Civic space is wherever people organize, participate, protest, or communicate with each other to influence the political and social structures around them. Protecting it is our highest priority.
Press Freedom and Civic Space
On this World Press Freedom Day, let’s think about our information climate, where the media fit in, and what this means for the rest of us.
Journalists provide essential access to reliable, accessible, and accurate information that helps us all make the decisions that shape our lives – and the societies we live in. They also work to counter the scourge of disinformation that often escalates during times of crisis.
The media’s important work defending information integrity is often carried out alongside and with support from civil society organisations, and it is needed now more than ever to protect civic space from the escalating assaults on it.
To protect civic space, we must demand press freedom.
Featured Articles
How the Colombian press can be strengthened by Inter-American Court reparation measures
On October 18th, 2021, the Inter-American Court released a historic judgment on the analysis of sexual violence as a way to silence female journalists. The court found the Colombian State responsible for not guaranteeing the rights of journalist Jineth Bedoya Lima. In 2000, Jineth was a victim of kidnapping, torture and sexual abuse.
What Russia’s goal of an isolated internet means for press freedom
“Journalists in Russia are going to have a far harder time to do reporting and get that reporting out to other citizens… on the external side, it’s harder for journalists globally to get information into Russia on things that are going on, not just in Russia, but around the world”.
Survival toolkit to protect journalists online launched
In response to the increase in the surveillance of journalists online, ARISA, MISA, Digital Society of Africa and DFB Labs collaborate to publish a survival tool kit for journalists to protect their privacy on the internet.
West Africa: Disruption of media through physical attacks
Over the course of the last 5 months eight media houses in four countries have been attacked, in instances where 13 journalists and media workers have been assaulted and equipment destroyed.
China’s censors aim to contain dissent during harsh COVID-19 lockdowns
Chinese authorities censored criticisms during the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai but netizens found creative ways to express their real sentiments.
Ethiopia kicks out “The Economist” correspondent
The Ethiopian Media Authority has revoked the accreditation of “The Economist” reporter Tom Gardner, for allegedly failing “to live [up to the] standards of conduct for journalists.”
