Workshop on the existing initiatives on the safety of journalists

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 Workshop on the existing initiatives on the safety of journalists

On 1^st and 2^nd of June, the Media and Internet division of the Information Society Department of the Council of Europe is organising a workshop on the existing initiatives on the safety of journalists. This workshop is taking place in Strasbourg and brings together representatives of Council of Europe member States, other organisations and associations that are working in the field of media and on the protection of journalists. This initiative offers the possibility to participants to discuss on the best practice examples encouraging the adoption of more effective approaches and methods to ensure the safety of journalists.

The workshop is structured around the following thematic areas: National Action Plans (NAP) for the safety of journalists; mechanisms and tools for ensuring journalists’ safety, including trainings; safety of women journalists.

The workshop responds to the necessity of knowledge sharing regarding the adoption of national measures. The Council of Europe campaign for the safety of journalists will be launched in the margins of the Riga Conference on Freedom of Expression organised under the Latvian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers on 5-6 October 2023.

The campaign is a 5-year project meant to cover all Council of Europe member States. It is now open for voluntary contributions. More details are available here.

Strasbourg 2 June 2023

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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

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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