On 5 and 6 October 2023, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Council of Europe in the framework of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers are holding and international conference on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists titled “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword? Meeting today’s challenges to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists”. The objective of the conference is in line with the priority of the Latvian Presidency – to strengthen freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
In four panel discussion, the participants will identify the current threats to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and the challenges to journalism in times of war and crisis. Legal limitations to freedom of expression in times of conflict will be addressed alongside a discussion on the ways to strengthen resilience to disinformation. In addition, the participants will assess the role of independent media in that process.
On 5 October, the Council of Europe will also launch its Campaign for the Safety of Journalists with the aim of encouraging the Council’s member states to put in place their national plans and mechanisms for ensuring the safety of journalists, to discuss current challenges faced by journalists and media workers, and to exchange views on the ways for improving the safety of journalists.
For further information on the campaign for the safety of journalists, see the website of the Council of Europe.
The conference will be held in English and live streamed on the Foreign Ministry website and its social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn un YouTube:
Background information
Latvia took over the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in May 2023. This is Latvia’s second Presidency since joining the organisation in 1995. The Latvian Presidency will last until November. During this period, Latvia is implementing its national priorities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia is the Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The Council of Europe, created in 1949, is the oldest political organisation in Europe and includes 46 European countries. The organisation aims at building a common democratic and law-based space and ensuring adherence to, and safeguarding its fundamental values – human rights, democracy and the rule of law.