Round table on safety of journalists
Following the Committee of Ministers Thematic Debate (12 December 2013) on « Safety of journalists – further steps for the better implementation of Human Rights standards », the Secretary General of the Council of Europe made several operational proposals in order to ensure an enabling and safe environment for journalists. The “Round Table on Safety of Journalists – From Commitment to Action” promoted dialogue between international institutions and media freedom organisations to identify ways of better addressing severe human rights violations against journalists. One of its results was to lay the ground for warning mechanisms and a rapid response capacity, through the development of an Internet platform.
The role of Council of Europe bodies to enhance media freedom and the protection of journalists
Safety of journalists is a concern for more than one organ of the Council of Europe.
Each of them, at its level and with within the framework of its mandate issued important texts on the topic. A selection of texts is available here:
- Report: The principles which can be drawn from the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights relating to the protection and safety of journalists and journalism, by Philip Leach
- Report: How to address current threats to journalism?: The Role of the Council of Europe in protecting journalists and other media actors, by Tarlach McGonagle
- Report: The activities of the Organisations in Europe working for the protection and safety of journalists and to combat impunity, by William Horsley
- Speaking of Terror, by David Banisar
- Thematic debate on “Safety of Journalists” – Secretary General SG/Inf(2012)6
- Thematic debate “Safety of journalists- further steps for the better implementation of human rights standard” - SG/Inf(2013)42
- Thematic debate “Safety of journalists- further steps for the better implementation of human rights standard” follow-up – SG/Inf(2014)2
- Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Expression and Democracy in the Digital Age - Resolution on Safety of Journalists
UNITED NATIONS
UNESCO
ORGANISATION OF AMERICAN STATES
"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"
Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights