Image © Shutterstock In line with the Council of Europe Guidelines on protecting freedom of expression and information in times of crisis, the crisis situation should not be used as a pretext for restricting the public's access to information. Neither should states introduce any restrictions on media freedom beyond the limitations allowed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Freedom of expression, media independence and open deliberation, rather than information control, are the core principles underlying European democracy which will allow us to surmount the great challenges facing our countries.

Toolkit by the Secretary General on the impact of the sanitary crisis on freedom of expression and media freedom (SG/Inf(2020)19)

Read more on challenges to freedom of expression and media freedom in the times of crisis and human-rights compliant responses

  • Freedom of expression and information and media freedom are crucial for the functioning of a truly democratic society and continue to be so in times of crisis. The provision of timely information about public health risks is a critical element in crisis response.
  • Media play a key role, also coupled with increased responsibility, in providing accurate, reliable information to the public, but also in preventing panic and fostering people’s understanding for and cooperation with necessary restriction. Media organisations and journalists should adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards, give priority to authoritative messages regarding the crisis, and refrain from publishing, and thus amplifying, unverified stories.
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Back Online discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on media freedom

Online discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on media freedom

Media in times of crisis play an essential role and have a particular responsibility to provide accurate and reliable information to the public – such information are crucial for our health.

The online discussion provided an opportunity to share experience among journalists, media professionals, researchers and civil society and discuss the effects of COVID-19 on media reporting, public discourse, sustainability of the media sector and restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom.

More information, as well as the video of the online discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on media freedom is available on a dedicated webpage.

  Watch the video of the online discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on media freedom

Strasbourg 28 May 2020
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"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights

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