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 sessions on freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the Ministry of Culture and Communication of Morocco

Training sessions on freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the Ministry of Culture and Communication of Morocco

The Council of Europe and the Department of Communication of the Ministry of Culture and Communication of Morocco organised several training sessions on freedom of expression and freedom of the media in aid of government officers of the Ministry. This training cycle was held in the premises of the Higher Institute of Information and Communication in Rabat.

Facilitated by Juan Barata Mir, the two first training courses took place on 22 and 23 May 2017.  They focused on the protection offered by international standards and the European Convention of Human rights when it comes to freedom of expression and on the guarantees to freedom of communication in the audio-visual sector.

A third training course, organised on 4 October 2017, was dedicated to the status, rights and responsibilities of journalists. By sharing various European examples, Marc Gruber dealt with issues relating to the concept of journalist and its status, the role of self-regulation in protecting rights and in respecting media ethics, the legal protection of journalistic activities and the recent transformations in the day-to-day journalistic practices.  

The cycle ended on 10 October 2017 with a training course, facilitated by Juan Barata Mir, on freedom of expression on the internet, giving a particular focus on Council of Europe standards on this matter.

This co-operation project between the Ministry and the Council of Europe was initiated in the context of the recent adoption in 2016 in the Kingdom of Morocco of new laws governing the press and the audio-visual sector, hereby providing to participants the opportunity to compare Moroccan experiences with various European experiences.

Rabat 27 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

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights

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