Freedom of Expression : News

Back Second meeting of National Focal Points under the Council of Europe 'Journalists Matter' Campaign

(Seulement en anglais)

The second meeting on the National Focal Points to the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists- Journalists Matter took place in Strasbourg on 20-21 June 2024.

After a first inaugural meeting National Focal Points under the Journalists Matter Campaign that coincided with the launch of the Campaign in October 2023, in Riga, this second gathering of Focal Points focused on concrete follow-up actions aimed at enhancing the safety of journalists across member States of the Council of Europe.

The meeting served as a platform for National Focal Points to engage in comprehensive dialogue with the Campaign's secretariat and other relevant stakeholders.

During the meeting, National Focal Points shared the steps taken at the domestic level to launch the Campaign and discussed the identification of areas needing further action.

In particular, national representatives shared their experience in initiating national consultations for the creation of Campaign committees or other structures dedicated to assessing needs and planning activities under the National Chapters of the Campaign.

Additionally, exchanges with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) enabled the Focal points to address the potential venues of cooperation with the national parliaments of the member States.

They were informed about the possibility to engage in cooperation projects related to media freedom and the safety of journalists through the Cooperation on Freedom of Expression Division of teh Organisation

Finally, the Focal Points could hold and exchange with the Partners to the Council of Europe Platform to promote journalism and safety of journalists in order to discuss challenges, but also initiatives and potential collaboration.

The meeting was also the occasion to discuss subsequent steps and activities under the Campaign, both at Council of Europe level and in member States. The Focal Points were invited to come with further initiatives both at national and regional level.

The Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists- Journalists Matter is coordinated by the Steering Committee for Media and Information Society (CDMSI) and its Secretariat, the Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division.