On October 5th and 6th, 2023, Latvia, through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Council of Europe, in conjunction with Latvia’s Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, will host an international conference centered around freedom of expression and journalist safety. The conference, titled “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword? Meeting today’s challenges to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists,” will delve into various crucial aspects of these subjects.
Across four panel discussions, participants will delve into pressing issues concerning freedom of expression and journalist safety, particularly in the context of global conflicts, with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine casting a prominent shadow. Topics will include legal restrictions on freedom of expression during times of conflict and strategies to bolster resilience against disinformation, with a specific focus on the pivotal role independent media plays in this endeavor.
This event will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government representatives, ombudspersons, international organizations dedicated to safeguarding media freedom, NGOs advocating for media freedom, and professional journalist associations. Among the participants are partners of the Council of Europe’s Platform, which actively promotes the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists.
One noteworthy highlight of the conference is the launch of the Council of Europe’s “Campaign for the Safety of Journalists.” Under the banner “Journalists matter,” this campaign is expected to run until 2027 and aims to chart a course toward a safer, more independent, and more diverse media environment. It encourages nations to establish national plans and mechanisms to ensure the safety of journalists, thereby strengthening the foundation of journalism and free expression worldwide.
