fully exercise their public watchdog function.

Building capacity in member states: Over the past decade, the Council of Europe Cooperation Programme has been implemented in over 20 projects in member states and partner countries promoting media freedom, including various aspects of journalist’s safety.

Brief overview of the latest Council of Europe guidelines and activities to promote the safety of journalists