Journalism: Strengthening the Rule of Law.

This session highlights the critical relationship among freedom of expression, independent journalism, and constitutional democracy. Global progress in democracy, especially between 1980 and 2010, was accompanied by constitutional and legal reforms that enhanced protections for journalists and greater government transparency. However, since 2010, there has been a global decline in the global state of democracy, which also includes a notable deterioration in freedom of expression. This trend has continued over the last four years. It has been driven, among other things, by the weakening of accountability mechanisms for public and private actors that are key to the protection of human rights and democratic systems. The chapter notes that the rise of digital platforms has transformed information ecosystems. These developments had significant positive effects but also led to new and major challenges that erode public trust and undermine the ability of journalists to counter disinformation campaigns that affect essential democratic values. Strong institutional checks and balances, including robust and pluralistic legislatures and independent judiciaries, are essential to protect freedom of expression. The legislature must ensure fair political representation and oversight, while the judiciary must protect against harassment and direct and indirect censorship. The executive branch, while capable of defending freedom of expression, can also pose its greatest threat through repression and control. The session concludes by pointing out that safeguarding democracy requires strengthening institutions, ensuring the accountability of large technology companies, promoting media independence, and fostering digital literacy and critical thinking among citizens.

 Editor’s Note: Catalina Botero Marino, Colombian lawyer and former Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), is the primary author for this chapter. Her work is complemented by a contribution from the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), the largest global community dedicated to media development, media freedom, and journalism support. The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this chapter do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The ideas and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors; they are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization.