The Handbook is grounded in the political and operational guidance provided by the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline (the Guidelines). The Guidelines empower EU Delegations, institutions, and Member States to take ‘all appropriate steps to ensure the protection of journalists, both in terms of preventive measures and by urging effective investigations when violations occur.’ The Council of the European Union adopted the Guidelines in 2014 to defend freedom of opinion and expression as fundamental rights and as essential foundations for democracy, rule of law, peace, stability, and sustainable development, saying the EU attaches the ‘highest priority’ to the safety of journalists and media actors.
Media4Democracy consortium partner Free Press Unlimited provided inputs in the drafting of this Media4Democracy Handbook.
The main topics of the handbook are:
- Role of EU Delegations amidst COVID and beyond
- Journalists as Human Rights Defenders
- Practical Tools and Resources (Mapping local context and stakeholders + EU Delegation checklist for emergency situations)
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