Who is afraid of journalists? The MFRR Italy Mission Report - Article

The collection of findings and recommendations by the partners of the MFRR, in a booklet curated by OBCT.

Following the MFRR Italy Mission from 4 to 6 April, coordinated by OBCT, the conclusions about SLAPP, defamation and safety of journalists are published here

IPI Job Announcement: Head of Advocacy - Article

Deadline 8 December: the International Press Institute (IPI) is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced Head of Advocacy to drive the organization’s global advocacy and campaign work in support of press freedom and independent journalism at a critical time

Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists in Serbia - Reports

ARTICLE 19 published its report of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) international advocacy mission to Serbia that took place virtually from 29 January to 2 February 2021 in partnership with MFRR members and the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS). The Center for Human Rights – American Bar Association and the South East Europe Media Organisation also joined the mission

EU Initiative: Include Hate Speech and Hate Crimes in the list of EU crimes - Article

The EU Commission is asking stakeholders to provide their feedbak on the scale, nature and impact of the types of hate speech and hate crime under consideration. Deadline 20 April

MFRR calls for acquittal of Swedish documentary makers - Article

In view of the verdict in the trial of journalist Henrik Evertsson and camera operator Linus Andersson for their documentary about the sinking of the ‘MS Estonia’, the partners of Media Freedom Rapid Response stress the journalistic nature of the investigation carried out in the public interest and call for the acquittal of the two documentary makers. Here the statement:

Greek police urged to explain detention of German documentary crew - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) sent a letter to Greek authorities seeking an urgent explanation for the recent detention of a German documentary on the island of Samos

Free Press Unlimited (FPU) - Stakeholders

Free Press Unlimited is a foundation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which supports local journalists in war zones and conflict areas in over 43 countries.

The organization also provides practical support for journalists and media practitioners under threat.

Free Press Unlimited (FPU) - Support Centres

Free Press Unlimited is a foundation based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which supports local journalists in war zones and conflict areas in over 43 countries. 

The organization offers several support programmes for journalists at risk:

1. Emergency support: Journalists and media organisations in distress can apply for emergency support from Reporters Respond. Through this fund, Free Press Unlimited enables them to resume their work as quickly as possible when faced with obstruction, vandalism, or intimidations. More info here .
2. Legal support: With the Legal Defense Fund, Free Press Unlimited provides financial support to journalists and media organisations worldwide, giving support to journalists who face prosecution or imprisonment and who are unable to afford a lawyer or trial costs. More info here .
3. Safety trainings & tools: In collaboration with international partners, Free Press Unlimited supports (media) organisations and media workers with safety training. More info here .
4. Advocacy: Independent media and press freedom cannot exist if safety for journalists isn’t guaranteed. Therefore, Free Press Unlimited actively lobbies for a safe work environment for journalists. An environment which enables them to work free of fear and danger. More info here .

Access Now - Support Centres

Access Now is an international non-profit whose aim is to defend and extend the digital rights of users at risk around the world.

By combining direct technical support, comprehensive policy engagement, global advocacy, grassroots grantmaking, and convenings, Access Now is engaged in defending human rights in the digital age. Policy furthers Access Now’s mission by developing and promoting rights-respecting practices and policies. Another activity of Access Now is aimed to advance laws and global norms to affect long-term systemic change in the area of digital rights and online security, developing insightful, rights-based, and well-researched policy guidance to governments, corporations, and civil society. Access Now also works to  provide technology solutions and real-time advice for users at risk in circumstances where communications are not open, free, or safe. Through its 24/7 Digital Security Helpline, Access Now offers technical guidance and incident response to inform and support activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society actors on the ground.

In Europe It has offices in London, Brussels and Berlin.

Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation - Stakeholders

The Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SCF) is a foundation in memory of Serbian journalist Slavko Ćuruvija, killed in 1999. Its mission is to raise the quality of journalism in Serbia, offering support for local media, investigative journalism, as well as providing training for students of journalism. This objective is achieved by supporting independent journalists’ work in local communities through grants, programs and projects in order to strengthen their capacity to be watchdog of democracy on all levels of power, from the local one to the national one. The SCF has three areas of work : Local Media Development, Supporting Investigative Journalisms and Education Programs and Scholarship. In 2014 the Foundation launched the web portal Cenzolovka  aimed at informing the public on all issues that are relevant to the freedom of media in Serbia. Cenzolovka aims at contributing to the monitoring and public understanding of cases concerning violations of media freedom in Serbia and at involving media professionals, independent experts, government representatives and ordinary citizens at large.