The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ms Irene Khan, has called for the protection of journalists in exile saying they fulfill a vital need for public interest news as they are often important alternative sources of information about events in conflict zones or in countries where freedom of expression is severely restricted.
She made this call in her recommendations in a report submitted on June 3, 2024, at the 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which took place from June 18 to July 12, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. The report aims to address the need for better protection and support for journalists, both for their own sake and in the broader interests of human rights, media freedom, peace, and democracy.
Building on her previous report on reinforcing media freedom and the safety of journalists in the digital age, the Special Rapporteur provides an in-depth analysis of the problems, challenges, and threats that journalists in exile face, as well as the relevant laws, policies and practices of States and companies that aggravate or seek to resolve them.
The report was informed by submissions received from 10 governments, 36 civil society organizations and one international organization, as well as consultations held with experts and other stakeholders.
In the report, the Special Rapporteur highlights the precarious situation of exiled journalists who are faced with physical, digital, and legal threats. She noted that despite the strong international legal framework in place to protect them, the failure of states to uphold their obligations has left exiled journalists vulnerable.
According to her, “exiled journalists fulfill a vital need for public interest news for audiences at home as well as around the world. They are often an important alternative for, and possibly the sole independent source of, information about events in conflict zones or in countries where freedom of expression is severely restricted.”
With their deep knowledge of the country, broad networks and distinct sources, they provide diverse perspectives, challenge official narratives and counter disinformation, which may be difficult for foreign media and dangerous for local media to do. In the absence of exiled media, there would be informational black holes and zones of silence on issues of concern to global and national communities.”
She noted that armed conflicts have long been a major cause for journalists to seek refuge abroad, adding that “in recent years, political repression has become the predominant factor forcing thousands of journalists to leave their countries.” She stated that journalists have been expelled by their governments while many have fled their home country to save their lives or to escape detention and imprisonment on trumped-up charges. In addition, she said most have left their countries so that they can investigate and report freely without fear or favour and in some countries, not only have individual journalists left, but entire media outlets, and even complete independent media sectors, have moved out.
She noted some good policies and practices and made recommendations to States, digital and media companies, international organizations and civil society to strengthen the safety of journalists and enhance the viability of independent media in exile.
The recommendations she made include among others:
- • States should publicly acknowledge the valuable role of independent public service media, including exiled journalists, in promoting democracy, development and human rights;
- • States should establish clear legal pathways for journalists at risk to leave their countries and reside abroad with the right to work until they can return home safely. Emergency humanitarian visas should be provided through accelerated procedures to journalists at risk, regardless of their nationality, and their family members to enable them to depart their country of origin safely and rapidly;
- • States should ensure that all journalists in their jurisdiction, regardless of their legal status, are protected from violence, threats and harassment, as well as refoulement or extradition on criminal charges related to their work;
- • Civil society should work in collaboration with exiled media to develop innovative programmes to strengthen the capacity, safety and longer-term viability of exiled media;
- • Civil society should enhance social, medical and psychosocial care and support services for exiled journalists and their families;
- • Civil society should encourage, develop and invest in networks that connect exiled journalists to enhance funding, learning and support, including with the media in their country of refuge and international outlets.
- • International organisations should strengthen their collaboration among themselves and with other stakeholders in countries and regions where exiled journalists are most at risk;
- • International organisations should ensure that the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is applied to combating impunity for crimes against exiled journalists, including transnational repression.
- To download and read the full report, please visit https://bit.ly/4bSYwzy.
