Freedom of expression and journalist protection advocates have gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, for 2 days of talks, workshops, and exhibitions.
Among the highlights were two events: Journalists on the Front Line: Addressing Threats to Press Freedom in Eastern Africa and the Sahel Region, a panel discussion hosted by our Eastern and Western Africa offices; and Journalists’ Safety: How Long Until We End the Killings and Impunity? , organised by Al Jazeera Center for Public Liberties and Human Rights and Al Jazeera Media Network. ARTICLE 19’s Catherine Mbui, who leads the Civic Space programme in our Eastern Africa office, joined UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression Irene Khan and the African Journalists’ Union in this timely discussion.
This comes at a critical time for journalists around the world, when acknowledging the vital role media freedom plays in supporting and building democracies is so important. The election in the United States has undoubtedly brought these issues back into sharp focus. As the US prepares for Donald Trump to be reinstated in the White House as president in January 2025, the need to prioritise freedom of expression, and meet the challenges and obstacles present at this critical time, is clear.
We must continue to stand up for media freedom, and for journalists. The freedom of expression community must strengthen the call for governments everywhere to commit to a free and independent press, reminding leaders around the world of the fundamental role journalists play in supporting, and building, democracy. As our colleagues and partners gather in Addis Ababa, we continue to call for journalists and civil society activists to be protected, including in The Gambia as it strengthens its democracy following years of authoritarian rule, and in Senegal as it approaches legislative elections and following the country’s commitment to greater transparency. Our team in Eastern Africa has rolled out an ambitious strategic plan to foster an environment for robust media freedom that amplifies diverse voices, and holds those in power accountable.
In Africa and across the globe it’s also vital for us to protect our Information environment, and champion the right to know. This means tackling the power of Big Tech and the excessive market power of social media companies to ensure everyone has more control over, and greater choice regarding, what they access, read and share online, and that we promote exposure to a diversity of voices.
As the US prepares for change in the White House, we will continue to call for our governments to support human rights around the globe, and to urge the US government and President-Elect Trump to lead this charge.
Read more about our work in Western and Eastern Africa and about protecting journalists
