AFP’s Post

Indeed, the safety of journalists, especially those working in conflict zones, is a critical issue. In 2023, there has been an alarming increase in the number of journalists killed in these areas. UNESCO reported that 65 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2023, with a sharp increase in the number killed in conflict zones. The last quarter of 2023 has been the deadliest one for journalists in conflict zones since at least 2007, with 27 deaths. The ongoing hostilities in the Middle East were responsible for a large majority of conflict-related killings, with UNESCO having so far reported 19 killings in Palestine, 3 in Lebanon, and 2 in Israel since 7 October. Afghanistan, Cameroon, Syria, and Ukraine also each saw at least two killings. These figures underscore the perilous reality for journalists in 2023. As they stand up for truth, it’s indeed crucial that the world stands with them. Their work is vital in conflict zones, and it’s important to mobilize the necessary means to guarantee their protection as civilians, as stipulated in international law. The UN has a Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which aims to ensure freedom of expression and the safety of journalists worldwide. The world must continue to raise awareness about this issue and work towards ensuring the safety of journalists everywhere. Their role in providing accurate information is essential for informed, active, and engaged citizenry. As you rightly said, as journalists stand up for truth, the world must stand with them.

Freedom of Press is foundational to Democracy

Russian Interference Exposed: Deep Connections and Damaging Consequences Investigative journalist reveals shocking ties between Russian assets and U.S. politicians, exposing a campaign of disinformation and manipulation. Learn how foreign meddling threatens our democracy and what can be done to stop it. Featuring former Congressman Denver Riggleman. #RussianInterference #ForeignMeddling #Disinformation #DemocracyUnderThreat #InvestigativeJournalism #PoliticalCorruption #ProtectOurDemocracy #StopRussianInterference #CampaignManipulation #DenverRiggleman

📢 Media freedom is 🔑 for democratic, free and secure societies. Attacks against journalists pose a serious threat to free speech and create a climate of fear and distrust. 💡 Find out what the OSCE is doing to promote the safety of journalists in the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media toolbox 👇 https://bit.ly/4bRUxmK

Pro-Kremlin narratives about the war in Ukraine are dominating the information space in Georgia, Moldova and occupied Ukraine and independent media must be able to fight it. With IWPR support, independent media like Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and Gwara Media are debunking fake news, mapping disinformation networks, and training the next generation of journalists. Read more on how investigative skills helps to debunk disinformation: https://lnkd.in/egjMWM69 #IndependentPress

Challenges for media funding, risks posed by disinformation, media capture, weaponisation of information… among many challenges for the #Mediadev sector , discussed with other members of #TeamEurope democracy initiative in Brussels today and tomorrow

🚨 Journalists and civil society sound the alarm: the Foreign Interference Directive poses a risk to media freedom in the EU. With Civil Society Europe (CSE) and ARTICLE 19, we urge the withdrawal of the controversial proposed Directive, part of the #DefenseOfDemocracy Package. Read our full statement 👉 https://bit.ly/3AMfhQf  #ProtectMediaFreedom

The United Nations released 2024 #SustainableDevelopmentGoals Report, which expresses concern at the “sharp increase in the killings of #journalists and #media workers” in conflict zones. Full report is available here : https://lnkd.in/eddvXw4g Taranath Dahal

Now, we’d like to move to the articles compiled in the second thematic section of our #SummerIssue: 2-News media and political polarization. Find out more about them during the next days! https://lnkd.in/d6aWQuCP

🇪🇺 Ensuring strong democracies in #EU Member States is the basis for combating challenges such as the rise of extremism, election interference, the spread of manipulative information and threats to journalists. 🖊️ In an open letter ahead of the #EUElections, International IDEA European Endowment for Democracy (EED), EPD, Open Government Partnership & ENoP - European Network of Political Foundations suggest 10 priorities to better uphold democracy and the rule of law within the EU. #EUDefendDemocracy Sign it ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eBSnt4cK