Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace

A presentation by Mogens Schmidt

DADG for Communication & Information Sector

Freedom of

Expression

Development

Democracy

Dialogue

Freedom of Expression

• Unhindered access to information and knowledge is fundamental to all aspects of life:

• Economic development, • Social participation and

building democratic societies

• Allows individuals and communities to speak out, express their aspirations and concerns and participate in the decisions that are crucial to development.

FeX contributes

to

DEVELOPMENT

Freedom of Expression

Free and independent media:

• Facilitates good governance by fostering good relations between informed, critical, & participatory citizens & responsive elected officials.

• Strengthens civil

society, harnesses political transparency & accountability

FeX contributes

to

DEMOCRACY

Freedom of Expression

• Media has a great potential to foster mutual understanding, peace and reconciliation, particularly in open conflict and post-conflict countries; pluralistic media can reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of people

FeX contributes

to

DIALOGUE

UNESCO Contribution Towards Freedom of Expression

4 Key Approaches

• Advocacy & Awareness Raising and Monitoring;

• Media Law and Regulatory Framework;

• Safety of Media Professionals;

• Ethical and Professional Standards

Advocacy, Awareness-raising and Monitoring

• World Press Freedom Day (global event and national events)

• Awarding of the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize

• Press releases• Networking—participation in workshops,

symposia, conferences• Direct contact with member states• Collaboration with professional organisations

and NGOs

Media Law and Regulatory Framework

• Media and press laws

• Freedom of information laws

• Defamation laws under civil code

• PSB frameworks

• Internet provision and telecommunications laws and regulations

• Best practices sharing

Safety of Media Professionals

• Ensuring international law in the field (with other UN agencies)

• Building capacity of media professionals, army and police personnel, authorities

• Mapping and criticizing impunity (IPDC Council related)

• Advocacy work, mainly with large professional organizations and specialized NGOs)

Ethical & Professional Standards

• Ethical and Professional Standards

• Media Accountability Systems

Peace

• The Power of Peace Network (PPN)

• Engages Youth around the world to Promote Peace-building and Dialogue through ICT & Media

Peace

• Tremendous global interest in the concept of PPN

• Over 1100 project ideas and proposals received.

• Long term: Creating a network of networks of peace builders able to tap into each other’s resources at a national, regional or global level.

Thank you