Global media for human rights
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) took part to the international interactive media workshop called Uniting Global Media for Human Rights organised by the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD). The event held in Stavanger (Norway) on May 21-22 was also a good networking opportunity with the participation of human rights experts and journalists from around the world.
The workshop discussed over two days issues including the freedom of expression, censorship and sharing of experience and knowledge while documenting human rights violations worldwide. On day one, Melody Patry (Index) gave a skype presentation about Mapping Media Freedom in Europe project jointly managed by Index, EFJ and RSF. Freelance journalists Jesse Freeston and Lia Tarachansky shared their experience in documenting human rights violations for the television. Jordan Riber and Nazrul Islam presented the work done by Media for Development International using cinema and television in Africa. On day two, the workshop included a panel discussion, moderated by the EFJ representative, under the title of Minimising risks: safeguarding oneself and freedom of expression where speakers from Hirondelle, INSI and NUSOJ shared their knowledge about safety for journalists. Arne Fjortoft from Worldview International Foundation gave a speech on human rights in the age of communication. The screening of the award-winning film, I am Nojoom, Age 10 And Divorced, about child brides in Yemen was followed by Q & A session and discussion with its director Khadija Al-Salami.
According to the GNRD, the workshop aims to establish mutually beneficial connections between the media working in development and human rights publications, NGOs that focus on freedom of expression around the world, and enable maximum pooling of the resources of media and NGOs so they can work together at different levels. The workshop also aims to recommend ways to make the work of journalists and human rights activists safer by sharing information and learning from each other’s experience, and provide greater synergy through joint action.
GNRD believes that the workshop will provide a potential platform for media representatives to meet, network, discuss and work on common situations and issues that they face in this field. It also believes that the role of media is crucial, and building a strong link between NGOs and the media can be an important tool in the promotion of human rights.
Photo : Loai Mohammed Deeb, GNRD President (MK/EFJ)
