World Press Freedom Day

With a general decline in media freedom globally , some countries like Sierra Leone  have shown #commitment to work with media development actors.The target? Ensure a more enabling economic and political environment for media . Join online the 2022 #WorldPressFreedomDay Conference.

 Journalism can be exercised by a wide range of actors, including bloggers and others. In addition to protecting the safety and security of journalists, States have an obligation to create an enabling environment for free and independent journalism . Strong protections for journalists’ sources and whistleblowers are often a precondition for a range of journalistic activities, and critical to the public’s right to know .

  States have a duty to promote and protect the free exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The right to freedom of opinion is absolute and cannot be restricted.  However, States may restrict the right to freedom of expression under very limited circumstances. According to article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , any restriction must be: • provided by law; • undertaken to respect the right or reputations of others; protect national security or public order, or protect public health or morals; and • necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate objective. “States should refrain from imposing restrictions on: discussions on government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, government activities and corruption; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or...