Media Regulatory Authorities and Hate Speech

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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Voltar Media Regulatory Authorities and Hate Speech

A new publication ”Media regulatory authorities and hate speech” was launched in in July 2017. It is addressed to media professionals, civil servants dealing with media and human rights, judges, prosecutors and human rights defenders, civil society and academia.

Aiming at promoting freedom of expression, the study explores the hate speech phenomenon, examines cases of hate speech throughout Southeast Europe, provides recommendations and describes mechanisms for fighting against and preventing it. It is complemented by overviews of legal frameworks of covered jurisdictions (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Kosovo*, Montenegro and Serbia) and relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights.

The publication was prepared in the framework of the implementation of the Council of Europe and the European Union Joint Programme “Reinforcing Judicial Expertise on Freedom of Expression and the Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)”.

* All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Strasbourg 24 July 2017

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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

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