Co-chairs’ Statement – Media Freedom Coalition

Media Freedom Coalition Co-Chairs’ Statement on the Safety of Journalists and Media Workers in Georgia

MFC Secretariat — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:02:19 +0000

გაეცანით განცხადებას ქართულად

The Co-Chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition are deeply concerned by the use of excessive force, violence and detentions against journalists and media workers by the Georgian authorities since the beginning of the pro-European protests.

Since November 28, the “Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics” has documented more than 70* cases of interference and violence against journalists and media workers, including leading women journalists.

We condemn all intimidation and violence against journalists and media workers, who must be able to inform the public without fear of violence and interference. All cases of violence and intimidation must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to account.

We call on the Georgian authorities to put an end to the excessive use of force against journalists covering the protests, and to fully respect their commitments to media freedom and the safety of journalists, as well as the right of peaceful assembly.

Signed by the MFC co-chairs:

Estonia and Germany

The following countries align with this statement:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Czechia
Denmark
Finland
France
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
the Netherlands
the United Kingdom
the United States
Ukraine
Uruguay

* The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics has published updated figures here.

Media Freedom Coalition’s Co-Chairs’ Statement on the Membership of Sudan

MFC Secretariat — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:57:22 +0000

Estonia and the Netherlands, as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), give notice that, effective today, Sudan has been removed as a member of the MFC. This decision was taken in consultation with the MFC membership and as per the Coalition’s Terms of Reference.

Sudan became a member country of the MFC in February 2020, when the former government of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok committed to the Global Pledge on Media Freedom. All MFC member countries have committed to respect and uphold the Global Pledge, and are held accountable by other members if they fail to do so.

It is clear to the MFC that the situation of media freedom in Sudan is, unfortunately, no longer in line with the Global Pledge. The vast majority of the media in Sudan has stopped working, as journalists and media workers face increasing violence, threats and targeted attacks on a daily basis. Furthermore, Internet and telecommunication services have regularly been disrupted, curtailing freedom of opinion and expression and the free flow of information.

The MFC will continue to closely monitor the media freedom situation in Sudan and reaffirms the commitment of members to the principles outlined in the Global Pledge on Media Freedom.

Media Freedom Coalition’s Co-Chairs’ Statement on the membership of Afghanistan

MFC — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:24:04 +0000

Canada and the Netherlands, as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC),
give notice that, effective today, Afghanistan has been removed as a member of the MFC. This decision was taken in consultation with the MFC membership and as per the Coalition’s Terms of Reference.

Afghanistan became a member country of the MFC in January 2020, when the government of President Ashraf Ghani committed to the Global Pledge on Media Freedom. All MFC member countries committed to respect and uphold the Global Pledge, and are held accountable by members if they fail to do so.

It is clear to the MFC that the situation of media freedom in Afghanistan is, unfortunately, no longer in line with the Global Pledge. Indeed, the current state of affairs is one of grave concern.

Since seizing power, the Taliban have imposed serious restrictions on media freedom that have threatened the safety and well-being of journalists and media workers. The continued harassment, attacks, and detention of journalists and exclusion of women from the media have led to a rapid loss of media independence and put journalists’ lives at risk daily.

The Media Freedom Coalition will continue to closely monitor the media freedom situation in Afghanistan and reaffirms the commitment of members to the principles outlined in the Global Pledge on Media Freedom.

United Kingdom and Canada mark the 1 year anniversary of the first Global Conference for Media Freedom

MFC — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 13:25:47 +0000

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Global Affairs Canada issued a statement marking the 1 year anniversary of the Global Conference for Media Freedom.

One year ago, our 2 countries co-hosted the first Global Conference for Media Freedom in London to respond with a united front to ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media workers throughout the world. The event launched significant international efforts to protect and promote media freedom that continue today. This was made possible with the collaboration of the Media Freedom Coalition, which since its launch has grown to 36 members, their Advisory Network, and the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts, all of which were formed as a direct result of this conference.

As co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition, we remain committed to leveraging innovative and coordinated international approaches to ensuring safe and secure environments for journalists; regardless of the issues they cover or the borders they cross. Our societies cannot function without the independent media that hold us all to account.

This 1 year anniversary marks the perfect moment to reflect upon our progress, and to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic, with renewed vigour and collective resolve.