Statement of the Embassy of Finland and the British Embassy in Tel Aviv on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day
The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) brings together 51 countries committed to advancing media freedom and the safety of journalists worldwide. Finland and the United Kingdom are currently serving as co-chairs of the MFC. World Press Freedom Day is an important moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to freedom of expression and free media.
World Press Freedom Day is marked on May 3rd all over the world, and this year’s theme is “Shaping a Future at Peace”.
At a time when international peace seems more elusive than it has for a long time, a free, independent, pluralistic media can help achieve peace, and also help sustain it.
Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democratic society. Yet, according to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, global media freedom is in steep decline. The UK and Finland – as co‑chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition - are therefore committed to defending the vital role of a free, independent and pluralistic media, as an essential element of both democratic resilience and the rules‑based international system.
The Media Freedom Coalition brings together 51 countries from six continents, united in their commitment to improving media freedom and the safety of journalists. MFC member states work closely with civil society, legal experts, international bodies such as UNESCO, as well as journalists and media workers themselves.
Together our members work to strengthen the legal, policy and economic conditions for independent media; influence governments, state actors and other powerful individuals, and hold perpetrators of crimes against journalists to account; improve protection for journalists and media organisations; and mobilising coordinated, collective action among members.
MFC member states work closely to strengthen the rights to freedom of expression and of opinion which are essential foundations of a democratic society. The freedoms to think, speak, listen and write are set out in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Therefore an independent and pluralistic media, as well as the safety and wellbeing of journalists, are essential to the protection of core democratic values.
However, there are still multiple obstacles. The harassment of journalists is unacceptable and incompatible with a healthy and functioning democracy. Journalists must be able to investigate and report independently, without fear, and the media must have editorial independence.
People must be able to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments, and to make informed decisions, supported by access to information provided by a strong, robust and independent media.
In conflict settings, independent journalism is particularly critical. Journalists can help keep people safe by providing accurate information on the conflict as it unfolds.
During conflicts, independent media coverage provides accurate and timely information that is critical for the communities affected. Factual, timely reporting can save lives and livelihoods.
Public interest journalism can strengthen information integrity and act as an important bulwark against disinformation and propaganda, both of which are likely to increase as the security situation worsens.
A free media can be an early warning mechanism in identifying and reporting war crimes.
Building societal resilience through media and digital literacy is essential for comprehensive security. Having a free and fair press in an age of misinformation and disinformation is more important than ever. It is vital that the public have access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. People are, and feel, more secure when there are transparent political and judicial institutions, and journalists and media workers are free to do their work.
Media literacy is an important element of civic competence. Finland has placed first in the Media Literacy Index since it was first published in 2017. The secret behind the success is a cross-sector approach to providing citizens of all ages with good media skills. The objectives for Finland’s Media Literacy vision are for media education to be comprehensive, high-quality and systematic.
World Press Freedom Day is an important moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to freedom of expression and free media.
In the UK, there is a National Committee for the Safety of Journalists (NCJS), chaired by Ministers, which implements the UK National Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists.
The NCSJ brings together representatives from government, journalism, policing, prosecution services and civil society to ensure that journalists operating within the UK can do so free from physical threats, abuse and violence.