Session
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The session has 4 parts and a discussion :
1. Scene setter - Safety of journalists online, Recap after all 2024 elections and the importance of the safety of journalists in this context
2. Theme I: The Problem - What are the issues in your country/region concerning the problematic of the safety of journalists online? How does this affect democratic rights such as electoral processes and internet shutdowns?
3. Theme II: Potential solutions: insights on campaigns and best practices - How can media organizations and educational institutions collaborate to provide training and resources to journalists on digital safety practices?
4. Theme III: the way forward - What can we collectively do to promote and improve the safety of journalists online? How can we make sure that freedom of expression is upheld at all times?
5. Discussions and questions from the floor / online
2024 is a global “super-election year”, with around 49% of the people in the world being called to vote in around 64 countries. In any democratic society, a free press serves as a crucial check on power, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the dissemination of accurate information. They provide the public with reporting, investigative journalism, and fact-checking, offering voters the information they need to make informed decisions. Their presence helps to deter electoral fraud and ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. At the same time, online harassment, threats, surveillance, censorship, internet shutdowns and cyberattacks against journalists and media organizations have become disturbingly common occurrence. In the context of this super-election year Switzerland would like to organize an Open Forum to shed light on the safety of journalists online. During this Open Forum, we aim to underline the different issues surrounding the safety of journalists online and look at potential solutions to address them. We will also look at how we can collectively promote and improve the safety of journalists online. By examining the intersections of technology, policy, and human rights, we aspire to identify concrete actions and collaborative initiatives that can empower journalists and media organizations to navigate the digital landscape securely and effectively. Switzerland would also take the opportunity to present its National Action Plan (NAP) for the safety of media professionals. The National Action Plan was published on 3 May 2023, on International Press Freedom Day and aims to put the issue of the ‘safety of journalists’ on the public agenda. It aims to raise awareness in society and among politicians of the various challenges facing journalists and of the fundamental importance of the media as part of an effective democracy in Switzerland. In close cooperation with the media sector, OFCOM (the Federal Office of Communications) has drawn up nine specific measures in the areas of awareness-raising and prevention, protection and support in cases of violence and threats, and also monitoring the legal framework. It is critical that we come together to defend the principles of freedom of expression, independent journalism, and access to information. This Open Forum is aiming to amplify voices, share knowledge, and catalyze collective action towards a future where media freedom thrives in the digital age. We invite all stakeholders to join us and participate in this meaningful dialogue guided by our policy questions to contribute to shaping a more transparent, accountable, and democratic media landscape.
To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we plan to employ a multifaceted approach. This will involve live streaming sessions for virtual participants, enabling them to ask questions and contribute to discussions in real-time. Additionally, dedicated moderators will ensure that both online and onsite audiences have equal opportunities to engage and participate. In designing the session, our focus will be on creating the best possible experience for all participants, regardless of their physical location.
Swiss government, Federal Office of Communications OFCOM
• Panelists: o CoE on media freedom (tbc) - Europe o Member from tech community: Internet society on internet shutdown? (tbc) o Member of civil society: Bruna Santos (tbc) - South America o Reporters Without boarders (tbc) - Asia
Isabelle Lois (Swiss OFCOM)
Jorge Cancio Swiss OFCOM or our collegue at the Council of Europe
Isabelle Lois
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Targets: Firstly, ensuring the safety of journalists online contributes directly to SDG 16.10, which specifically targets the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and access to information. By addressing online harassment, threats, surveillance, censorship, and cyberattacks against journalists and media organizations, we uphold the principles of freedom of expression and access to information, thereby strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peace and justice.
Moreover, the Open Forum's focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and the dissemination of accurate information reinforces SDG 16.6, which seeks to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, media organizations, and civil society, we contribute to building stronger, more resilient institutions capable of safeguarding journalists' safety and promoting media freedom.
Furthermore, Switzerland's National Action Plan (NAP) for the safety of media professionals, presented during the Open Forum, directly supports SDG 16.6 by outlining specific measures to raise awareness, prevent violence and threats, provide protection and support, and monitor the legal framework. Through the implementation of these measures, Switzerland demonstrates its commitment to strengthening institutions and ensuring justice for journalists, thereby advancing SDG 16 and contributing to the broader agenda of sustainable development.