On World Press Freedom Day, the UK and the Netherlands restate our commitment to defending media freedom domestically and globally.
We believe in and stand up for democracy and human rights. A free and independent media is an essential component of a functioning society, leading to greater stability and prosperity. We believe that 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.
However, the global context is deeply troubling. Since the start of 2022, 23 journalists have been killed in various parts of the world. In its 2021 annual round-up, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that 488 journalists were detained in connection with their work, with 60 of them being women. Both of these numbers are record high for the last several years.
In February 2022, the third Global Conference on Media Freedom took place in Tallinn, where the UK handed the co-chairmanship of the Media Freedom Coalition to the Netherlands.
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Since the launch of the Coalition, fifty countries have joined in support of improving the safety of journalists, protecting media freedom and holding to account those who harm journalists for doing their job. Fourteen countries have pledged donations to the Global Media Defence Fund, a UNESCO Multi-Partner Trust Fund. More than 1,700 journalists have benefitted from 41 projects implemented by the Global Media Defence Fund. The Coalition has issued over 25 statements on situations of concern, supporting at least 3000 journalists in need.
At the Ministerial meeting at the Global Conference on Media Freedom earlier this year, all states re-committed to defend media freedom at home and abroad. The UK announced up to £600,000 for a new secretariat to help advance the work of the Media Freedom Coalition. The Netherlands announced a €20m donation to support media freedom.
In Armenia, the UK has supported media freedom through projects that improve the environment for the production of quality media content, train journalists, promote objective reporting and building fact-checking centres within the media. Moreover, the British Embassy in Armenia promotes professional standards in the media through funding scholarships. We are proud that a number of Chevening scholars and John Smith Trust Fellowship alumni have developed skills and knowledge at world-leading UK institutions and have applied this learning in Armenia.
The Dutch Government has prioritised freedom of media as part of the human rights protection worldwide, including in Armenia. Improving media literacy, fighting against fake news, ensuring the safety of journalists, supporting access to information and press freedom are essential for the development of democracy and Rule of Law, therefore the Dutch Government provides support to local NGOs in these fields in Armenia.
Despite the impressive work that is being done by various state and non-state actors across the world, much more needs to be done. A professional and empowered media is a key element of the system of checks and balances that is the foundation for a strong and sustainable democracy. That is why we remain committed to continuing to support a free, independent media for the benefit of a stable and democratic Armenia.
Photo caption: UK Ambassador to Armenia John Gallagher and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers