«Construire la paix» et Liberté d’expression Role of Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media for constructing the defences of peace in the minds of men and women Some examples on: I) Media and Conflict Prevention II) Media during Conflict III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries by: A. Cairola / Freedom of expression, Democracy and Peace division / Communication and Information Sector

2 I) Media and Conflict Prevention Among Root Causes of Wars Preventive Role of Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media Examples of UNESCO’s activities «ignorance of each others ways and lives» (from UNESCO Constitution) Promote «free flow of ideas by word and image». (from UNESCO Constitution) Celebration of World Press Freedom Day (3 may) Systematic violation of human rights Freedom of expression is a fundamental right for the promotion and attainment of other civil, political and human rights. Support to freedom of expression advocates (f.i.: IFEX) Lack of participation and of communication Empowering people through access to information and knowledge. Assisting the development of community media (tens of projects every year supported by the IPDC) (to continue in next slide)

3 I) Media and Conflict Prevention (continue) Among Root Causes of wars (continues from previous slide) Preventive Role of Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media Examples of UNESCO’s activities Inequalities, exclusion of groups, poverty, insecurity Role of media in Promoting Transparency and Good Governance – link to achievement of MDGs. Training on investigative reporting (f.i. in Albania, Nigeria) “Hate speech”Antidote to hate speech is pure and simple professional journalism. Supporting media professionals in developing self-regulatory code of conducts …

4 II) Media During Conflict - Accurate and impartial reporting may reduce/resolve conflicts and their consequences (f.i.: correcting misperceptions and stereotypes, humanitarian info, reports on negotiations/peace-agreements’ implementation etc.) -Precondition is Safety of Journalists ! (Geneva Convention’s add. protocols: journalists=civilians, Res 29C/29 «Condemnation of violence against journalists» adopted by the UNESCO’s GC in 1997, Medellin Declaration on WPFD Security Council resolution #1738)

5 II) Media During Conflict (continue) Examples of UNESCO’s activities: Safety training for reporters (DRC, Iraq) «Handbook for Journalists» with RSF Promoting dialogue among media professionals and co-productions (Middle East, Great Lakes, Somalia) Director-General’s statements following the killing of a reporter

6 III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries In post-conflict and transition countries, UNESCO, as lead UN agency for freedom of expression, promotes a holistic approach in assisting the reconstruction and development of a free, independent, pluralistic, non-partisan and professional media sector, as well as universal access to information and ICTs.

7 III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries ‘Holistic approach’ includes assistance in: 1) media legislation reform according to international standards (in coordination with national/international media associations, partners, NGOs); 2) strengthening professional and safe journalism (training of media professionals and managers, support to media associations and freedom of expression advocates, ToTs, and capacity building of media training institutions); 3) media development (support to independent and community media, reform of State-media outlets into Public Service Broadcasters etc.); (to continue in next slide)

8 III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries 4) ‘dialogue’ (promotion of cooperation, co-productions, exchange mechanisms among media professionals etc.); 5) universal access to information (preservation of audio-visual archives and libraries, increasing access to ICTs and the Internet); 6) promote fair and professional election coverage to allow citizens to make informed choices (training to enhance professional election reporting; advocacy to encourage full, fair and efficient disclosure of information).

9 III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries Afghanistan: projects for transformation of RTA into PSB and for the reconstruction of the Educational Radio-TV; DRC, Nepal: training during elections, assistance to law reform processes; Examples of UNESCO’s activities IN PCPD:

10 III) Media and Reconstruction in Post-conflict countries Central African Republic: Maison de la Presse; Rwanda: campus radio station at the National University in Butare Balkans: News exchange and coproduction Network among 12 Public Broadcasters in South East Europe (ERNO)

11 «Construire la paix» et Liberté d’expression Thank you for your attention! *** © AP from Internet)