Press Freedom Legal Forum: Fighting for Journalists’ Rights & Safety

Press freedom is under attack worldwide, with journalists facing harassment, imprisonment, and even murder for reporting the truth. The Press Freedom Legal Forum, organized in partnership with UNESCO, the Asser Institute, and Free Press Unlimited (FPU), brought together judges, prosecutors, and legal experts to discuss how the law can be used to protect journalists.

This forum addressed the challenges of impunity for crimes against journalists, the role of the judiciary, and global efforts to uphold freedom of expression.

Key Issues Discussed at the Forum

📌 Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

90% of journalist murders go unpunished
Only 1 in 10 cases results in a conviction
Legal loopholes & weak judicial systems allow attackers to escape justice

📌 The Role of Judges & Prosecutors in Protecting Press Freedom

Courts play a vital role in defending free speech & holding governments accountable
Judges need better training to handle cases related to media rights
UNESCO’s Judges’ Initiative has trained 17,000 judges in 60+ countries

📌 Global Legal Frameworks Supporting Press Freedom

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 19)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Regional laws and human rights courts ensuring protection

💡 Key Takeaway: The legal system must work with journalists, not against them, to ensure that press freedom is upheld.

How UNESCO & Its Partners Are Supporting Press Freedom

✅ UNESCO’s Judges’ Initiative – Engaged 17,000+ judges worldwide
✅ Legal Training for Prosecutors & Law Enforcement – Teaching judicial actors how to protect journalists
✅ Collaboration with Human Rights Courts – Strengthening legal frameworks globally

📢 The fight for press freedom is not just about journalists—it’s about democracy itself.

The Urgent Need to End Impunity

🚨 49 journalists were killed last year
🚨 57 journalists were held hostage
🚨 Nearly 400 journalists were imprisoned

🔴 When crimes against journalists go unpunished, press freedom is destroyed.

🔹 Legal forums like this help create stronger protections for reporters
🔹 Governments and courts must prioritize press freedom in judicial systems

📢 The solution? A global legal commitment to hold attackers accountable.

Final Thoughts – Why Press Freedom Matters for Everyone

📰 A free press ensures democracy, transparency, and accountability.

📢 What can be done?
✔️ Governments must enforce laws that protect journalists
✔️ Judicial actors need continuous legal training
✔️ Public awareness & support for press freedom must increase

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