Debate: Safety of Journalists – Strengthening the Momentum
Strengthening global cooperation around journalists safety and best practices to be discussed in panel debate on 4 May, World Press Freedom Day in Helsinki
When: Wednesday, 4 May from 11:30 – 13:00
Where: Veranda 2, Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13 e, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Journalism matters for society. The service that media professionals provide to the public is indispensable for the free flow of ideas and information. Reinforcing the ongoing attacks on journalists is the problem of impunity. Safety for journalism is vital in ensuring an inclusive society and the implementation of human rights.
These issues explain the founding of the multi‐stakeholder initiative known as the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, led by UNESCO. Within this framework, UNESCO and others join forces for a range of activities.
One is the marking of 2 November, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, particularly with a view to encouraging engagement by the judicial community on these issues. Another activity aims to stimulate greater involvement by the media itself, UNESCO and partners organized on 5 February 2016 the international conference “News organizations standing up for the safety of media professionals”, where more than 40 ideas were developed to strengthen journalists’ safety worldwide.
A holistic approach and cooperation is necessary to guarantee a safe working environment for journalists. This is equally reflected in the digital space with threats to media professionals, freelancers and social media news producers like bloggers. The growing global momentum to secure safety for journalistic work is increasingly being echoed in actions at national level.
Panelists:
- Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary, International Federation of Journalists (France)
- Cilla Benkö, Director‐General, Sveriges Radio (Sweden)
- Erin Banco, International Affairs Writer, International Business Times (United States of America)
- Frank La Rue, Assistant Director- General for Communication and Information, UNESCO
- Javier Garza Ramos, Safety Advisor, World Editors Forum (Mexico)
- Osama Al‐Habahbeh, Programme Manager Iraq, International Media Support (Denmark)
- Owais Aslam Ali, Chairman, Pakistan Press International and Executive Board Member, International Press Institute (Pakistan)
Points to Ponder:
- How can mobilization and co‐operation of all actors be deepened and made more effective?
- How can international resolutions on safety of journalists, such as those of the UN General Assembly and Security Council, be used more effectively in the field?
- Where are the gaps in tackling the issue of impunity?
- How can online threats and harassment be curbed? What is the role of legal measures, as compared to self‐protection by individuals and/or
- policies of media and internet companies?
Moderator: Barbara Trionfi, Executive Director, International Press Institute (Italy)
The panel debate is organised by the International Press Institute in conjunction with the Committee to Protect Journalists, European Broadcasting Union, International Federation of Journalists, International Media Support, International News Safety Institute, Reporters Without Borders, WAN‐IFRA
