ARTICLE 19

This week, we reflect on two critical milestones in the fight for freedom of expression. ARTICLE 19 remains committed to supporting journalists and activists worldwide in their fight for freedom. Read more and join the conversation.

Today, on the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the #16Days campaign, our Equally Safe project shines a light on the urgent need for a feminist approach to the safety of women journalists. From global research to practical guidelines, we’re equipping policymakers, CSOs, and advocates to create safer spaces for women in the media. Read our guidelines for civil society and governments to protect and support those who risk it all for the truth. #ProtectJournalists #EndGBV https:https://lnkd.in/eN-PCNP4

ICYMI: Missed our webinar From Seed to Storm: The Legacy of Protest in Hong Kong and Taiwan? With the alarming sentencing of pro-democracy activists, this discussion looks into the legacy of protest in Hong Kong and Taiwan. 📺Watch now on YouTube: youtu.be/7zQrMutC1SU #FreeToProtest🪧

Our second annual Digital Markets Act (DMA) Enforcement Symposium kicks off today in Brussels! This closed-door event brings together scholars, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the first year of the DMA's application, explore enforcement trends, and address gaps in ensuring a fair digital marketplace. Organised in collaboration with The Amsterdam Centre for European Law and Governance, the Hertie School Centre for Digital Governance, Université de Namur, Università di Trento, and with support from ARTICLE 19 Take a look at the programme below and head to our website to learn more about the event: https://lnkd.in/eC-BPeeu

The climate crisis demands urgent, accountable action. At #COP29, we're advocating for transparency, protection of defenders, and corporate accountability. What do you think matters most? Cast your vote and share your insights below! Read more about our calls for COP29: https://lnkd.in/e2PYswXX

Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are a growing threat to journalists, activists, and researchers who challenge the powerful and expose abuses. As part of the Polish Anti-SLAPP Working Group, ARTICLE 19, alongside the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights and Citizens Network Watchdog Poland, has outlined key reforms to protect civil society from abusive litigation. Read the full open letter and analysis: https://lnkd.in/enuaWKGu #SLAPPs #FreedomOfExpression #CivilSociety #MediaFreedom #HumanRights #StopSLAPPS

As we approach the end of the first week of COP29 Azerbaijan, climate experts and scientists are calling for major reform in the way we tackle climate change. As they set out in an open letter to UN member states, the UN climate chief and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the framework of the agreement is not enough on its own to solve the climate emergency.   And they point out that climate talks should no longer be hosted by ‘petrostates’ like Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. Countries that host these summits must be firmly committed to upholding the Paris Agreement goals.   This comes against the backdrop of renewed fears that President-elect Donald Trump will abandon the agreement again, and as host country Azerbaijan attempted to use COP to ‘greenwash’ its reputation, while at the same time pushing new fossil fuel deals. And we’ve now all heard that the country’s president claim that oil and gas were ‘gifts from God’.    At the same time, activist coalition Kick Big Polluters Out have reported that, at this year's talks, fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber the delegations of almost every country at the conference.   We call on countries to renew their commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement – and take concrete action.   Azerbaijan and many other countries are not simply oil producers and polluters. They also stifle dissent and violate human rights, including freedom of expression, protest and public participation.    As ARTICLE 19 has repeatedly highlighted, governments must be held accountable for their actions – as well as their inaction.   ARTICLE 19 and partner human rights organisations have condemned the crackdown on environmental activists around the world. COP29 host country Azerbaijan has intensified that repression in recent months: environmental defender Anar Mammadli has been detained on alleged charges of smuggling since April 2024. Azerbaijan must release Mammadli, and all environmental defenders, journalists, and protesters detained in the run-up to COP29.   The government, and all governments, must protect environmental defenders who demand action on pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, often at great personal risk. They should be part of the decision-making processes that will shape the future of the planet.   https://lnkd.in/e2PYswXX #KickBigPollutersOut #COP29 #climatechange

Free expression is not about harassing the media or suing your critics. It's about enabling everyone, especially those with less power, to have a voice. In this issue of the Watching Brief, we dive into What Donald Trump’s re-election means for free speech in the US. Subscribe to stay updated and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future editions.

Join us on Monday for an insightful webinar as we explore the impacts of the Sunflower Movement and Umbrella Movement. This event will look into the shared experiences of Taiwan and Hong Kong and highlights the ongoing threats to protestors in both regions. Date: Monday 18 November 2024 Time: 7AM EST | 8PM TST | 12 PM GMT Panelists include Rwei-Ren Wu, Anna Kwok, Chen Fang Yu of Soochow University, Alex Chow and ARTICLE 19's Michael Caster. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eq6d4Z6S #FromSeedToStorm #HongKong #Taiwan #HumanRights #LegacyOfProtest #CivilSociety

ARTICLE 19, together with the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners, urges the Parliament of Spain to uphold RTVE’s autonomy by rejecting the decree and maintaining the two-thirds majority rule. Learn more about the MFRR’s appeal to safeguard RTVE’s independence: https://lnkd.in/ew8UHGmw #MediaFreedom #RTVE #Spain