UNESCO Project Promoting Freedem of Expression

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The proposed programme aims to support freedom of expression and the role of free, independent and pluralistic media in advancing democratic transition and development, citizen participation, respect for human rights and long-standing peace in Arab States. The project will be implemented in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen, through 1) Strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks conducive to freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of information (including media laws, freedom of information legislation, and regulatory frameworks linked to editorially independent Public Sector Broadcasters), fostering reforms in accordance to international standards; 2) Ensuring the safety of media professionals, citizen journalists and bloggers; and combating impunity in the crimes committed against them; 3) Building professional and institutional journalism capacities, including for the safe use of ICTs by journalists and bloggers; 4) Advancing gender equality through enhanced freedom of expression and access to information (via specific actions, as well as by mainstreaming a gender-sensitive approach across all activities under the project) and 5) Establishing two Youth Information Centers (in Lebanon and Jordan) contributing to the human security of displaced Syrian youth through enhanced information flows (including humanitarian information), provision of non-formal education, social and economic services.