Launch of South Programme V: "Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean"

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 Launch of South Programme V: "Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean"

1 September 2022 marked the start of the fifth phase of the joint European Union-Council of Europe programme "Protecting human rights, the rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean" (South Programme V). The new phase of the regional programme is coordinated by the Council of Europe Office in Tunis. It aims at continuing the support to democratic reforms of nine beneficiaries in the Southern Mediterranean (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine* and Tunisia) through the establishment of a common legal space between Europe and this region. The 5.5M€ "South Programme V" has just been launched. It will focus on the following:

Further enlarging the common legal space between Europe and the Southern Mediterranean: aligning national legislations with international standards through accession to Council of Europe conventions and provision of targeted legal advice with the Quick Response Mechanism (QRM).
Strengthening capacities to address global challenges through the development and use of common tools, strategies, and mechanisms in the region.
Reinforcing co-operation and dialogue on human rights, rule of law and democracy through strengthened co-operation and peer-to-peer networking at the regional level.

The programme includes a renewed focus on Freedom of Expression, Pluralistic Media and Access to Information, mainly in four countries (Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco and Libya) in the region.

More about the South Programme, countries involved and achievements

Lisbon 15 March 2023

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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