“Even during crises, human rights – fundamental rights – do apply and must be respected”, highlighted Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge while addressing the Global Conference for Media Freedom held in Tallinn (Estonia). The Deputy Secretary General underlined how extraordinary circumstances are marking our times, with an unprecedented rise of digital technology and several changes in the political environment, including the spread of “fake news”, hate speech and disinformation, during the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Moreover, he made reference to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, protecting freedom of expression for all Europeans, including media freedom.

“The big question is of course: how can we apply the fundamental principles safeguarding freedom of expression?”, emphasised Mr. Berge in his keynote speech. “We are taking a range of initiatives, including developing specific guidelines for all our 47 member States, with a comprehensive approach to combating hate speech (particularly on-line), ensuring that digital technologies are used in an open, transparent and accountable way”.

Finally, Deputy Secretary General stressed the relevance of the Platform for the safety and the protection of journalists since “in recent times, intimidation, restrictions and attacks have increased. Last year alone six journalists were killed in Europe”, he concluded.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov also delivered a strong message on media freedom. Meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Minister of Justice Maris Lauri were also part of the Deputy Secretary General’s agenda on his visit to Estonia, together with an exchange of views with Uzra Zeya, Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights for the United States of America (USA).