[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-41px|||||” custom_padding=”33px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
3 May 2022<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Excellencies, <\/span>Friends<\/span>, Ladies and <\/span>G<\/span>entlemen<\/span><\/p>\n \n I t<\/span>hank Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO and the Government of Uruguay for organizing this <\/span>High-level <\/span>dialogue<\/span> of the Global Conference <\/span>to <\/span>commemorat<\/span>e<\/span> the <\/span>2022 World Press Freedom Day<\/span>.<\/span> I convey my deep regret that I am not able to attend this meeting in person<\/span>,<\/span> in the beautiful city of Punta<\/span> d<\/span>el <\/span>Este<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n \n It is my honor to <\/span>co-chair <\/span>this high-level <\/span>dialogue<\/span>,<\/span> alongside the President<\/span>s<\/span> of the General Conference of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO and the Human Rights Council<\/span>,<\/span> which are the<\/span> main Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ<\/span> entities mandated to promote freedom of expression, <\/span>press freedom and<\/span>the<\/span> safety of journalists<\/span><\/p>\n \n My friends, <\/span><\/p>\n \n Today<\/span>,<\/span> we recognize and celebrate<\/span> press freedom<\/span> as a cornerstone of<\/span> a robust<\/span> democracy<\/span>. <\/span>Journalists<\/span> play a critical role in conveying accurate and timely information to the public<\/span>;<\/span>in fostering <\/span>healthy public dialogue<\/span>,<\/span> and debate<\/span>;<\/span> and in holding government<\/span>s<\/span> accountable<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Often, they go to great lengths <\/span>on behalf of the public interest<\/span>,<\/span>risking their safety, and even their lives. They deserve to be recognized<\/span> not only<\/span> for the service they provide<\/span>,<\/span> but also for their bravery. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \n Yet, we now witness several worrying trends. The <\/span>number of journalists that are placed in detention<\/span> has increased, <\/span>a<\/span>s has <\/span>harassment against journalists<\/span> –<\/span> both offline and online.<\/span><\/p>\n \n More <\/span>frequent<\/span>ly,<\/span> online harassment against journalists <\/span>is taking on gendered dimensions<\/span>,<\/span> with women journalists being targeted for misogynistic abuse<\/span>.<\/span> This<\/span> can sometimes escalate into physical threats and violence. As we put in place much needed measures <\/span>to protect journalists, it is important that our approach is gender sensitive. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Dear colleagues, <\/span><\/p>\n \n The theme for this year\u2019s World Press Freedom Day \u201cJournalism Under Digital Siege\u201d is highly pertinent. As we speak, <\/span>not only are<\/span> attacks <\/span>against journalists and media workers <\/span>increasing<\/span>;<\/span> and not only are more journalists being killed in conflict zones<\/span>;<\/span> but states themselves are putting journalists at risk<\/span>,<\/span> by the misuse of new digital tools<\/span>,<\/span> such as surveillance technologies and spyware. <\/span><\/p>\n \n On this World Press Freedom Day, as we reflect on how we can better protect journalists, we must consider the<\/span> implications of the misuse of such tools on journalism and press freedoms. <\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n \n Digital<\/span> surveillance<\/span> of journalists<\/span> not only<\/span> threatens the safety and privacy of journalists themselves, but also of their sources, <\/span>and their families and relatives. Much more needs to be done at the national, regional, and global levels to reverse these trends. <\/span><\/p>\n \n My friends, <\/span><\/p>\n \n I find it heartening that the General Assembly has played <\/span>an <\/span>active role in prioritizing the safety and security of journalists \u2013 including through proclaiming 3<\/span>rd<\/span> May <\/span>as World Press Freedom Day<\/span>,<\/span> and through adopting a series of resolutions <\/span>relevant to <\/span>the safety of journalists<\/span><\/p>\n \n The <\/span>Universal Declaration of Human <\/span>Rights enshrines<\/span> freedom of opinion and expression <\/span>as fundamental human rights. And as recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/span>, particularly in target 16.10,<\/span> these rights are necessary for democracies to thrive, prosper and develop.<\/span><\/p>\n \n Therefore, on this<\/span> World<\/span> Press Freedom<\/span> Day<\/span>, let us reaffirm our commitment to protect journalists, to value free expression and to combat<\/span> the harassment of journalists and media work<\/span>er<\/span>s. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Thank you. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" High-Level Dialogue on Press Freedom and the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p> I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p> Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p> A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-265024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n