Training on the “Limits of the Freedom of Expression – hate speech”

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 Training on the “Limits of the Freedom of Expression – hate speech”

Within the scope of the Joint Project “Reinforcing Judicial Expertise on Freedom of Expression and the Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)” co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe, a two day event on “Limits of the Freedom of Expression – hate speech” was organised. The event, organised in partnership with the Macedonian Young Lawyers’ Association, took place on 28 and 29 September in Hotel Granit in Ohrid.

The activity focused on Article 10 of the ECHR and its standards seen through the case law of the European Court of Human Rights along with a comparative elaboration on the national situation on the relevant issues. This training for lawyers and legal professionals enabled 25 people from around the country to build up relevant knowledge, with the purpose to help them develop necessary expertise and skills for future representation in cases of this nature.

The participants were taught by an international consultant, Ms Sandra Bencic and a national consultant, Mr Zoran Gavriloski – an attorney at law from Skopje.

“The views expressed therein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union”

Skopje 6 October 2017

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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