International Association of Prosecutors and UNESCO To Strengthen Freedom of Expression and Protect Journalists

UNESCO contributed to the 29th Annual conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) and to its 18th European Regional Conference to emphasize the crucial role prosecutors play in protecting journalists and ensuring accountability for crimes against them.

UNESCO

3 December 2024

Bringing perpetrators of crimes against journalists to justice is a cornerstone of the global fight against impunity and the protection of freedom of expression. Prosecutors hold a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights. Recognizing this, UNESCO joined the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) (29 September - 2 October 2024), contributing to its 29^thAnnual Conference in Baku.

The event, attended by 470 prosecutors and high-ranking officials from 95 countries, underscored the link between the Rule of Law and freedom of expression. It highlighted the essential role prosecutors play in ensuring transparency, accountability and an independent justice system.

Government actions and decision-making processes should be transparent and open to scrutiny by the public and the media. Journalists should not be judicially harassed, detained, forced to exile or killed for doing their work of reporting information to the public.

Sabin OuelletFormer Chief Prosecutor of Quebec and UNESCO expert and trainer

Since 2020, UNESCO and the IAP have joined efforts to strengthen the capacities of prosecutors in safeguarding freedom of expression through the publication of Guidelines for Prosecutors on cases of crimes against journalists, now available in 17 languages. The efforts include advocacy, capacity building events and trainings across different regions.

These initiatives equip prosecutors to act decisively in defending journalists, particularly those investigating corruption and public wrongdoing.

Further advancing this partnership, UNESCO and IAP organized a session titled "Challenges and lessons learned in investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists" during the IAP's European Regional Conference held in Malta from 6 to 8 November 2024. This session, attended by 65 prosecutors from 22 countries highlighted the role of civil society organizations, with Free Press Unlimited sharing insights on supporting prosecutors and fighting impunity.