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.

read more... >>

latest news

Back PACE Winter session: Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sons will discuss their mother's death

PACE Winter session: Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sons will discuss their mother's death

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s three sons discussed the context that paved the way for their mother's assassination at the Council of Europe. They also talked about the most important strands of her investigative work and why the ongoing investigation into her assassination demanded close international scrutiny. This event, being hosted by Luxembourg MP Anne Brasseur (ALDE), Dutch MP Pieter Omtzigt (EPP) and German MP Frank Schwabe (SOC), took place on 22 January 2018 on the occasion of the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

On January 22, during the special PACE event, three sons of the journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia recalled that their mother was harassed, targeted by hate campaigns, sued for libel 47 times and was a defendant in five criminal procedures for criminal defamation in the last years. Ms Galizia’s sons explained that her murder has been unfolding for two years, when she started investigating and reporting on money laundering by powerful politicians. During the meeting, they supported a motion to set up a special rapporteur to oversee the investigation and highlighted that the current investigation lacks the needed requirements of independence and impartiality - last proposal to have a special investigation into the facts uncovered by Ms Galizia was voted down by the Maltese Parliament.

Murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) website

Photo: © Running Commentary

Strasbourg 18 January 2018
  • Diminuer la taille du texte
  • Augmenter la taille du texte
  • Imprimer la page

Media

Internet governance

Co-operation projects

Committees

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

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights

follow us