Safety of journalists and human rights defenders

Journalists and human rights defenders around the world face major risks as a result of their work. Governments and other powerful actors, seeking to escape scrutiny and stifle dissent, often respond to critical reporting or activism with attempts to silence them.

Threats, surveillance, attacks, arbitrary arrest and detention, and, in the most grave cases, enforced disappearance or killings, are too often the cost of reporting the truth. The protection of journalists and human rights defenders, and ending impunity for attacks against them, is a global priority for safeguarding freedom of expression.

States are under an obligation to prevent, protect against, and prosecute attacks against journalists and human rights defenders. Creating a safe and enabling environment for their work necessitates legal reform, the creation of special protection mechanisms, and protocols to guide effective investigations and prosecutions where attacks occur. A free press and active civil society are essential to ensure the public’s right to know, so that governments and institutions can be held accountable.

Serbia: Safeguard the independence of United Group media outlets
04.09.2025 5 min read

Serbia: Safeguard the independence of United Group media outlets

Click here to go to article
The Gambia: Authorities must release protesters and protect their rights
27.08.2025 5 min read

The Gambia: Authorities must release protesters and protect their rights

Click here to go to article
UK: Prime minister must secure freedom for Jimmy Lai on medical grounds
21.08.2025 6 min read

UK: Prime minister must secure freedom for Jimmy Lai on medical grounds

Click here to go to article
Malaysia: Release prominent activist and protect the right to protest
20.08.2025 5 min read

Malaysia: Release prominent activist and protect the right to protest

Click here to go to article
Kyrgyzstan: Mass Media Law must be improved to protect independent journalism
14.08.2025 8 min read

Kyrgyzstan: Mass Media Law must be improved to protect independent journalism

Click here to go to article
Malaysia: Stop using unnecessary, disproportionate force against protesters
14.08.2025 4 min read

Malaysia: Stop using unnecessary, disproportionate force against protesters

Click here to go to article
Israel : Stop targeting journalists and protect vital reporting in Gaza
11.08.2025 3 min read

Israel : Stop targeting journalists and protect vital reporting in Gaza

Click here to go to article
Bangladesh: Murder of journalist sparks safety fears for media workers
11.08.2025 4 min read

Bangladesh: Murder of journalist sparks safety fears for media workers

Click here to go to article
Belarus: Five years after rigged elections, the fight for freedom endures
07.08.2025 4 min read

Belarus: Five years after rigged elections, the fight for freedom endures

Click here to go to article