Media

PBI BEO©

“The media may play a major role to support defenders by disseminating information relating to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, by publishing articles on violations which the defenders are victims, and by inciting the public to support their action.”

The media could react to defamation attempts which the defenders are the subject to, for example by vigorously contesting fallacious accusations which assimilate defenders to terrorists, criminals or subversive agents."
UNHCHR Factsheet 29

The media can include in their editorial policy:

• Publishing NGO’s urgent-action on defenders in danger
  See for example the following web sites:
  • Amnesty International
  • Frontline Defenders
  • Human Rights First
  • International Federation for Human Rights
  • World Organisation Against Torture
  • See also the defenders news section on this site
• Devote on the 9th December every year, articles to recall the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in 1998 (and the UN Member States of their protection obligations )
• Support the defenders work by informing the public about its positive impact.

ProtectiOnline suggest individuals and organisation portraits, defenders’ interviews, documentaries on their accomplishments and the obstacles they encounter. Go to the media library

Journalists in danger

According to Reporter Without Borders:

In 2006

• 81 journalists and 32 media assistants were killed
• at least 871 were arrested
• 1,472 physically attacked or threatened
• 56 kidnapped
• and 912 media outlets censored

In 2005:

• 63 journalists and 5 media assistants were killed
• at least 807 were arrested
• 1,308 physically attacked or threatened
• and 1,006 media outlets censored

RWB compiles the number of journalists and collaborators of the media who are killed or detained while doing their job and provide different security tools via the Damocles Network every day.

The International Federation of Journalists encourages international actions to defend press freedom and social justice, via strong, free and independent journalist trade unions: The IFJ has supporting funds for threatened journalists. On the Federation’s website there are many links to other sites who defend the freedom of the press.

The Press Emblem Campain (PEC) seeks to strengthen the legal protection and safety of journalists around the world.

The “International News Safety Institute- INSI ” provides a security guide and specific trainings for journalists

See also the link section on this site.

PBI’s European Office drafted a Protection Manual for Defenders, which is useful for journalists and is published by the Irish NGO Frontline. This Guide also includes the information on a possiblesecurity workshop organised in the field by PBI European Office.

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