Media Defence Awarded Grant from UNESCO

UNESCO has awarded Media Defence a grant of $35,000 as part of the Global Media Defence Fund. The Global Media Defence Fund was launched in July 2019 in order to support the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. The plan aims to “create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, both in conflict and non-conflict situations, with a view to strengthening peace, democracy and development worldwide”. This award will enable us to expand our work so that we can provide emergency defence to journalists, citizen journalists and media outlets; and undertake strategic litigation to improve the legal environment in which the media work and secure remedies following violations of their rights.

“Media Defence is delighted to have been awarded this grant as part of the Global Media Defence Fund, and we are very excited to begin this new partnership with UNESCO. As media freedom deteriorates worldwide, the establishment of this fund could not come at a more vital time. Media Defence is thankful to UNESCO for its commitment to help journalists uphold their right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.”

Alinda Vermeer, Acting CEO, Media Defence

“We are pleased to be supporting the work of Media Defence through the Global Media Defence Fund. More than ever, the efforts of organizations such as Media Defence – with its pioneering role in funding legal assistance to journalists and independent media across the globe – are key to protecting the ability of journalists to continue reporting on issues of public interest and ensuring the access of citizens to reliable information, especially in the context of the global crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are confident that Media Defence’s expertise and experience in the protection of journalists and the promotion of press freedom will result in a significant contribution to the achievement of the objectives of the Global Media Defence Fund.”

Guilherme Canela, Chief of UNESCO’s Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

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