COUNTRY REPORT
Russian Federation: Failure to protect journalists is failing the Russian people
New investigations are needed into cases of violence against journalists and those at risk need immediate protection, according to a new ARTICLE 19 report launched in Moscow. The report ‘Russian Federation: Journalists under Attack’ finds that the authorities are failing to address violence against journalists in violation of international human rights standards and Russian law. Read the full report here >
STATEMENT
Ukraine: Investigate attacks against journalists
The Ukrainian authorities should swiftly investigate the substantive allegations of police attacks against at least 52 journalists. In many of the reported cases, the journalists seem to have been targeted by the police. It seems that this targeting was a result of the journalists reporting on the police forces’ use of violence against peaceful demonstrators. It also seems that the police attacked even though the journalists were clearly identified as journalists.
Find out what's going on >VIDEO
How to protect yourself during protests: A19 Video Tutorial
ARTICLE 19 marked Human Rights Day (10 December) with the launch of a multilingual video tutorial produced by the ARTICLE 19 Mexico office which provides practical advice for journalists and bloggers attending protests. From Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine to Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, the year of 2013 continues to be marked by pro-democracy and pro-reform demonstrations, which have swept through many countries and entire regions, unabated by government clampdowns or concessions.
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ADVOCACY LETTER
Tunisian constitution should protect free expression
On December 6, ARTICLE 19 together with 49 human rights groups worldwide launched a joint appeal to the Tunisian civil society groups who have the ability to contribute to the constitution building process.
Read what the letter said >
Palestine: Draft Access to Information Law
ARTICLE 19 has analysed the Draft Law on the Right of Access to Information of Palestine for its compliance with international law and best practice in access to information. The Draft Law was prepared by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and is currently being discussed by stakeholders in Palestine.
Read more >UPDATE
Access to information central to the post-2015 development agenda
Access to information is a prerequisite for development programmes across all sectors and at all levels. To safeguard the success of the post-2015 development agenda, the process must focus on ensuring that governments, civil society, communities, and individuals have the right to the essential information needed to solve problems and make better decisions, and effective access to that information.
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UPDATE
Cambodia: Access to Information Law needed
More than 150 representatives from national and local government, embassies and civil society groups came together for a workshop on access to information hosted by ARTICLE 19 and The Advocacy and Policy Institute on 4-5 December 2013. The aim of the workshop was to discuss developing an approach to secure access to information legislation in the country.
How it panned out >BLOG
Censorship is born of terror, fear breeds silence, and silence engenders impunity
In an interview three days after the assassination of our renowned colleague Anna Politkovskaya, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin stated that journalist and activist’s political influence was minimal. With an air of disdain, he went on to say that Anna, whose work had been internationally acclaimed, was better known in the small circle of Human Rights than in Russia’s mass media.
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