Journalists in times of crisis

Wars, terrorism, threats to stability and natural disasters are leading to stricter security and surveillance all over the world. What effect does this have on access to information and on journalism?

Concerned about the erosion of press freedom in times of crisis, the Council of Europe has adopted three particularly significant documents:

  • a Declaration on freedom of expression and information in the media in the context of the fight against terrorism,
  • Guidelines on protecting freedom of expression and information in times of crisis, and
  • a Declaration on the protection and promotion of investigative journalism.

They are based on Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights which aims to guarantee freedom of expression and information within the jurisdiction of the 46 Council of Europe member states.

World Press Freedom Day was introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993.

The date chosen for this annual celebration was 3 May, which is a day of action in the form of initiatives designed to uphold press freedom, as well as a day for assessing the state of press freedom in the world, a day for warning the public and raising awareness, a day for encouraging debate among media professionals, and a commemoration of all the journalists who have lost their lives while doing their job.

The Council of Europe's action to promote press freedom and freedom of information is based on Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, under which this fundamental right is one of the cornerstones of democracy. The Council carries out co-operation activities helping countries to draft legislation and introduce practices which comply with European standards. One of the things that it has done is set up an international group of specialists on freedom of expression and information in times of crisis. The information society is changing, so the Council of Europe now faces the challenge of upholding and maintaining its fundamental principles in new environments, the main one of which is the Internet.

Human Rights Commissioner: protecting press freedom is an obligation, not an option

Human Rights Commissioner: protecting press freedom is an obligation, not an option

“A free, safe and independent press is essential in a democratic society. Protecting press freedom is not an option, it is a legal obligation”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, ahead of World Press Freedom Day on Saturday 3 May.

“Journalists play a critical role by ensuring accountability, uncovering injustices, and raising awareness of human rights issues. But they continue to face threats, harassment, violence, and often impunity for crimes committed against them. In some member states, journalists are faced with abusive lawsuits and detention, and those reporting from conflict zones are often deliberately attacked or detained.

I have engaged with national authorities throughout my first year as Commissioner to help enhance the protection of journalists and ensure that they can work freely and safely. Today, I reaffirm this commitment: I will continue to monitor press freedom in member states and to collaborate with the relevant actors to ensure the application of international standards.”

A UNESCO conference celebrating World Press Freedom Day will be held in Brussels from 5-7 May. Commissioner O'Flaherty will take part in the plenary of 7 May, focusing on freedom of expression and artificial intelligence.

Commissioner for Human Rights Strasbourg 30 April 2025
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Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights

''Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.''