ANN/Groong -- Armenia’s progress in press freedom is welcomed

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenia's significant progress in press freedom is obviously welcomed, and the government’s actions in that direction have been significant and show that despite existing challenges the country is fostering a comprehensive approach to addressing journalist safety, the Journalists Matter: Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists campaign manager Rodica Ciochina said in an interview with Armenpress.

Rodica Ciochina spoke about Armenia’s progress in the press freedom, the further steps for improvement, protection of the rights of journalists, the Journalists Matter campaign and other issues pertaining to the topic.

From 2018 to 2023, Armenia has demonstrated significant progress in press freedom, climbing from the 80th position to the 49th in Reporters without Borders’ global ranking, making it a regional leader in this area. How would you comment on and assess this progress?

From the Journalists Matter Campaign perspective, Armenia's significant progress in press freedom, rising from the 80th position in 2018 to the 43rd in 2024 according to Reporters Without Borders, a Council of Europe partner organisation, is obviously welcomed. This advancement illustrates a positive shift towards fostering an environment where journalistic practices can thrive.

As regards the Armenian National Chapter under the Campaign and according to the information provided by the Armenian Focal Point to the Campaign the establishment of a relevant working group or national committee under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia is an important step. By incorporating representatives from diverse sectors, including government ministries, civil society, and media organisations, Armenia is fostering a comprehensive approach to addressing journalist safety. This collaborative framework should not only enhance communication and coordination among stakeholders but also strengthen the foundation for implementing effective policies that support press freedom.
Of course, even more important will be the uphold of the working group’s commitment to convene regularly, and work on concrete measures, including a National Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists – one of the concrete objectives of this Campaign.

Despite the improvements in press freedom rankings, Armenia still faces significant challenges, including polarization, hate speech, and disinformation. The rise in these issues can create a hostile environment for journalists, particularly for women, who may experience additional forms of harassment. Additionally, increasing threats to journalists’ digital security, including hacking and surveillance, highlight the need for continued focus on protecting journalists not only in physical spaces but also in digital realms.

The observed lack of understanding regarding the vital role journalists play in society is a significant concern. Enhancing public awareness about the importance of press freedom and the media's role in democracy is essential. Education and outreach initiatives can help cultivate a culture of respect for journalists and their work, mitigating the polarization and hostility that currently exist.

But, already the recognition of these persistent issues within the national committee indicates a willingness to confront them head-on, which is vital for fostering a safe and supportive media environment.

Overall, Armenia’s improvement in press freedom is an encouraging development that reflects the commitment of various stakeholders to promote a free and independent media landscape. However, continued vigilance is necessary to address the challenges that persist.

The establishment of a Campaign Committee and hopefully a future work on a National Action Plan for the safety of journalists is a promising step towards creating a safer environment for journalists ultimately supporting the broader goal of enhancing democracy in Armenia.

In October 2023, the Council of Europe launched a five-year campaign dedicated to the safety of journalists. Member states will organize campaign activities, including assessing gaps created by the state, identifying priority issues, and presenting the Council of Europe with a set of planned actions to address these issues, which may receive Council support. What kind of support can the Council of Europe provide, and through what means can it assist this process?

The Council of Europe offers comprehensive support to member states throughout the campaign, using a range of resources, coordination tools, and collaborative frameworks aimed at creating a safer environment for journalists. Below is an outline of the key types of support the Council of Europe can provide and the means by which it assists member states:

First, Expert guidance and strategic frameworks

The CoE has developed an extended Implementation Guide, which outlines specific steps and indicators to help member states assess and strengthen their national standards for journalist protection. This guide provides a structured approach for developing or refining national action plans (APs).

A simplified practical Pocket Guide for key actions to improve journalists’ safety.

By sharing or enabling the sharing of examples of best practices and successful initiatives from countries with effective practical measures of protection, impactful legislative framework and other examples of activities, the CoE helps member States learn from established frameworks and implement suitable measures in their own contexts. In this sense a user-friendly Mapping data base of existing initiatives on the safety of journalists from member States was created and is being progressively filled in on the Campaign webpage.

Second, coordination and facilitation of National initiatives: The CoE Campaign recommends that each country appoints a national focal point and establishes a National Committee to drive the campaign at a national level. The CoE provides logistical and advisory support for these bodies, facilitating coordination between the CoE, national focal points, and relevant stakeholders to ensure cohesive action and implementation. Through annual gatherings, the CoE creates a collaborative environment where national focal points can share updates, discuss challenges, and explore solutions, fostering mutual support and coherence across the campaign. More focused thematic meetings are also envisaged in the upcoming period.

Third, guidance and expertise for projects: The CoE encourages member States in identifying country-specific needs and assists with guidance and expertise the implementation of targeted projects. This includes legislative reviews, training programmes, and the development of mechanisms for journalist safety, which are designed in collaboration with the CoE’s Freedom of _expression_ Cooperation Division. The CoE organises annual thematic events around the campaign’s four pillars—protection, prosecution, prevention, and awareness-raising. These events provide a platform for member States to showcase achievements, discuss priorities, and refine their frameworks with CoE’s expert input.

Fourth, collaborative platforms and advocacy networks: By working with bodies such as UNESCO, the European Commission, and the OSCE, the CoE creates partnerships to amplify efforts and maintain coherence with global standards on journalist protection. Member states benefit from these alliances, which bring additional resources, joint advocacy initiatives, and international visibility to national efforts. Through this platform, the CoE provides data, alerts, and annual reports on the state of media safety, enabling member states to monitor their progress and address critical areas with informed․

Fifth, communication and public awareness support

The CoE promotes campaign messaging through online and offline channels, including social media campaigns, podcasts, interviews with journalists, and other multimedia. These materials are designed to support national campaigns and can be adapted by member States to engage local audiences effectively.

The CoE encourages the creation of ‘national chapters’ that adapt campaign themes to local contexts and provides visibility materials and guidance to help countries conduct effective public awareness campaigns, fostering a culture of respect and support for journalists.

Sixth, regular review and progress assessment

Scheduled reviews in 2025 and 2027 help measure progress and allow the CoE to adjust its support based on the campaign’s evolving needs. These assessments give member states a clear understanding of their achievements and ongoing challenges, encouraging continuous improvement.

Through these methods, the Council of Europe ensures member states receive both the guidance needed to protect journalists and a collaborative, structured environment that reinforces their efforts and upholds European standards for journalists’ safety and freedom of _expression_.

The campaign's ultimate goal is to create a safer working environment for journalists in Council of Europe member states by establishing legal and institutional protections, as well as effective measures against attacks. How likely and realistic do you think achieving these conditions is?

Achieving the ultimate goal of creating a safer working environment for journalists in Council of Europe member states, as outlined in the Journalists Matter Campaign, is a realistic aspiration but presents significant challenges.

Despite the progress, journalists continue to face serious threats, including violence, harassment, and the challenges posed by disinformation and hate speech. The need to address these threats effectively is paramount to creating a safe environment.

In some countries, there may still be institutional resistance to implementing necessary changes. Building trust between journalists and public authorities remains a recurring challenge, and overcoming this mistrust is essential for successful implementation.

The Campaign will continue to address the lack of public understanding regarding the critical role journalists play in democracy. Efforts to enhance public perception and support for journalists will be necessary to foster an environment where their safety is prioritised.

While the objectives of the Journalists Matter Campaign are ambitious, there are solid foundations upon which to build. The establishment of coordination structures, the formulation of National Action Plans, and the ongoing dialogue among stakeholders are encouraging developments.

However, to truly create a safer working environment for journalists, it will require sustained efforts to tackle existing threats, enhance public awareness, and rebuild trust between journalists and authorities. If member States remain committed to the campaign’s objectives and actively engage with the outlined strategies, the goal of establishing effective legal and institutional protections for journalists is achievable. The collaborative framework established through the campaign is a critical step towards ensuring journalists can perform their duties without fear, ultimately reinforcing the democratic fabric of society.

The Council of Europe serves as a facilitator, but the ultimate responsibility for success lies with member States. Continuous political will, resources, and commitment are vital to maintain momentum beyond the campaign's initial phases.

Journalists are often subject to various types of attacks during their work, especially in conflict zones. In your opinion, what actions should authorities or society take to prevent such incidents?

Journalists play a crucial role in democracy by providing vital information to the public, especially in conflict zones where accurate reporting is essential.

A comprehensive approach that combines legal protection, training, rapid response systems, public awareness, and international cooperation is essential for safeguarding journalists in conflict zones.

The Council of Europe gathered resources under this webpage on Freedom of _expression_ in times of Conflict that could be useful.

To mention a few measures: Authorities should establish and enforce robust legal frameworks that protect journalists. This includes, including by that criminalising violence and threats against journalists, ensuring accountability for perpetrators. Measures should be implemented to prevent impunity for crimes against media professionals, ensuring that cases of violence are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Training programs for police and law enforcement in general should be undertaken.

Creating and implementing systems that allow for early warning and rapid response mechanisms to address immediate threats to journalists, particularly in conflict zones. This could involve collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services. Also, emergency hotlines that journalists can access when they feel threatened, ensuring a swift response to incidents of violence.

The establishment of National Campaign Committees, as outlined in the Journalists Matter Campaign, can facilitate dialogue among various stakeholders, including Governments, civil society, and media organisations, to coordinate efforts in protecting journalists.

Additionally, developing and implementing national action plans to improve safety conditions and provide resources for journalists working in high-risk areas.

Raising public awareness about the challenges journalists face is a must, as civil society also plays a crucial role in all this.

Support networks and programs for journalists, particularly those working in conflict zones, to share experiences, best practices, and resources for ensuring personal safety.

Mental health support for journalists who may experience trauma due to their work, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to cope with the pressures of reporting in dangerous environments.

Last, but not least, encouraging cooperation among international organizations, governments, and NGOs to monitor the safety of journalists globally, share information about risks, and advocate for protective measures and of course, provide resources and training for journalists in conflict zones, enhancing their skills to navigate dangerous situations.

What measures is the Council of Europe taking, or can it take, regarding countries that fail to up hold their responsibilities for journalists' safety? Are there specific actions in this regard?

The Council of Europe employs a range of measures to promote accountability and encourage member States to take decisive action in safeguarding journalists and ensuring a free and independent media landscape. Various bodies within the Council, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Platform to promote the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists ( the Platform), and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), contribute to these efforts.

The Platform for the Safety of Journalists is a critical tool that collects and disseminates information about threats to media freedom and journalists' safety across member states.

Through the Platform, the Council of Europe issues alerts regarding serious concerns about press freedom, including instances of violence, harassment, or censorship faced by journalists. These alerts serve as a call to action for member states to address reported incidents and take necessary steps to protect journalists.

The alerts are also used to draw international attention to specific cases, placing pressure on governments to uphold their commitments and improve safety conditions for journalists.

The Council of Europe engages with national authorities through dialogue and advocacy, encouraging them to take concrete actions in response to the alerts issued on the Platform. This can include recommendations for policy changes or legislative measures to improve journalist safety.

The Council often facilitates discussions between civil society, media organizations, and government representatives to foster cooperation and accountability in addressing safety issues.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) actively advocates for the rights of journalists and the importance of media freedom as a fundamental component of democracy. Through resolutions and recommendations, PACE emphasizes the need for member States to fulfil their obligations under international law to protect journalists.

The Assembly monitors member states' compliance with their commitments through its monitoring mechanisms and publishes reports that assess media freedom and journalists' safety in specific countries.

PACE supports the activities of the Platform for the Safety of Journalists and promotes its alerts and findings, encouraging member States to respond to documented threats effectively.

It also engages with civil society organizations, media associations, and stakeholders to gather insights and develop strategies for improving journalists' safety, ensuring their concerns are adequately represented.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) plays a crucial role in safeguarding journalists' rights by adjudicating cases where member States have failed to protect them.

Journalists can bring cases before the ECtHR if they believe their rights have been violated due to insufficient protection by their governments. The Court’s judgments can lead to significant changes in national legislation and practices regarding media freedom and journalists' safety.

The ECtHR also sets legal precedents that reinforce the obligations of member States to protect journalists, thereby influencing domestic policies and encouraging compliance with international standards.

Armenian News Network / Groong

Armenia’s progress in press freedom is welcomed – Interview with Journalists Matter: Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists manager

Armenpress.am

Armenia’s progress in press freedom is welcomed – Interview with Journalists Matter: Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists manager