Panel Discussion

Legal Threats to Safety of Journalists

Thursday, 2 November 2023, 10:00 – 12:00 CET, Palais des Nations, Room XIX, Geneva, Switzerland and remote participation via Zoom

Background

Journalists and media workers could play a role in scrutinizing governments, report on political or social issues perceived sensitive or disturbing by the
government, and draw attention to the most marginalised groups. However, at times, this has come at a significant cost. Laws have long been used to punish journalists and suppress media freedom.

On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, is organizing a panel discussion to bring visibility to a new Study on the impact of counter-terrorism and other criminal laws on media freedom and safety of journalists. Panellists will explore legal challenges faced by journalists and the increasing practice of resorting to restrictive legal frameworks tounduly interfere with the work of journalists.

Panellists:

Fionnuala Ni Aolain
Outgoing Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Rawan Damen
Director General, Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism

Simon Walker
Chief, Rule of Law and Democracy Section, OHCHR

Tabani Moyo
Regional Director at Media Institute of Southern Africa

Paula Martins
Human Rights Policy Advocacy, Lead, Association for Progressive Communications

Closing remarks by Ms Maria Ressa, Co-Founder, CEO and President of Rappler, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2021)

Documentation

• Programme of work
• Concept note
• Flyer
• OHCHR study
• Briefs: 
  Civic Space
  Self-protection measures to respond to threats to journalists
  Impact of Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Laws on Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists