Policy advice and legislation to enhance freedom of expression

Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

Policy advice and legislation to enhance freedom of expression

Building on its leverage, UNESCO engages with government authorities, policymakers, electoral practitioners, members of the judiciary, security forces and all other relevant actors to enhance legal and institutional frameworks on freedom of expression, access to information and journalists’ safety. Among key initiatives, UNESCO:

Provides support to align national media laws with international standards and gender sensitive perspectives.
Develops effective mechanisms for freedom of expression online and offline and the right to information while fostering gender equality and a culture of transparency among public and private institutions.
Develops inclusive self-regulatory mechanisms for media to reinforce professionalism.
Strengthens the capacities of media workers and promotes dialogue to fight against hate speech in media content.
Supports media’s role in times of elections by strengthening their capacities and by advocating for their safety.
Supports civil society, UN Country Teams, journalists, human rights institutions and judicial operators in using the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism to enhance freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists.

24 countries

and 2 regions (Africa & LAC) provided with policy advice

18 countries

supported in the adoption, revision or implementation

of media and access to information laws

8 countries

assisted in reinforcing access to information

12 countries

and the Latin American & Caribbean region

benefitted from support to media's role during elections

2019 revision of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa supported

Launched a global project on advancing freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information

through the Universal Periodic Review process

Strengthening the Right to Access Information in Balochistan, Pakistan

Since 2019, 91�鶹��Ʒ�� supported the strengthening of the legislative framework on access to information in Balochistan. A series of stakeholder consultations and focus groups discussions with legal experts, civil society, the media, government authorities and parlamentarians, culminated in 2020 with a new Access to Information Bill in Balochistan province in Pakistan.

This initiative was supported by UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP).

UNESCO

Media Reform in Sudan – MDP testimonies from the field

Abdelhadir Mohammed Abdelgadir, UNESCO National expert in Sudan, talks about UNESCO's role in sustaining Sudan's democratic transition, a historic moment that can help improve press freedom in the country.