International Conference “Safety of Journalists in Ukraine. Ending Impunity” in Kyiv

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 International Conference “Safety of Journalists in Ukraine. Ending Impunity” in Kyiv

On 25 October the International Conference “Safety of Journalists in Ukraine. Ending Impunity” was held in Kyiv to assess the current situation on the safety of journalists. Its participants developed recommendations on ending impunity for crimes against journalists and eliminating occasions when journalists are prevented from carrying out their professional activity in various ways.

The event was organised jointly by the two Council of Europe projects - the CoE/EU Programmatic Cooperation Framework and the CoE “Strengthening freedom of media and establishing public broadcasting system in Ukraine” together with the Administration of the President of Ukraine, Parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech and Information Policy and the NGO “Institute of Mass Information”.

Patrick Penninckx, Head of Information Society Department of the Council of Europe said: “In 2015 the Council of Europe launched the internet-based Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. Its surveys conducted in partnership with media organisations, reported threats against journalists in the Council of Europe member States. The Platform as well launched calls for action to safeguard media freedom. As of October 2016, the Platform has recorded 218 alerts from 27 countries which are perceived as serious media threats. Among them 128 alerts are considered to be level 1 - the most severe and damaging violations of media freedom! 13 alerts have been submitted from Ukraine”.

In January-September 2016, the Institute of Mass Information has registered one murder, 26 cases of assault, 77 cases of impeding journalists’ professional activities and 7 cases of censorship in Ukraine. In the meantime, the recent “Journalists at risk: part of the job?” study, conducted by the Council of Europe revealed that 31% of journalists in the 47 Council of Europe member States have experienced physical assault during last three years, 46% were threatened with force and 69% experienced psychological violence.

The video of the conference can be viewed at online here.

“Programmatic Cooperation Framework for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus “ co-operation project

“Strengthening Freedom of Media and Establishing a Public Broadcasting System in Ukraine” co-operation project

Kyiv 25 October 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