2024 MEKK’s safety of journalists conference: Safety of journalists in the coverage of political elections/ Safety of journalists in war

This event, which aligns with the UN's International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, will take place on October 31st and November 1st, 2024. Over the years, these conferences have established themselves as pivotal gatherings for professionals dedicated to journalist safety, fostering significant academic collaborations and practical outcomes. This year's conference focuses on two primary themes: the safety of journalists during the extensive election year of 2024 and the challenges faced by journalists covering wars and conflicts.

Track One: Safety of Journalists Covering Elections and Political Developments

The year 2024 is marked as the largest election year in history, with 2.6 billion people participating in elections across more than 50 countries, including major democracies like India, Brazil, and the United States. Journalists play a vital role in these processes, ensuring the public is well-informed. However, the 2024 report by Reporters Without Borders emphasizes the increasing political pressures and dangers journalists face worldwide. In many regions, journalists are at risk of threats and attacks, particularly when covering election campaigns. Governments must protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression and access to information, especially during electoral periods, to safeguard democracy.

Track Two: The Role of Journalists Covering War and Conflict

Journalists covering conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Ukraine, face extreme dangers. The Committee to Protect Journalists highlights the severe risks in Gaza, where media workers endure unprecedented levels of suffering. Nasser Abu Naker from the Palestine Union of Journalists attests to these harsh conditions. Similarly, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to endanger journalists, leading to numerous fatalities and instances of violence against media personnel. The loss of journalists deprives society of crucial perspectives and silences essential voices.

The conference welcomes submissions that explore these safety challenges and propose measures for improvement. 

Deadline: Interested participants should submit an abstract of up to 250 words and a short bio by August 16, 2024. 

Limited scholarships are available for PhD students and researchers from low-income countries. These should be requested alongside the abstract, with a brief CV and relevant travel details. Selected papers will be considered for a peer-reviewed publication. 

For inquiries, contact: safetyofjournalists@oslomet.no 

For more details, visit: https://uni.oslomet.no/mekk/2024/05/15/call-for-abstracts/