To mark the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2018, for the second year in a row the European Endowment for Democracy joins UNESCO, Free University of Brussels and other prominent partners to celebrate the 2018 “Difference Day” at BOZAR (Brussels).

Join us for a series of workshops, debates and exhibitions on issues related to freedom of the press and freedom of expression. 

How independent media and journalists face the challenges of repression beyond EU borders?
Session co-organised by the European Endowment for Democracy and UNESCO | 15:30 – 17:00

Speakers:
Andrew Caruana Galizia | Maltese Diplomat, Son of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Marius Lukosiunas | Programme Specialist, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO
Yasmine Merei | Journalist and Human Rights Activist (Syria)
Roman Dobrokhotov | Editor-in-Chief, The Insider (Russia)

Moderator:
Natalia Antelava | Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, Coda Story

This session is a tribute to all information heroes around the globe, those risking their lives to ensure that citizens have access to plural information, a fundamental pillar of functioning democracies. The session will highlight the various dangers faced by journalists in performing their jobs through various testimonies from the ground. It will also highlight the tools in place to help them voice their resistance. MORE

BACKGROUND

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence.

It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

An open and free media landscape, which allows divergent opinions and ideas in the public debate, is a key aspect of democratic societies. Support to independent media is therefore a key area of EED’s work in the EU neighbourhood, where many regimes are becoming increasingly strident in their efforts to cripple civil society and muzzle free speech.