Journalists and democracy under attack - the Swedish response

Poverty is not just about a shortage of food and water – it is also about lack of power and a voice. How can development cooperation support those who stand up for freedom of speech and expression when the democratic spaces are shrinking, and authoritarian regimes tighten their grip on the media?

Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index shows that hatred of journalists has degenerated into violence. The number of safe countries continues to decline while authoritarian regimes tighten their grip on the media. In Europe and around the world, the democratic space is shrinking. Human rights and democratic principles are important pillars in the battle against poverty and is therefore the area in which Sida is investing most of the development cooperation. Journalists and media play a key role in scrutinising those in power and uncovering abuse. Being poor is not just a shortage of food and water – it also means lack of power and a voice. Meet journalist Rowa Alkhatib who fled Syria after enduring years of intimidation, threats and harassment. What drives journalists to put their lives at risk to defend democracy and freedom of speech, and how can international development cooperation support those who dare to stand up for their rights? Which role should Sweden take?

Medverkande:

• Peter Eriksson, Minister for International Development Cooperation, (MP) Swedish MFA
• Joanna Kurosz, Russia Coordinator and Freedom of Expression Representative, Sida
• Gulnara Akhundova, Head of Department for Global Response, IMS
• Rowa Alkhatib, Journalist from Syria
• Erik Halkjaer, Moderator, Reporters Without Borders

Kontaktperson 1:

Sofia Hafdell, Project manager, Sida

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