ExPRESSion RePRESSion, International efforts to protect journalists at risk

2nd March 2012

In 2011-12, the Centre of Governance and Human Rights conducted research for the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Prof. Christof Heyns. Our research pack and analysis report, both produced in March 2012, focus on issues of impunity towards journalist killings, and measures to protect journalists’ right to life. The CGHR report was presented and discussed at a two-day experts meeting in Cambridge, and the outcomes incorporated in the report by Prof. Heyns to the Human Rights Council in June 2012 to improve the safety of journalists.

Following the closed experts meeting, CGHR organised an international experts roundtable on Friday 2nd March 2012. The panel consisted of:

Christof Heyns, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions;
Celia Davies, Cambridge graduate and Project Development Manager at Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety in Azerbaijan;
Pansy Tlakula, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights;
Frank La Rue, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
Joel Simon, Executive Director, Committee for the Protection of Journalists;
Moderator: William Horsely, former BBC correspondent and UK Chairman, Association of European Journalists;
Chair: Sharath Srinivasan, Director, Centre of Governance and Human Rights

Download the event flyer with speakers bios in Adobe PDF format here.

The purpose of the event was twofold: to present work done by researchers in collaboration with NGOs and UN bodies, and to discuss key issues concerning journalists, with a view to informing the stakeholders in their protection ranging from media agencies to the UN itself. It began with a first-hand perspective from Celia Davies, a recent Cambridge graduate working for a press freedom NGO in Azerbaijan, who herself has faced physical harm and insecurity in her work.