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IFEX Joint actions

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Joint action - International

Seventy-seven civil society organisations call on UN to recognise importance of access to information and a free media to sustainable development

Prior to the UN summit of world leaders in Rio in June 2012 (Rio+20) to discuss the environment and sustainable development goals, 77 civil society organisations recommend the adoption of national laws on access to information, public participation and access to justice in the environment, a new UN convention on access to environmental information, and a UN Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups call upon the government to act decisively on reforms ahead of historic elections

IFEX-TMG says time is of the essence to effectively support freedom of expression by adopting a series of positive measures and setting high standards for the future.

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups celebrate freeing of whistleblower police commissioner

IFEX-TMG attends trial of Samir Feriani, acquitted of charges of leaking information about the destruction of evidence linking Tunisian secret police to torture and other crimes.

Joint action - Syria

Human rights groups voice need for strong and urgent Security Council action

Since mass protests began, the UN has estimated at least 2,600 civilians have been killed, the majority of them protesters and local residents shot with live ammunition by the security forces and army.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Trial of activists "fundamentally unfair," say rights groups

Amnesty International, ANHRI, Front Line Defenders, and Human Rights Watch call on the authorities to drop the charges and free the accused activists.

Joint action - Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO director-general urged to cancel Obiang prize

The goal of "a free, safe and fair environment for journalists" would be greatly undermined should UNESCO's executive board move forward with an award named for and funded by Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, say a group of organisations who participated in a UN consultative process on impunity last week.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Free activists before elections, say four rights groups

International rights groups seek to monitor trial of 5 activists during 26 September trial appearance.

Joint action - Tunisia

Targeting of journalists and demonstrators alarming, says IFEX-TMG

The IFEX-TMG is urging action to prevent any repeat of recent violent crackdowns on demonstrators and journalists in the run up to scheduled constitutional elections in October.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

End trial of activists charged with insulting officials

UAE authorities should drop charges against five activists arrested after they called for democratic reforms, four international human rights organizations said today.

Joint action - Burma

Twelve organisations call for release of Democratic Voice of Burma's video journalists

Seventeen video journalists for the Oslo-based exiled media organisation remain imprisoned; they are among nearly 2,100 political prisoners in Burma.

Joint action - Malaysia

Call for respect of free expression on eve of Bersih 2.0 rally

In a letter to the prime minister, free expression advocates and media practitioners expressed alarm over recent arrests of nationals and foreigners on trumped-up charges for supporting calls for electoral reform.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members alarmed by resurgence of Internet censorship and arrests

IFEX-TMG calls for free speech rights of Tunisian citizens to be upheld in the run up to free elections.

Pakistan

Journalist found dead after reporting links between Pakistani officials and militants

A prominent Pakistani journalist considered to be an expert on Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants was found dead on 31 May about 150km outside the capital, Islamabad, where he had been abducted two days earlier, report the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Freedom House and other IFEX members.
Joint action: Thirty-four IFEX members call for murder investigations

Joint action - Philippines

Thirty-eight organisations call for freedom of expression and justice in the Ampatuan massacre trials

Thirty-six IFEX members, along with Centre for Law and Democracy and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, expressed concern about the 12 April resolution of the Court of Appeals, Manila Special Division of Five, requiring Monette Salaysay and Rowena Paraan to explain why they should not be held in contempt for comments attributed to them in a "Philippine Daily Inquirer" article regarding the Ampatuan Town Massacre trials.

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Thirty-seven IFEX members urge authorities to accommodate visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

The groups urged President Rajapaksa to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, to Sri Lanka, while expressing deep concern for journalists who continue to be subjected to threats, harassment and assaults with alarming regularity.

Joint action - China

Thirty-three IFEX members express grave concern over restrictions on freedom of expression

IFEX members note with alarm the efforts of China's authorities to restrict freedom of expression in regard to debate on political reform in China, following reform movements in the Middle East and North Africa since late 2010.

Joint action - Eritrea

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn continued persecution of imprisoned journalists

The detained journalists are held without charges and forced to endure terrible conditions such as extended periods in the sun and denial of medication.

Joint action - Burma

Thirty-seven IFEX members call attention to the plight of 17 journalists, bloggers and artists who remain detained in Burmese prisons

Even though a new government has been formed in Burma after the elections in November 2010, there is still no guarantee of improvements in the country's media environment.

Joint action - Somalia

Thirty IFEX members sign letter to authorities regarding attacks against journalists

IFEX members condemn the increased attacks and judicial harassment against Somali journalists and media organisations.

Joint action - Ecuador

Thirty-three IFEX members urge the state to stop all attacks and persecutions against journalists and the media

IFEX members express their concern over the current situation of press freedom in Ecuador and the conditions of extreme hostility in which the country's journalists and private media must do their work.

Joint action - Bahrain

Thirty IFEX members protest travel ban on Nabeel Rajab and other threats to BCHR

On 1 June, the King of Bahrain has promised to end the state of emergency he imposed in mid-March to quell pro-democracy demonstrations. This would be a welcome occasion for the Bahraini government to end human rights abuses including lifting the travel ban on Nabeel Rajab so that he can join us in Beirut.

Bahrain

IFEX members appeal to world leaders to take action against rights abuses

Even as the King of Bahrain promises to end the state of emergency he imposed in mid-March to quell anti-government demonstrations, journalists, rights activists and opposition leaders continue to be arrested, with dozens of them hastily tried. Forty-two IFEX members and 15 partners are appealing to the international community to end their silence and demand that the Bahraini government take action against the rights abuses.
Joint action: Fifty-seven IFEX members and partners call on world authorities to help stop human rights violations and free expression abuses

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members support fair and transparent allocation process for broadcasting licences

Ahead of the first ever democratic elections in the country, IFEX-TMG members encourage a swift, fair and transparent broadcast licencing process.

Joint action - Azerbaijan / World Press Freedom Day

Joint appeal to UNESCO director-general over Fatullayev case

Freedom of expression organisations express deep concern over the continued imprisonment of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

PACE urged to take action to address alarming freedom of expression situation

In the weeks leading up to the 11-15 April Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe session, the authorities have engaged in a crackdown on freedom of expression in the country.

Joint action - Bahrain

Human rights organisations express concern over targeting of rights defenders

Nineteen organisations expressed concern for the safety and well-being of human rights defenders Abdulhadi AlKhawaja and Nabeel Rajab.

Joint action - Philippines

Five hundred days since massacre, it's time for Aquino to act, say Philippine and international organisations

Marking 500 days since the November 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Mindanao, the organisations expressed their outrage at the continuing delays in prosecuting key suspects.

Joint action - Honduras

Joint appeal for end to persecution of community and opposition media

AMARC and RSF issued the appeal as an RSF representative travelled to the island of Zacate Grande, where the community radio station La Voz de Zacate Grande has been the target of constant harassment since it started broadcasting.

Yemen

Thirty IFEX members appeal to Saleh to stop free expression abuses

Thirty IFEX members have come together to condemn the attacks on journalists and free expression in Yemen, where one journalist has been killed and dozens of others have been attacked since political unrest broke out in January.
Joint action: Thirty IFEX members call on authorities to respect and protect free expression as the country descends into further uncertainty

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Youth activists targeted as freedom of expression clampdown continues

Seven organisations, including four IFEX members, are calling on authorities to unconditionally release five detained youth activists, and to end restrictions on free expression and freedom of assembly.

International

More than 100 rights organisations urge UN to oppose defamation of religions

More than 100 rights organisations worldwide, including 41 IFEX members, have banded together to urge member states at the United Nations Human Rights Council session this month to renegotiate defamation of religions resolutions that make criticising religion a crime in UN resolutions, declarations and world conferences. The 16th Human Rights Council session is taking place from 28 February to 25 March 2011 in Geneva.
Joint action: Over 100 organisations call on UN Human Rights Council to reject "defamation" and "denigration" of religions

Joint action - Tunisia / Gender

IFEX-TMG members celebrate International Women's Day with brave women of Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members commend brave women journalists, activists, lawyers and judges who have never stopped calling for greater freedom of expression.

Joint action - Libya

UN urged to suspend Libya's rights council role

Non-governmental organisations, including four IFEX members, urged the UN General Assembly to immediately suspend Libya's membership rights in the UN Human Rights Council.

Joint action - Middle East and North Africa

Silence is not an option: petition for immediate action by UNHRC

Several organisations, including CIHRS and Human Rights Watch, have urged the Human Rights Council to urgently respond to the violent repression of demonstrations.

Uganda

IFEX members call on President to investigate attacks on journalists ahead of elections

Ugandan journalists preparing to cover presidential elections on 18 February have been threatened and assaulted, while opposition parties have been denied access to the media. Amid the political tensions and security concerns, 34 IFEX members are calling on the Ugandan President to immediately investigate all attacks on journalists and urge media houses to provide equal opportunities to all election candidates.
Joint action: Thirty-four IFEX members urge President Museveni to respect press freedom in lead-up to general elections

Joint action - Tunisia

Tunisian partners share history in the making with IFEX-TMG

Following visit to Tunisia in February, IFEX-TMG assesses what is needed to rebuild the independent press.

Egypt

Record number of IFEX members call for Mubarak to respect free expression as attacks on media continue

A journalist who was shot by a sniper while filming protests in downtown Cairo died last week, becoming the first journalist killed in the recent unrest in Egypt. While police, supporters of President Hosni Mubarak and even the military violently attack eyewitnesses and journalists reporting on the streets, IFEX members are standing with their counterparts in Egypt and a record 55 of them joined other groups in calling on the Egyptian government to respect and protect freedom of expression and the right to information.
Joint action: Fifty-five IFEX members and six other organisations urge authorities to respect and protect freedom of expression and the right to information

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG welcomes release of Fahem Boukadous but says struggle for freedom of expression not over yet

The remarkable events in Tunisia call for a redoubling of efforts to restore free expression rights, said the IFEX-TMG, despite the release of Boukadous.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned about further threats to freedom of expression posed by state of emergency

As the crisis evolves, the 20 members of the IFEX-TMG call for country's rulers to respect human rights, including freedom of expression.

Joint action - Cambodia

Four IFEX members and other human rights organisations call for thorough review of proposed NGO law

The groups say the draft law could have a negative impact on civil liberties and freedom of expression and would obstruct the work of non-profit organisations.

Joint action - Tunisia

Tunisia's war on civil liberties intensifies with year's end

IFEX-TMG is deeply alarmed by a series of violations in the past week of the right to access information, free expression and movement, as well as a blatant assault on a journalist.

Joint action - Kazakhstan

OSCE commitments remain unfulfilled, ARTICLE 19 and Adil Soz note

Kazakhstan's authorities have failed to fulfil their commitment to review the defamation legislation and adopt access to information legislation.

International / Gender

IFEX members call for protection of women journalists and activists to commemorate day against violence

In 1980, the Guatemalan poet, journalist and women's rights activist Alaíde Foppa was detained and then disappeared by security forces. Thirty years later the authorities have yet to launch an inquiry and no one has been arrested in connection with her disappearance. This year, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, 44 IFEX members are standing up for Foppa and other women in the free expression community who have been targeted because of their gender.
Joint action: Forty-four IFEX members call for concrete measures to end violence against outspoken women journalists and activists

Joint action - Philippines

International partnership meeting statement

Twenty-eight organisations meeting to discuss international partnerships joined colleagues in the Philippines in remembering victims of the Ampatuan Town Massacre.

Joint action - Tunisia

Five years past WSIS, online activity even more censored, critics silenced

The IFEX-TMG is deeply concerned that five years after hosting the World Summit on the Information Society, Tunisia remains one of the most repressive countries for independent journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders.

Joint action - Yemen

International partnership for Yemen reports on critical press freedom situation

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and WAN-IFRA note it appears the government is seeking the legal framework to legitimise its continued clampdown on press freedom, and self-censorship is rife in the official, opposition and independent media.

Joint action - Bahrain

Fifty human rights organisations, including four IFEX members, express solidarity with activists on trial on fabricated charges

The activists have not committed any offenses other than the peaceful expression of their views, the organisations said.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Without free expression, elections not free and fair, say international organisations

Six IFEX members and three other organisations condemned the government's failure to comply with its international obligations to freedom of expression during the parliamentary elections.

Joint action - Egypt

CIHRS, ANHRI and other organisations denounce intimidation of media ahead of elections

The climate of intimidation created by the authorities is a sign that the coming elections will not meet international standards, says the Forum of Independent Human Rights Organizations.

Joint action - Africa

African free expression community charts new course in struggle for safety and rights of journalists

For the first time in the history of the NGO Forum meeting preceding the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, a distinguished panel on freedom of expression and protection of journalists was convened.

Joint action - Singapore

Thirty IFEX members sign petition to Prime Minister Lee asking him to withdraw charges against Alan Shadrake

The public is invited to join IFEX members in signing a petition to Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong regarding the case of British writer and journalist Alan Shadrake who is at risk of being sent to prison in Singapore for his book, "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore Justice in the Dock" about the death penalty.

Joint action - Colombia

FLIP participa en Audiencia en la CIDH sobre publicidad oficial y censura indirecta en América Latina

Joint action - Honduras

Thirty-eight IFEX members make recommendations to improve freedom of expression at Honduras's UPR

In support of the IFEX-Latin America and the Caribbean (IFEX-ALC) mission to the Honduras UPR in Geneva, IFEX members provided recommendations regarding the country's freedom of expression record.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls on judges associations worldwide to support persecuted independent judges in Tunisia

On the eve of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) Congress, the IFEX-TMG reiterates its deep concern about the continuous persecution of independent judges.

Joint action - Somalia

Thirty-one IFEX members and 25 other groups call on the President of Puntland to respect freedom of expression

Since Abdirahman Mohamed Farole became president on 11 January 2009, journalists have been arrested, physically assaulted, suspended, censored and even killed, and the operations of news media organisations have been threatened, closed or restricted.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Joint letter calls for newspaper editor's release

RSF and nine other organisations have written President Aliev voicing concern about former editor Eynulla Fatullayev's continued detention.

Joint action - Burma

Thirty-three IFEX members call for freedom of expression during historic elections

IFEX members called on the Burmese government and the governments of the ASEAN to ensure freedom of expression, access to information, democratic values and human rights are respected during this critical moment in the electoral history of Burma.

Joint action - China / United States

US should adopt principled China policy, say human rights advocates

In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, three IFEX members and other groups urge her to take a series of steps prior to the upcoming US-China summit.

Joint action - Bolivia

Andean Group for Freedom of Information delivers letter to president condemning two articles in anti-racism law

According to the group, Articles 16 and 23 of the new law contravene freedom of expression principles.

Joint action - Egypt

Free expression organisations express support for targeted newspaper

The organisations, including IFEX members EOHR, ANHRI and CIHRS, expressed concern over the restrictions imposed on freedom of opinion and expression ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Bolivia

Journalists protest against controversial anti-racism law

Bolivia's just-passed law against racism and discrimination has spawned a new outbreak of journalist protests, from public demos to hunger strikes. Bolivia's National Press Association (ANP), an IFEX interim member, argues that the law threatens press freedom and imposes censorship because it gives the government the power to shut down media outlets or throw journalists in jail simply for writing about racism.
Joint action: Twenty-four IFEX members express concern about proposed law that threatens media freedom

Uganda

Elections won't be free and fair without journalist safety, say IFEX members

Last month in Uganda, Top Radio reporter Paul Kiggundu was brutally attacked and killed by a mob while working on a story. Three days later, Radio Prime journalist Dickson Ssentongo was beaten to death on his way to work. Unless media violence stops and journalists are allowed to do their work freely, next year's general elections will not be free and fair, warn 28 IFEX members in a joint letter that will be used to lobby the candidates.
Joint action: Twenty-eight IFEX members voice concern about journalists' safety in the lead up to the elections

Tunisia

Judicial harassment stifles free expression

An ailing Tunisian journalist is languishing in jail on trumped up charges, while another faces two years in jail for being the target of a physical attack. This is just some of the evidence of how the authorities use the courts to crush dissent, says the IFEX Tunisia Monitoring Group (IFEX-TMG). Meanwhile, judges who dare to criticise the authorities are being uprooted from their jobs or are even having their salaries withheld, adds IFEX-TMG, which has stepped up its campaign to promote judicial independence.
Joint action: IFEX-TMG members call for immediate release of ailing journalist on hunger strike

Joint action - South Korea

Asia-Pacific media unions demand resolution of Korea press freedom crisis

Five IFEX members and numerous other organisations are gravely concerned for journalists who have been fired and subjected to punitive disciplinary measures due to their courageous struggle for media independence.

Joint action - Iran

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn excessive prison sentence handed down to blogger Hossein Derakhshan

IFEX members condemned the 19-and-a-half-year prison sentence given to the Canadian-Iranian blogger and called for his immediate release.

Bahrain

Brutal repression of human rights defenders in historic crackdown

Hundreds of Bahraini political activists, human rights defenders and Shiite religious figures have been arrested in recent months - many of them tortured in detention - in the worst crackdown on free expression the country has ever seen, report the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and Human Rights Watch. Authorities have blocked numerous websites, shut down independent rights groups and threatened rights defenders who have criticised the torture of prominent activists.
Joint action: Four IFEX members and other organisations highlight international community's worrying silence on growing campaign of repression

Joint action - Mexico

Ten IFEX members and other organisations issue statement regarding dire press freedom situation in Mexico

The groups agreed there is a need for freedom of expression and journalists' organisations to continue and add to measures that promote and support the right of journalists and media outlets to carry out their work.

Joint action - Uganda

Freedom of expression groups call on Uganda to improve press freedoms

The International Joint Partnership Freedom of Expression mission, composed of five IFEX members, released findings and recommendations from a mission to Kampala to address the deteriorating environment for freedom of expression.

Ukraine

Politicians continue to obstruct justice for murdered journalist

On 16 September, journalists in Ukraine and around the world marked the 10th anniversary of the murder of journalist Gyorgy Gongadze. His murder is emblematic of the impunity that permits Ukrainian politicians and other powerful figures to silence critical journalists. Last week, after an investigation riddled with errors and the death of key witnesses, prosecutors announced that the late general Yuriy Kravchenko ordered Gongadze's 2000 murder, report the Kiev-based Institute of Mass Information (IMI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19.
Joint action: Joint statement on the 10th anniversary of journalist Gyorgy Gongadze's death

Joint action - International

Five IFEX members urge UN to abandon efforts to prohibit defamation of religions

Writers and free-expression advocates from around the world warn of the potential harm of imposing legal restrictions on expression considered offensive or defamatory to religions.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Six IFEX members and other NGOs issue joint statement on deterioration of free expression ahead of elections

The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan conducted a free expression mission during which they collected testimonies of violations.

Joint action - Tunisia

Judges who call for independent judiciary targeted for speaking out

IFEX-TMG members have written to the IAJ to appeal for support for judges, who are being persecuted for openly calling for judicial independence or for criticising the government.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Arrests and threats escalate

Thirty-one IFEX members have written to Congolese President Joseph Kabila, calling on him to end the persecution and harassment of journalists. In recent months, there have been "deliberate attacks on journalists and media... that could foreshadow even greater repression in the run-up to next year's elections if preventive measures are not adopted," says the joint action initiated by Journaliste en danger (JED) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Joint action: Thirty-one IFEX members call on President Kabila to end persecution and harassment of journalists and media

Azerbaijan

IFEX members spotlight decline of press freedom

The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, including six IFEX members and four other organisations, launched a three-day mission on 7 September to shed light on the current state of freedom of expression in the country. The Group called on authorities to release those imprisoned for expressing critical opinions and to decriminalise defamation. With Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections slated for 7 November, the mission aimed to press for the necessary improvement of the poor situation for freedom of expression, "which has been unfolding with little attention from the international media spotlight."
Joint action: Freedom of expression and independent media essential to ensuring fair elections, says International Partnership Group

Joint action - Egypt

Rights organisations call on Prosecutor General's Office to investigate intellectual property case

ANHRI director Gamal Eid, an activist and a blogger are facing accusations by a judge who has been accused of reproducing ANHRI's material without credit.

Joint action - Uganda

Thirty-one IFEX members and global partners demand retraction of proposed amendment to Press and Journalists Act

The proposed amendment would restrict freedom of expression and impede the ability of journalists and media outlets to fulfill their important roles.

Pakistan

PPF and AMARC make appeal for community radio to help flood victims; journalist assaulted in Punjab

In a joint action, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) and the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) have appealed to the Pakistani government to allow emergency community radio stations to be established in areas that have suffered from the current floods in Pakistan. Meanwhile, violence against journalist is ongoing, including a recent assault on a reporter after he filmed the lynching of two brothers, report PPF, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). As well, PPF's website was hacked in August.
Joint action: AMARC and PPF appeal to authorities to allow emergency community radio stations in flood affected areas

Joint action - Egypt

Thirty-five IFEX members and other organisations appeal for charges to be dropped against prominent human rights activists and blogger

Gamal Eid, Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Amr Gharbeia are charged with criminal defamation, use of threats and misuse of communications tools.

Joint action - Honduras

Continued persecution of community radio station in Zacate Grande

AMARC and ARTICLE 19 are on a mission in Honduras to monitor the freedom of expression violations that have been experienced by members of La Voz de Zacate Grande radio station.

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-six organisations express grave concern for persecution of human rights defenders

The king, joined by the prime minister and interior minister, issued a sternly worded threat against activists and human rights defenders who have been accused of protesting against the government.

Joint action - Egypt

Authorities urged to stop harassing activists calling for transparency in elections

In the run-up to the elections, human rights groups highlight double standards that prevent opposition activists from voicing their opinions.

Sri Lanka

TV station incinerated; political cartoonist remains missing

Under Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's reign, gunmen lob gasoline bombs at television stations, journalists are beaten and hospitalised, independent websites are blocked and repressive new media laws are created. Despite the end of the war last year, repression of the media has not eased, report the Free Media Movement (FMM), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In a joint action, 23 IFEX members have called on the government to investigate the disappearance of cartoonist and columnist Prageeth Eknaligoda - now missing for 200 days.
Joint action: Twenty-three IFEX members call on authorities to investigate disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda

Joint action - Egypt

IFEX members ANHRI, CIHRS and other groups protest possible imprisonment of activist colleagues

Human rights groups say the only crime their colleagues are being tried for is the poor state of human rights in Egypt.

Africa

IFEX members urge African Union leaders to ensure safety of journalists

The 15th African Union (AU) Summit took place last week in Kampala, Uganda, designating 2010 as the "Year of Peace and Security in Africa." The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and 36 other journalists' unions and associations took the opportunity to send a letter to the AU, urging government leaders to make the safety of African journalists a priority. Signatories to the letter include the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA).
Joint action: IFJ, NUSOJ, MISA and other organisations call on African Union to make journalism safer

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG appeals to Tunisia's partners to save the life of ailing journalist in prison

The IFEX-TMG strongly condemns the 15 July arrest of journalist Fahem Boukaddous, who is in poor health, and calls on Tunisia's partners to speak out to help save his life.

Joint action - Africa

CPJ, African groups call for press freedom commitment

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of independence in several Francophone African nations, CPJ, WAJA and six African press freedom advocates call for press freedom commitment.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns jail term handed to journalist Fahem Boukaddous

The IFEX-TMG urges authorities to end to the "shameful use of the judiciary to stifle free expression and punish critical journalists" follow ing confirmation of a four-year sentence for Fahem Boukaddous.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Human rights organisations welcome PACE resolution, call for sustained monitoring efforts

The organisations are concerned by the widespread human rights abuses that persist nearly 10 years after Azerbaijan's accession to the European Convention of Human Rights.

Syria

Journalist and human rights lawyer remain behind bars

Syrian authorities continue to ignore protests about the detention of critics of the regime under spurious charges. Despite finishing a 30-month sentence, a Syrian journalist and activist is being kept in jail in reprisal for an article smuggled out of prison which criticises the Iranian regime and Syria's relations with Iran, report Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). As well, a human rights lawyer who has repeatedly called attention to the abysmal treatment and torture of political prisoners was sentenced on 23 June to three years in prison, report the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and Freedom House.
Joint action: Human rights organisations express concern over lawyer's trial and call for his release

Joint action - Honduras

Rule of law and civil liberties founder in year since coup

Three IFEX organisations have issued a joint statement on the first anniversary of the 28 June 2009 coup d'etat, lamenting the state of press freedom in the country.

Joint action - Morocco

Thirty IFEX members and 38 other organisations call on government to stop politically-motivated prosecutions of journalists

Independent journalists, including Taoufik Bouachrine and Ali Amar, are increasingly being targeted by the authorities.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

PACE should adopt resolution on the functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, say human rights organisations

The resolution is part of the report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe on the functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns adoption of new law against government critics

The IFEX-TMG, a coalition of 20 IFEX members, condemns the Tunisian Chamber of Deputies' adoption of a new law hastily tailored to stifle freedom of expression both inside and outside the country.

Joint action - Venezuela

Global Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations repudiates order for arrest of journalist Guillermo Zuloaga

The Committee members are calling on President Chávez to withdraw all proceedings that could cause the courts to take action against Zuloaga.

Joint action - Turkey

Writer sentenced to 15 months in prison

IPA and WiPC condemn the conviction of N. Mehmet Güler but welcome the acquittal of his publisher, Ragip Zarakolu.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG appeals to Washington Media Group to pressure Tunisian government on press freedom

Members of the TMG invite the Washington Media Group to take the opportunity of its new relationship with Tunisia to point out to the government that the best way to improve its image abroad is to bring its practices up to international standards of basic human rights.

Philippines

Government should pass FOI law, end impunity, say IFEX members

Before the Philippine leadership steps down in just a few weeks, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), along with 30 other IFEX members, is demanding that it make one last "crucial" move: to finally put the Freedom of Information Act into law. Meanwhile, on the sixth anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, Manila's Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) is appealing to the President-Elect to tackle the longstanding issue of impunity.
Joint action: Thirty-one IFEX members call on Philippine leadership to champion Freedom of Information Act

Equatorial Guinea

Refuse President's donation, press freedom groups tell UNESCO

Thirty IFEX members joined the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) last week in calling for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to refuse US$3 million donated by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang - one of Africa's worst violators of press freedom - to set up an international prize in life sciences.
Joint action: Thirty IFEX members call on UNESCO to refuse funds from one of Africa's worst violators of press freedom, Equatorial Guinea

Joint action - Israel

CIHRS, BCHR and 22 other organisations demand the release of human rights defender Ameer Makhoul

Israeli authorities should stop silencing defenders of the rights of Arab Israelis, the organisations stressed.

Ukraine

Escalating censorship cause for concern, say 23 IFEX members

A drastic decline in the state of freedom of expression has taken place in Ukraine since President Victor Yanukovych came to power in February 2010, says Kyiv-based the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), and it's raising alarm bells around the globe. In a joint letter led by IMI on 12 May, 23 IFEX members called on government authorities and media management to restore confidence in the country's free press.
Joint action: Twenty-three IFEX members denounce censorship and escalating threats to free expression in Ukraine

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Comply with European Court decision on case of imprisoned journalist, ARTICLE 19, International PEN urge

The organisations are also urging the government to drop new charges brought against Eynulla Fatullayev in December 2009, which they say were likely fabricated.

Pakistan

Journalists under threat from suicide bombs, abductions and censorship

Pakistani journalists continue to be pushed to the edge, by suicide attacks, kidnappings and murder, as well as government officials making direct attacks on critical journalists, reports the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF). Access to information has also been undermined with state orders to halt BBC Urdu-language broadcasts.
Joint action: Twenty-six IFEX members join the Pakistani Federal Union of Journalists in condemning suicide bombings

Tunisia

TMG calls on African Commission to examine country's poor free expression record

Tunisian authorities are relentlessly punishing critical journalists and rights activists, says the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), composed of 20 IFEX members, after a recent mission. This week the TMG is urging members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) meeting in Gambia to examine the repression of freedom of expression and press freedom in Tunisia. For example, a journalist is facing four years in prison for reporting on demonstrations against unemployment and corruption. The TMG has also welcomed the recent release of an imprisoned critical journalist, but argues that he should have never been jailed.
Joint action: African Commission should examine Tunisia's poor record on freedom of expression, say TMG members

Kyrgyzstan

Interim Government threatens press freedom

Twenty-five press freedom and human rights groups, including nine IFEX members, are calling on the Interim Government in post-revolutionary Kyrgyzstan to respect freedom of the press, and ensure that all media outlets are unrestricted in their reporting of events in the country. Thousands of protesters took to the streets on 7 April in an uprising which lead to the fall of the government.
Joint action: Twenty-four press freedom groups and human rights organisations call on the government to implement reforms

Joint action - Indonesia

Court decision upholding "defamation of religions" laws is major setback, say ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS

The legal provisions seriously threaten the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience and religion, especially in relation to minority groups.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG welcomes release of journalist Ben Brik but condemns policy of punishing critical journalists

Members of the TMG, which is on mission in Tunisia this week, also condemned the charges against journalist Fahem Boukadous as a political manoeuvre whose true aim is to silence criticism of Tunisian authorities.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG calls for end to harassment of journalists in Tunisia

The Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of 20 IFEX members, has received reports of further harassment of Tunisian journalists working for independent media.

Joint action - Iran

More than 3,500 petition government to release journalists, writers

Petitioners' names were collected through the "Our Society Will Be a Free Society" campaign, a coalition project dedicated to winning the freedom of all journalists jailed in Iran.

Americas

IFEX members in Latin America and the Caribbean join forces to monitor free expression violations

Organisations of the Regional Alliance of IFEX members in Latin America and the Caribbean met in Lima, Peru, last week to develop a standardised mechanism that would monitor free expression threats in the region and accurately capture the nature and scale of these attacks.
Joint action: IFEX members in Latin America and the Caribbean outline key challenges to freedom of expression in the region

Joint action - Indonesia

Human rights NGOs argue "defamation of religions" law contravenes freedom of expression, freedom of religion and equality

The 1965 law prohibits "interpretation and activities that are in deviation of the basic religious teachings" in the country.

Joint action - Philippines

Statement on fifth anniversary of journalist Marlene Esperat's killing

It took over two years for Esperat's killers to be convicted, but the masterminds who ordered her death have not been tried or even apprehended.

Joint action - International

UN Human Rights Council: 40 IFEX members reject "defamation of religions" resolutions

In a joint submission to the UN Human Rights Council, 40 IFEX members protest resolutions on defamation of religion and the proposed elaboration of complementary standards to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Bahrain

Human rights defenders and independent journalists harassed and threatened

Dozens of human rights groups, including 31 IFEX members, have written to the United Nations to put a spotlight on the Bahrain government's relentless attacks on human rights defenders, journalists and bloggers. Independent journalists have been taken to court for critical writings, rights defenders have been imprisoned, and websites censored. Those under threat include members of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR).
Joint action: Thirty-one IFEX members and 22 other organisations call on UN High Commissioner to support human rights activists, journalists and bloggers

Joint action - Brazil

Over 70 organisations and experts worldwide urge Congress to approve access to information bill

The groups are imploring legislators to ensure the Bill meets international human rights standards on access to information.

Joint action - International

Forty-seven human rights organisations urge states to reject draft resolutions which undermine freedom of expression

Civil society organisations - including IFEX members ARTICLE 19, BCHR, CIHRS and Human Rights Watch - wrote to Member States of the UN HRC expressing their opposition to draft resolutions on "combating defamation of religions".

Joint action - Tunisia

On International Women's Day, 24 IFEX members appeal to the UN to raise concerns about the ongoing violations of women's rights

To mark the occasion of 8 March 2010, International Women's Day, members of the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), and members of the IFEX Gender Working Group appeal to the UN to raise concerns about the ongoing violations of women's rights in Tunisia.

Joint action - Americas / Paraguay

Miembros de alianza regional presentan ante la Corte Suprema en caso de acceso a la información

Joint action - Tunisia

Ailing journalist should be allowed specialist medical care in prison, says TMG

Campaigners for free expression voice new concern for the health of jailed journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, one of President Ben Ali's firmest critics.

Joint action - Iran

Free expression groups call on Iran to open door to UN rights experts

Tehran's envoy backtracked on his invitation to the UN's special rapporteurs to visit and investigate claims of rights abuses.

Joint action - Iran

Free press and free expression organisations to Iran: release jailed journalists, writers

A coalition of international journalists', writers', and publishers' organisations has launched a campaign to press the government of Iran to release their imprisoned colleagues.

Honduras

Pluralism and press freedom must be restored, says mission

Five IFEX members and two other organisations are calling for dialogue between the Honduran media, human rights groups and civil society in the country in order to rebuild a democratic environment. The seven organisations have released a report on the state of press freedom in Honduras since the 28 June 2009 coup d'état after a joint fact-finding mission in November 2009.
Joint action: Presidential inauguration must not eclipse coup's impact on press freedom, say five IFEX members

Joint action - Turkmenistan / France

Human Rights Watch and RSF urge France to press Turkmen leader to end rights abuses

The Turkmen president's visit is a key opportunity to urge improvements on human rights, said Human Rights Watch, RSF and other human rights organisations.

Joint action - Iraq

IFJ and ARTICLE 19 pledge support for UK "Guardian" newspaper in defamation case

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and the affiliated Iraqi journalists' union have called on authorities to drop defamation charges against the "Guardian" and journalist Ghaith Abdul-Ahad.

Joint action - Tunisia

Arab organisations condemn smear campaigns targeting human rights defenders

The smear campaigns have included incitements to murder and have gone so far as to accuse rights defenders and opposition journalists of spying for Israel.

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG calls on European Parliament to help end Tunisian government's unrelenting war on free expression

TMG members hope the public debate in the European Parliament on 20 January 2010 will send a strong message to the Tunisian government.

Joint action - Americas

Press organisations concerned at widespread violence, repressive actions against press in Cuba and Venezuela

The Global Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations expressed its concern during its semi-annual meeting in New York.

Somalia

Three journalists killed; bomber strikes at heart of country's future

A suicide bomber dressed as a woman blew himself up at a university graduation ceremony in Mogadishu on 3 December, killing three Somali journalists and at least 25 others, reports the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). This tragedy has spurred twenty-six IFEX members to join NUSOJ in a joint appeal for justice.
Joint action: Twenty-six IFEX members condemn brutal suicide bombing that killed three journalists

Joint action - Philippines

Coalition of media groups calls for independent probe into massacre of journalists

The November 23 Movement has called for justice for fellow journalists and other civilians who were abducted and slaughtered in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Philippines

IFEX members demand justice for killed journalists

Last week's deadly attack on journalists in the Philippines is rooted in a culture of impunity that has become worse under the current regime, with a brutal intolerance for independent views. The shock of the recent massacre of at least 30 journalists and media workers has prompted 52 IFEX members to call on the authorities in the country to face the larger problems that restrict free expression.
Joint action: Fifty-two IFEX members condemn massacre of journalists, call for justice

Tunisia

Presidential palace furious as it hunts down opposition

Despite consolidating his vice-like grip on power, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali continues to imprison journalists critical of his regime, say members of the IFEX Tunisia Monitoring Group in a joint action this week. Other dissidents are trapped in their homes, surrounded by police who prevent visitors from entering.
Joint action: TMG urges Tunisian government to free journalists and cease harassment

Joint action - International

Over 30 IFEX members endorse Vienna Declaration calling on governments to respect media freedom in fight against terrorism

IPI plans to use the Vienna Declaration as a tool that can be employed around the world to rally support for freedom of expression and press freedom.

International

IFEX members call for protection for women journalists and activists to mark day against violence

The massacre and rape of at least four women journalists in the Philippines this week is emblematic of the additional risks women journalists face. That is why 40 IFEX members are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women today, 25 November, with a joint call for action.
Joint action: Forty IFEX members call for the protection of women who exercise free speech

Joint action - Democratic Republic of Congo

A year later, investigation into radio journalist's murder is stalled

JED and RSF condemn the lack of action on the part of military officers in charge of the investigation.

Joint action - Tunisia

Make Tunisia accountable for rights violations, TMG urges French foreign minister

In a letter to Bernard Kouchner, the TMG expressed concern over mounting free expression violations in Tunisia following recent presidential elections.

Joint action - Russia

Natalya Estemirova case must be solved, say CPJ, PEN American Center

CPJ and Pen American Center call on the Russian president to ensure that both Estemirova's assassins and those who sent them to her doorstep are brought to justice.

Joint action - Uzbekistan

EU fails human rights victims, say Human Rights Watch and RSF

IFEX members Human Rights Watch and RSF say the EU decision to drop sanctions would severely damage the credibility of its human rights policy worldwide.

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19 joins 26 other human rights groups to express concern over new religious defamation submission

ARTICLE 19 joins 26 other human rights groups, including IFEX members ANHRI, BCHR, CIHRS and Human Rights Watch, in an open letter expressing concerns about recent submissions on religious defamation brought before the UN.

Joint action - Africa

Organisations say EU should provide more support for media freedom

The organisations called for consideration of proposals, including the institution of a peer review mechanism for media freedom.

Joint action - Morocco

Thirty-one IFEX members and 24 other organisations condemn harsh crackdown on press freedom

While calling on the Moroccan government to stop the current crackdown against press freedom, 31 IFEX members and others condemn the recent arrests and harassment of journalists and independent press.

Joint action - International

Twenty-three IFEX members and other organisations raise concerns about proposed mechanisms to combat racial intolerance

23 IFEX members and other organisations call for the defeat of proposed legal mechanisms and say that attempts to address racial or religious hatred should conform to standards of international law.

Joint action - Belarus

Nine IFEX members call for reforms and the removal of restrictions on the media in the Republic of Belarus

A group of international media and press freedom organisations has called upon the Belarus authorities to bring the country's media environment into accordance with international standards.

Joint action - West Africa

Four IFEX members, civil society groups fear Gambia proposal will prevent ECOWAS court from ruling in Saidykhan case

Groups say the Gambian government has proposed the amendments so that the Court will be weakened in its capacity to deal effectively with tyrannical governments.

Joint action - Burma

Burma Action Group urges UN General Assembly, ASEAN to appeal for release of political prisoners and to call for an end to human rights abuses

The Burma Action Group welcomed the recent prisoners' release while urging caution in considering this an indicator of an improved human rights situation.

Joint action - Asia and Pacific

AJI, ARTICLE 19 host regional launch of Camden Principles on Freedom of Expression and Equality

The Principles are founded on the understanding that freedom of expression and equality are mutually supporting and foundational human rights.

Uganda

Crackdown on radio journalists

A spasm of violence shook Uganda last week in a power struggle between the government and the Buganda kingdom. State-run Uganda Broadcasting Council shut down radio stations on 11 September, ordering a halt to political debate and commentary on clashes in the capital, Kampala, according to the Media Institute (MI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.
Joint action: Thirty-one IFEX members call on President Museveni to lift the ban on the four radio stations and address the state of free expression

Tunisia

Members of journalists' union fight for independence

The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) continues to fight for its independence, having been illegally taken over by government supporters last month, say members of the Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG), the Observatoire pour la liberté de presse, d'édition et de création (OLPEC) and other IFEX members.
Joint action: TMG protests as independence of Tunisian journalists' union usurped

Joint action - Mexico

Four IFEX members express their position regarding the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation on crimes against journalists

Several freedom of expression organisations have said that a clear mechanism is required for implementation of the National Human Rights Commission's recommendation on crimes against journalists.

Burma

Suu Kyi gets eighteen months' house arrest amid international outrage

Amid a flurry of protests around the world, Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to one and a half years of house arrest, report Mizzima News, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), ARTICLE 19 and other IFEX members.
Joint action: Twenty-one organisations, including fifteen IFEX members, condemn guilty verdict, extended detention for Aung San Suu Kyi

Joint action - Iran

Five IFEX members and numerous other organisations condemn repression ahead of International Day of Solidarity

Human rights organizations from the Arab region express utter condemnation of the brutal repression undertaken by Iranian authorities against large masses of Iranian people involved in peaceful demonstrations.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for an end to intimidation, attacks on Tunisian journalists ahead of October elections

The Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) is deeply concerned that repeated calls on authorities to end the cycle of repression of human rights defenders and journalists remain unheeded.

Joint action - Cambodia

Four IFEX members, allies express concern over deteriorating free expression environment

SEAPA and its members and allies issued an open letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen, denouncing a "rapidly and palpably deteriorating environment for free expression in Cambodia."

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Violent attacks against media continue post-conflict

The members of the Press Freedom Mission, including seven IFEX members, wrote an open letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, expressing grave concern over the deterioration of press freedom despite the recent military victory in the country.

Joint action - Iran

One hundred prominent journalists call for release of Maziar Bahari

More than 100 prominent journalists from 47 countries sent a petition to the Iranian government calling for the immediate release of Maziar Bahari, "Newsweek"'s Tehran correspondent, who has been held without charge since June 21.

Joint action - Africa

Thirty-two IFEX members and partners raise concerns about proposed AU-EU Pan African Media Observatory Project

Thirty-two IFEX members and partners working on free expression in Africa put forward the following joint submission to the consultation process on the proposed African Union-European Union Pan African Media Observatory Project.

Azerbaijan

Parliament drops most contentious changes to NGO law

Azerbaijan's parliament adopted a new law on non-governmental organisations on 30 June, but eliminated several controversial amendments that were widely opposed by IFEX members and other international human rights groups, the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and RFE/RL's Azerbaijan Service report.
Joint action: Thirty IFEX members sign on to appeal to Parliament deploring proposed changes to NGO law

The Gambia

Journalists charged with sedition freed on bail

Seven Gambian journalists charged with sedition last week for criticising the President have been freed on bail, while two other detainees were released without charge, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, a journalist covering the sedition trial has been detained without charge.
Joint action: Six journalists released on bail, another arrested

Joint action - International

UNESCO urged to continue defending freedom of expression worldwide

Five IFEX members and one other organisation ask UNESCO to continue acting as a defender and champion of freedom of expression worldwide.

Joint action - International

States attack human rights experts at UN rights body; thirty-five organisations, including six IFEX members, express concern

Human rights organisations from every region of the world warn that recent "extraordinary attacks" by states on United Nations human rights experts at the Human Rights Council was "severely eroding the Council's legitimacy and credibility."

Joint action - Venezuela / Cuba

Cuba and Venezuela called on to stop persecution of journalists

From Paris, IAPA and other international organizations urge Latin American governments to show greater respect for press freedom.

Joint action - The Gambia

Forty-five IFEX members call for release of journalist Chief Ebrimah Manneh

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Forty-five IFEX members signed on to the following statement, calling on The Gambian government to enforce an ECOWAS court judgement of the journalist's case.

Joint action - International

Thirty IFEX members call on governments to respect fundamental human rights of free expression and privacy of communications

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Thirty IFEX members signed on to a resolution on the surveillance of communications and the fundamental right to protection of journalistic sources.

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS call on Human Rights Council states to protect mandate of Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, has come under extraordinary attack while presenting his first annual report to the eleventh session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva on 2 June 2009.

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Thirty IFEX members call on government to protect journalists and end impunity

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Thirty IFEX members signed on to a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, calling on him to "stop the war on journalists".

Joint action - Bahrain

Forty IFEX members protest attacks on free expression

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Forty IFEX members signed the following statement, calling on the Bahraini authorities to address recent attacks on free expression in that country.

Joint action - North Korea

Forty IFEX members appeal for diplomatic support in detained journalists' case

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Forty IFEX members signed on to a letter calling on the international community to press for the release of journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Thirty-seven IFEX members express concern about deterioration of free expression

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Thirty-seven IFEX members signed on to a statement calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to address the deterioration in press freedom.

Joint action - Pakistan

IFJ and RSF call on president to protect journalists in NWFP

On 26 May 2009, IFJ and RSF wrote a joint letter to President Asif Ali Zardari asking him to intervene in the case of three journalists in Peshawar, North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) who are wanted by the Taliban.

Joint action - International

International publishers and librarians agree to enhance the debate on open access

A joint statement released today by the International Publishers Association, the International Association of Scientific Technical and Medical (STM) Publishers, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) calls for a more rational, evidence based debate on open access.

Tunisia

Government behind campaign to destabilise media union

The Tunisian government is trying to undermine the journalists' union, just one tactic in its ongoing campaign to silence independent media, say the IFEX Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) and other IFEX members.
Joint action: IFEX-TMG calls on president to end government interference in SNJT work

Uzbekistan

Thirty-two IFEX members demand release of reporter serving 10 years

An Uzbek journalist who dared to cover some of his country's worst environmental disasters was arrested last year on trumped-up drug charges and is now serving 10 years in jail. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Freedom House and 30 other IFEX members have sent a joint letter to the Uzbek authorities to demand that Salijon Abdurahmanov is freed and that journalists are never imprisoned for their work.
Joint action: Thirty-two IFEX members and other partners call on Uzbek President to release wrongfully imprisoned journalist Salijon Abdurahmanov

Thailand

Twenty-six IFEX members protest against lese majeste charges

RSF and 31 other human rights, press freedom and journalists' organisations, including 25 IFEX members, have issued a joint appeal to the Thai government to ensure that no one ever goes to jail for lese majeste - insulting the monarchy.
Joint action: Twenty-six IFEX members and other organisations urge government to amend lese majeste law

Joint action - Thailand / World Press Freedom Day

To mark World Press Freedom Day, SEAPA, TJA and six other organisations issue proposals for media freedom

(SEAPA/TJA/IFEX) - SEAPA and its founding member in Thailand, the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), and other Thai media groups issued a joint statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

Joint action - International / World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day conference concludes with commitment to tackle impunity, repressive media laws

Representatives from 11 countries in Eastern Africa have resolved to carry out a campaign against repressive media laws and the culture of impunity in the region.

Joint action - Nigeria

ARTICLE 19 and MRA promote access to information in health matters

Participants at two pilot workshops organised by ARTICLE 19, in partnership with the Center for the Right to Health (CRH) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA), have adopted strategies promoting the right of access to information in health matters in two Nigerian states: Enugu and Lagos.

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS welcome agreement on final Outcome Document of Durban Review Conference

(ARTICLE 19/CIHRS/IFEX) - Geneva, 23 April 2009 - ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS Welcome Agreement on the Final Outcome Document of the Durban Review Conference

Joint action - Iran

Thirty-five IFEX members call for release of journalist Roxana Saberi

Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders lead appeal by 35 IFEX members expressing concern about Saberi's sentencing to eight years in prison

International

Member states should not boycott UN anti-racism meeting, say IFEX members

IFEX members ARTICLE 19 and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) are "extremely concerned" by the recent decision of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands to withdraw from the UN anti-racism conference, also known as the Durban Review, and are calling on other states not to follow their example.
Joint action: Three IFEX members and 14 other organisations urge UN member states to participate constructively in Durban Review Conference

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19, CIHRS concerned about member states' withdrawal from Durban Review

ARTICLE 19 and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) are extremely concerned by the recent decision of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands to withdraw from the UN anti-racism conference

Moldova

Twenty-five IFEX members condemn post-election media crackdown

Since the eruption of mass opposition protests after election results were announced in Moldova on 6 April, journalists reporting for international and Romanian media outlets have been refused entry into the country; various news websites and stations have been censored and media workers reporting from within Moldova have been arrested, harassed and assaulted.
Joint action: Twenty-five IFEX members and 10 other organisations protest violations of access to information rights and attacks on journalists following elections

Joint action - Thailand

Blogger Suwicha Thakhor sentenced to 10 years in prison; two IFEX members concerned about routine use of lèse majesté to silence dissent

(ARTICLE 19/Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a press release by ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship and English PEN:

Joint action - Russia

Human rights advocate Lev Ponomarev seriously hurt; Human Rights Watch, Freedom House and others urge Obama to address attacks on activists in talks with Medvedev

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Joint action - Nepal

ARTICLE 19 and FNJ express concern over government's adoption of regressive film regulation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2009 joint statement by ARTICLE 19, FNJ and Freedom Forum:

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS condemn UN Human Rights Council adoption of resolution on "Defamation of Religions"

(ARTICLE 19/CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a 27 March 2009 ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS joint statement:

Joint action - International

Twenty-seven IFEX members join numerous other organisations in urging UN Human Rights Council members to reject "Defamation of Religions" resolution

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 186 signatories, including 27 IFEX members, calling on United Nations member states to reject the "defamation of religions" resolution tabled at the UN Human Rights Council:

Joint action - Philippines

On fourth anniversary of journalist Marlene Esperat's death, media advocates, including three IFEX members, challenge President Arroyo on killing of journalists

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by members of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) Mission to Fight Impunity Against Filipino Journalists:

Joint action - Mexico

Three IFEX members and Mexican organisations denounce criminal prosecution of community radio station Tierra y Libertad

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is a 16 March 2009 joint statement by AMARC, ARTICLE 19, Reporters without Borders and four other organisations:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Four IFEX members call on UN to investigate press freedom violations; former chairman of government-owned broadcaster kidnapped

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint submission to the UN Human Rights Council by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), ARTICLE 19, World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the International Press Institute (IPI):

Joint action - Sri Lanka

International press freedom groups call for release of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam

(International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka /IFEX) - The following is statement by the International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka, a group comprising six IFEX members and three other organisations:

Joint action - China / United States

Three IFEX members and four other organisations urge U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to make censorship, human rights abuses key issues in state visit to China

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 12 February 2009 joint letter by Human Rights Watch, Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders and four other organisations:

Bahrain

20 IFEX MEMBERS CALL FOR END TO HARASSMENT OF RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

The Bahraini authorities continue to silence human rights activists by using draconian articles in the country's penal code and anti-terrorism laws. Led by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), 20 IFEX members are calling for the activists' immediate release, and the amendment of Bahrain's laws so that they conform to international human rights conventions.
Joint action: Twenty IFEX members around the globe denounce jailing of activists for expressing their views

Joint action - Tunisia

Five IFEX members and other organisations condemn prison sentences for 38 demonstrators; call for an end to attacks on Kalima radio station

(CIHRS//IFEX) - The following is an 8 February 2009 joint action by the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), Arab Archives Institute (AAI), Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), Maharat Foundation and 17 other organizations:

Joint action - Nepal

Press freedom still under threat despite hopes for improvement on return to democratic rule

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by five IFEX members and other organizations that make up the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission:

Joint action - Colombia

CPJ and Human Rights Watch object to President Uribe's accusations against journalist Hollman Morris

(CPJ/HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 5 February CPJ and Human Rights Watch letter to Colombia's president, Álvaro Uribe Vélez:

Guatemala

IFEX MEMBERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION SITUATION IN GUATEMELA

IFEX members and participants in the "Regional meeting of Latin American freedom of expression organisations" organised by the IFEX Clearing House, issued a press statement appealing to the Guatemala government to work with civil society organisations to guarantee the protection of journalists, whose lives are increasingly under threat by drug cartels and organized criminals.
Joint action: Nine IFEX members express concern over freedom of expression situation in Guatemala

Joint action - Botswana

Twenty-eight IFEX members call for review of restrictive media law

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 28 IFEX members:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members urgently call on authorities to immediately cease blockade of Radio Kalima, investigate abduction of journalist Dhafer Otay

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - United States

ARTICLE 19 and Privacy International welcome move to improve public access to government information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 23 January 2009 joint statement by ARTICLE 19 and Privacy International, an interim member of IFEX:

Joint action - Mexico

Environment of fear prompts journalists to go into exile, self-censor or risk violent attack, says RSF/CEPET report

(RSF/CEPET/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 22 January 2009 joint RSF and CEPET press release:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

International mission condemns "culture of impunity and indifference"

(IFJ/IPI/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and two other organisations:

Joint action - Russia

Double murder reveals culture of impunity and injustice

(ARTICLE 19/Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship:

Joint action - Kazakhstan

Twenty-two IFEX members sign on to letter to Parliamentarians urging them to consider NGO proposals on media reform

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter to the Deputies of Parliament by twenty-two IFEX members:

Joint action - Kenya

Twenty-eight IFEX members call for president to reject draconian media bill

(Media Institute/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal by 28 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

World press associations committee calls for more guarantees for press freedom in Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 10 December 2008 IAPA press release:

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Twenty-five IFEX members call for government to rescind decision to ban foreign radio stations

(IRFS/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal by 25 IFEX members:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-four IFEX members and partners call for solidarity with human rights defenders at risk for speaking out about rights abuses

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action led by BCHR:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

IFJ and IPI call for international attention on case of journalist defending himself against terrorism charges

(IFJ/IPI/IFEX) - The following is a joint IFJ and IPI media release:

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG protests restrictions and attacks against rights defenders and websites

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 23 October 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Mexico

Civil rights groups call on Mexican government to investigate crimes against freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 21 October 2008 joint press release by ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC):

Joint action - Egypt

Joint Action: Thirty-seven IFEX members call for end to jailing of journalists under criminal defamation laws; conviction of journalist upheld by appeals court

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is an appeal by 37 IFEX members calling for an end to the imprisonment of journalists under criminal defamation laws:

Joint action - Syria / France

Twenty-six IFEX members appeal to French President Sarkozy to raise issue of jailed journalists and rights activists in Syria

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an appeal by 26 IFEX members to the French president regarding the free expression situation in Syria:

Joint action - Burma

Fifteen IFEX members and other organisations appeal to international bodies to raise cases of jailed journalist, comedian and other activists with Burmese junta

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal by 15 IFEX members and other organisations that make up the Burma Action Group:

Joint action - Thailand

SEAPA and TJA condemn mob attack on television station

(SEAPA/TJA/IFEX) - The following is a joint SEAPA/TJA press release:

Joint action - Mexico

International mission finds "shocking culture of impunity" surrounding violence against journalists

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release about the findings of a joint mission to Mexico undertaken by a number of international press freedom organisations:

Joint action - Tunisia

TMG protests attack on journalist and representative of IFEX member group, Sihem Bensedrine at Tunis Airport

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 20 August 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Yemen

Twenty-seven IFEX members appeal to government to address free expression situation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 27 IFEX members:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG raises question of freedom of expression violations with French president

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 9 July 2008 IFEX-TMG letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy:

Joint action - Zimbabwe

Constraints to freedom of expression highlighted in report of mission to Zimbabwe by team of African media experts

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is an abridged report by AFMF, IFJ, MISA and other organisations:

Joint action - Turkey

IPA and WiPC condemn conviction of publisher over book on Armenian question

(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 19 June 2008 joint IPA and WiPC press release:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Twenty-nine IFEX members alert UN secretary-general to statements by government and military that "put journalists in grave danger"

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 29 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Five IFEX members and another organisation pass resolutions on global press freedom issues

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an abridged IPI press release:

Joint action - Zimbabwe

Fear pervading media, public denied information, notes fact-minding mission

(IFJ/MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2008 joint statement by IFJ, MISA, members of the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO), and other organisations:

Joint action - Tunisia

IPA, PEN and WAN convey TMG recommendations to UN for better promotion of press freedom

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2008 joint statement by IPA, PEN and WAN, made on behalf of the IFEX Tunisia Monitoring Group (TMG) to the 8th Session of the UN Human Rights Council:

Joint action - Mexico

Violent police raid, closure of community radio station condemned by AMARC and ARTICLE 19

(AMARC/ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2007 joint AMARC and ARTICLE 19 press release:

Joint action - Saudi Arabia

Four IFEX members, other organisations call for release of three activists detained for speaking out

(CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by CIHRS, ANHRI, BCHR, EOHR and other organisations:

Joint action - Mexico

Three IFEX members urge new investigation into journalist's 2004 murder following new revelations

(CEPET/IFEX) - The following is a 3 June 2008 joint press release by CEPET, PROBIDAD and RSF:

Joint action - Uganda

Regional free expression group calls on president to respect press freedom

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2008 joint statement by eight IFEX members and other members of the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO):

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19, AJI and other media freedom groups call for decriminalisation of defamation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint press release by ARTICLE 19 and AJI:

Joint action - Mexico

Member of free expression mission called "enemy of the state" by government official; six IFEX members, others protest

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is an 8 May 2008 AMARC press release:

Joint action - Mexico

ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and IPYS condemn federal police assaults on four journalists in Culiacán

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IPYS/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2008 joint press release of ARTICLE 19, CENCOS and IPYS:

Joint action - China / International

ARTICLE 19 and RSF urge IOC to lift prohibitions against athletes' self-expression at Olympic Games

(ARTICLE 19/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2008 joint press release by ARTICLE 19 and RSF:

Joint action - Burma

Fifteen IFEX members and others call on junta to allow free expression of views on referendum

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 1 May 2008 joint statement by 15 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - Egypt / World Press Freedom Day

Forty members and partners of IFEX urge authorities to overturn four editors' jail sentences during appeal hearing on World Press Freedom Day

(EOHR/HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 40 IFEX members and partners:

Joint action - China

HKJA and IFJ call for signatures to online petition for jailed activist Hu Jia

(HKJA/IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an HKJA and IFJ joint press release:

Joint action - Nepal

International Media Mission denounces violations of media freedom during electoral period

(FNJ/IFEX) -The following is a joint statement by FNJ and the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal:

Joint action - Mexico

AMARC, ARTICLE 19 and RSF condemn murder of two community radio journalists in Oaxaca, urge protection of survivors of attack

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is a 9 April 2008 joint statement by AMARC, ARTICLE 19 and Reporters without Borders:

Joint action - Syria

Thirty-five members and partners of IFEX and the Arab Working Group call for support for journalists and activists facing harassment and detention prior to trial of human rights activist Mazen Darwish

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter by 35 members and partners of IFEX and the Arab Working Group to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS condemn passage of resolution that undermines free expression

(ARTICLE 19/CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS:

Joint action - International

Human Rights Council must protect particular mandate of Special Rapporteur on Free Expression, say 19 IFEX members, 12 other organisations

(ARTICLE 19/CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 19 IFEX members and 12 other organisations:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

20 IFEX members and other organisations appeal to president to "Stop the War on Journalists"

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa by 20 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Arab League's proposed satellite broadcasting regulations would impede needed criticism of corruption and repression, warn 34 organisations

(HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a 5 March 2008 joint statement by HRinfo, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and 31 other organisations:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG urges government to cease repeated attacks on activists following brutal violence against Sihem Bensedrine and Omar Mestiri

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-one IFEX members, 34 other groups call for end to jailing and torture of demonstrators and human rights activists in Bahrain

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal from BCHR, 20 other IFEX members and 34 other groups to the king of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa:

Joint action - Somalia

Twenty-seven IFEX members call for end to repression of journalists, revision of media law

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter of appeal from NUSOJ, 26 other IFEX members and one partner network:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG outraged at imprisonment of comedian Hédi Ouled Baballah

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Mexico

Four IFEX members call for action on crimes against journalists

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a joint 14 February 2008 press release by AMARC-Mexico, ARTICLE 19-Mexico, CEPET, CENCOS and other organisations:

Joint action - Mexico

CENCOS and ARTICLE 19 urge protection for journalists in Veracruz state following attempted murder, threats

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - In an interview with Octavio Soto Torres, the founder-director of the weekly "Voces de Veracruz", ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS obtained additional information on the 23 January 2008 attempted assassination of which the journalist was the victim.

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Six IFEX members urge government to uphold media's right to report safely as attacks escalate

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by six IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG condemns journalist Slim Boukhdir's imprisonment; calls for his release

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an 18 January 2008 IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for release of journalist Slim Boukhdir, facing trial on 18 January 2008

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - Kenya

Twenty-three IFEX members call on President Kibaki to end suppression of media freedom

(Media Institute/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 23 IFEX members:

Joint action - The Gambia

Twenty-one IFEX members call for investigation into murder of journalist Deyda Hydara, release of reporter Chief Ebrima Manneh

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 21 IFEX members:

Joint action - Mexico

Five IFEX members condemn Supreme Court decision on Lydia Cacho case

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 29 November 2007 joint statement by five IFEX members and other organizations and individuals:

Joint action - Tunisia

In letter to UN secretary general, IFEX-TMG raises concerns about continuous attacks on freedom of expression

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG joint letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

IPI and IFJ issue report on press freedom situation in Eastern Provinces

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 12 November 2007 joint IFJ and IPI press release:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-six IFEX members and others call on Bahraini government to stop clamping down on freedom of expression

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 26 IFEX members and 21 other organisations:

Joint action - United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship applaud prime minister's promise to implement proposals respecting free expression

(ARTICLE 19/Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a 26 October 2007 joint statement by ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship and English PEN:

Joint action - Burma

Fifteen IFEX members urge UN to generate status report on missing, killed or jailed journalists, aid exiled reporters

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 25 October 2007 joint letter from 15 IFEX members and several other international organisations to United Nations officials:

Joint action - International

Thirty-two IFEX members urge action to address threat to free expression by "parallel powers"

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement of 32 IFEX members and three other organisations:

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Thirty-two IFEX members appeal for action to strengthen media freedom and freedom of expression

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 32 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Twenty-four IFEX members call for release of jailed journalists, reform of oppressive media laws, respect for free expression

(JED/NUSOJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 24 IFEX members and one other organisation:

Joint action - Indonesia

Twenty-two IFEX members condemn Supreme Court ruling against "Time Magazine"

(AJI/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 22 IFEX members and one other organization:

Joint action - International

Twenty-five IFEX members express grave concern over media situation

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 25 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Twenty-two IFEX members call for end of persecution of human rights activist, journalist

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by 22 IFEX members and one other organisation:

Joint action - International

ARTICLE 19-Mexico, IPYS-Mexico and CENCOS demand adequate protection for journalists

(CENCOS/IFEX) ? The following is a joint press release of ARTICLE 19-Mexico, CENCOS and IPYS-Mexico:

Joint action - International

Thirty-four IFEX members, other organisations call for an end to imprisonment of journalists

(EOHR/HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 34 IFEX members and seven other organisations:

Joint action - International

Two IFEX members condemn sentencing of editors, publisher and cartoonist for alleged contempt

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a joint WPFC-IPI letter to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court of India:

Joint action - International

TMG condemns attempts by authorities to silence dissenting voices

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - International

Four IFEX members call for day of action to show solidarity and condemn human rights violations

(AJI, ARTICLE 19/RSF/SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by four IFEX members and the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights:

Joint action - International

International PEN, ARTICLE 19 and IPA call for abolition of Article 301

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint International PEN, ARTICLE 19 and IPA press release:

Joint action - International

Twenty-three IFEX members and other organisations call for release of prisoners of opinion

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 23 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

International press freedom mission calls for end to attacks on press

(ARTICLE 19/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a statement issued on behalf of the "International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal" of which ARTICLE 19 is a member:

Joint action - International

IFEX-TMG members call for charges to be dropped against journalist Omar Mestiri

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Ahead of African Union summit, three IFEX members and other organisations launch campaign to get journalists out of jail

(IFJ/MFWA/WAJA/IFEX) - The following is a 29 June 2007 joint press release from IFJ, MFWA, WAJA and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Three free expression groups pressure incoming prime minister to defend threatened rights

(ARTICLE 19/Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a joint press release by IFEX members ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship, along with English PEN:

Joint action - International

CENCOS, AMARC and ARTICLE 19 call on Congress to amend media law, facilitate emergence and survival of community media

(CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2007 CENCOS press release:

Joint action - International

International mission finds freedom of expression environment deteriorating, increasingly dangerous for journalists

(IFJ/IPI/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 23 June 2007 statement of the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Sri Lanka:

Joint action - International

Ten IFEX members urge President Musharraf to address deteriorating free expression situation

(PPF/IFEX) - The following is a PPF-led joint letter to Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf from IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Two IFEX members and others appeal to president over alarming lack of free expression

(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) - The following is an 8 June 2007 joint letter by IPA, WiPC and other organisations and individuals:

Joint action - International

RSF and Human Rights Watch call for end to harassment of dual-nationals

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 31 May 2007 joint statement by RSF, Human Rights Watch and two other organisations:

Joint action - International

Twenty-three IFEX members call for full acquittal of journalist and human rights activist Umida Niyazova, request EU Council to consider case under sanction review

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The following is an Adil Soz-led joint letter to Uzbek President Islam Karimov from 23 IFEX members:

Joint action - Nigeria / World Press Freedom Day

Two IFEX members and others condemn presidential veto of freedom of information bill, attacks on journalists and media outlets

(IJC/MRA/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by IJC, MTA and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Three IFEX members and other organisations protest government's failure to improve free expression situation

(ARTICLE 19/IFJ/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by ARTICLE 19, IFJ, RSF and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Thirty-eight IFEX members appeal to government to account publicly for missing and imprisoned journalists

(MFWA/PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by 38 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Fourteen IFEX members call to end criminal prosecution of journalists and to release imprisoned journalist Umida Niyazova

(Adil Soz/CJES/IFEX) - The following is a joint action statement, signed by 14 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Twenty-one IFEX members appeal for support in campaign to repeal Article 301

(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a joint action statement signed by 21 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

Two IFEX members urge Press Council not to obstruct licencing, publication of new newspaper

(HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by HRinfo, CIHRS, and several other organisations:

Joint action - International

Seven IFEX members urge authorities to address newsprint and ink shortage in Jaffna

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 26 January 2007 letter to the Sri Lankan prime minister, signed by seven IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

IFEX-TMG members express concern over banning, censorship of publications

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 24 January 2007 IFEX-TMG letter to Tunisian president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali:

Joint action - International

Human rights organisations ask president to reduce ailing critic's prison term and set him free

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 24 January 2007 joint action signed by EOHR, HRinfo and other orgnanisations:

Joint action - International

CORRECTION: IFEX-TMG members write to UN secretary-general about government's obligations to cease harassment of human rights defenders and journalists

(IFEX-TMG) - Please note an error in the TMG joint action dated 19 January 2007. In paragraph 6, it was mistakenly noted that civilian demonstrators were involved. The correct version, which follows, should state: "TMG members also highlighted concerns about the Tunisian government's censorship of deadly clashes between security forces and armed groups in the end of December 2006 and in early January 2007 in the Southern suburbs of Tunis."

Joint action - International

IFEX-TMG members write to UN secretary-general about government's obligations to cease harassment of human rights defenders and journalists

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Two IFEX members request an end to the persecution of journalist Howeida Taha

(CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a 16 January 2007 joint action signed by CIHRS, EOHR and other organisations:

Joint action - International

CPJ, IPYS cite "lack of transparency" in government's decision regarding renewal of RCTV, call for greater commitment to freedom of expression

(CPJ/IPYS/IFEX) - The following is a 12 January 2007 CPJ and IPYS press release:

Joint action - International

Twenty-two IFEX members urge president to abolish imprisonment of journalists in publication cases

(CIHRS/EOHR/HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by 24 IFEX members and other organisations:

Joint action - International

International organizations urge president to revoke restrictive publication guidelines

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a 5 December 2006 joint ARTICLE 19, International PEN and IPA letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad:

Joint action - International

IFEX-TMG members call on president to cease harassment of human rights defenders and journalists

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Ten IFEX members demand that murder of Anna Politkovskaja be investigated and impunity in crimes against journalists ended

(CJES/IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by 10 IFEX members:

Joint action - Cuba / Brazil / Venezuela

Global organisations call for release of jailed Cuban journalists, criticise Venezuelan press laws and media interference in Brazil

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 November 2006 IAPA press release:

Joint action - International

SEAPA network supports class action against president's husband for his attempts to undermine press freedom

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 November 2006 joint media statement by AJI, CMFR, ISAI, SEAPA and other organisations:

Joint action - International

International organisations call on government to repeal laws that penalise free expression

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 24 November 2006 joint statement by ARTICLE 19, International PEN and IPA:

Joint action - International

Media organisations welcome postponement of films and publications bill

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by FXI, MISA-South Africa and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef):

Joint action - International

IFEX members announce fact finding, advocacy mission for press freedom

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 9 October 2006 FMM press release:

Joint action - International

International press freedom mission issues recommendations to government

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 September 2006 mission statement by AMARC, ARTICLE 19, IFJ, RSF and other organizations:

Joint action - International

Media freedom organisations welcome Cabinet decision to discuss censorship bill

(FXI/MISA/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2006 joint statement by FXI, MISA-SA, and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef):

Joint action - International

Despite pardon, Jennifer Latheef should be cleared of "terrorism" charges, says international press freedom mission

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a joint press release of the International Press Freedom Mission in the Maldives, which includes RSF, ARTICLE 19, the International Federation of Journalists and two other organisations:

Joint action - International

Human rights organisations protest military trial, harsh sentencing of writer for critical Internet articles

(HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by HRinfo, EOHR, CIHRS, and several other organisations:

Joint action - International

Media freedom organisations protest government censorship plan

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2006 joint statement by FXI, MISA-SA, and the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef):

Joint action - International

International mission releases assessment of press freedom and freedom of expression

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2006 IFJ press release:

Joint action - International

Two jailed journalists charged, investigated for weapons possession; international organisations say accusations "groundless"

(RSF/Human Rights Watch/IFEX) - The following is an 18 July 2006 joint statement by RSF, Human Rights Watch and several other organisations:

Joint action - International

Fourteen organisations express support for bill to prevent Internet companies' collaboration with crackdowns on free expression

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2006 joint statement by RSF and several other IFEX members, as well as other organisations:

Joint action - International

Arab and Egyptian organisations call for release of Iranian political detainee Ali Akbar Mosuavi-Khoini

(HRinfo/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by HRinfo, the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights, and several other organisations:

Joint action - International

Recommendations of the Forum on Freedom of Expression in Africa

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 5 July 2006 joint statement by ARTICLE 19 and several other IFEX members, as well as other organisations:

Joint action - International

NGOs protest government's barring of forum on freedom of expression

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by MFWA and several other IFEX members, as well as other organizations:

Joint action - International

Press freedom organisations approve resolutions on crimes against journalists, violations

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 5 June 2006 IAPA press release:

Joint action - International

Four IFEX members call for Arab governments to end imprisonment for freedom of expression cases

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day by CIHRS, CPJ, EOHR, HRinfo and EJS:

Joint action - International

International mission calls on king to halt brutal attempts to suppress freedom of expression and targeting of media

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by IPI and several other IFEX members, as well as other international organizations:

Joint action - International

Human rights groups condemn detention of writer and his family

(HRinfo/CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by a number of Egyptian human rights groups, including HRinfo and CIHRS:

Joint action - International

"Detention of journalists must stop," say members of the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission

(FNJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 March 2006 joint press statement of the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal:

Joint action - International

ICC asked to investigate militia leader's role in AFP assistant's disappearance in 2003

(RSF/JED/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders and its partner organisation Journaliste en Danger (JED) have written to the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor asking him to carry out more thorough enquiries into the June 2003 disappearance of Agence France-Presse assistant Acquitté Kisembo. Militia chief Thomas Lubanga, who was arrested on war crimes charges and transferred to the ICC on 17 March 2006, is suspected of ordering his murder.

Joint action - International

International press freedom mission to visit Nepal

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ press release:

Joint action - International

IPI, WAN condemn raid on printing house, radio station closure, journalists' arrests

(IPI/WAN/ IFEX) - The following is a 6 March 2006 joint IPI/WAN/Distripress letter to Kenyan authorities:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression groups urge authorities to release Mohammed Abbou and all other prisoners of opinion

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 1 March 2006 joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Participants at IFEX general meeting call on prime minister to repeal Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the IFEX General Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 19-24 February 2006, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Participants at IFEX General Meeting express concern over freedom of expression violations

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the IFEX General Meeting held in Brusells, Belgium, 19-24 February 2006, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Participants at IFEX General Meeting call for investigation into Huseynov murder

(JuHI/IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the IFEX General Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Participants at IFEX General Meeting call for action in case of murdered journalist

(IFEX) - The following letter to Somali authorities was issued at the IFEX General Meeting in Brussels, 19-24 February 2006, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Network of African Free Expression Organisations urges president to restore press freedom

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has been forwarded by MFWA on behalf of the Network of African Free Expression Organisations:

Joint action - International

Publisher Ragip Zarakolu faces 6-year prison sentence

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a joint IPA/International PEN press release:

Joint action - International

"Never again," say freedom of expression groups

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Free expression groups forced to speak out

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Free expression groups pull out of WSIS event

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

IFEX-TMG calls on Tunisian government to stop crackdown on rights defenders and journalists prior to UN WSIS

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Joint action - International

Eleven organisations sign onto statement of solidarity with media community in Nepal

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 October 2005 IFJ media release:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression experts question credibility of UN World Summit on the Information Society in Tunisia

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an IFEX-TMG press release:

Joint action - International

NGOs protest deterioration of rights in Tunisia two months ahead of WSIS

(Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a press release from IFEX members and other NGOs:

Joint action - International

Twelve international media groups, including eight IFEX members, call for press freedom in Nepal

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an 18 July 2005 WAN press release:

Joint action - International

Television station director forced to leave Antioquia after attempt on his life and further intimidation

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2005 joint statement:

Joint action - International

Press organisations condemn President Uribe's statements, call for a state policy to guarantee press freedom and the right to information

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2005 joint statement:

Joint action - International

Six organisations press for editor's release

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Joint action - International

Ten IFEX members issue joint appeal calling for journalist Akbar Ganji's release

(PEN Canada/CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal calling for the release from prison of journalist Akbar Ganji:

Joint action - International

South Asian IFEX members sign on to letter expressing concern over assault on free expression in Nepal

(PPF/IFEX) - The following is an 8 February 2005 joint letter to Nepali King Gyanendra. IFEX member organisations that have signed on to the letter are listed below:

Joint action - International

International organisations express concern about the approach to press freedom of the African Union's NEPAD initiative

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 1 February 2005 letter to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan by a group of international organisations:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression organisations condemn sentencing of editor to one year in prison

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following press release was issued by the signatories listed below:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression organisations condemn media freedom and freedom of expression violations in eight African countries

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued by the Africa Caucus at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression organisations voice concern over harassment of Bobomurod Abdullayev

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression organisations call on Azeri president to dismiss criminal libel case against journalist Irada Huseynova and cancel the warrant for her arrest

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Freedom of expression organisations call on African governments to implement a number of legal reforms and end the criminalisation of expression

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued by the Africa Caucus at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Twenty-five organisations attending IFEX General Meeting urge UN and member states to change venue of WSIS unless Tunisian government makes substantial progress on respect for human rights and freedom of expression

(IFEX) - The following statement was issued at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004, and is endorsed by the signatories below:

Joint action - International

Press freedom organisations issue resolution on Internet governance

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a resolution on Internet governance passed by members of the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, meeting in Belgrade for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2004. The organisations that have signed on to the resolution are listed below:

Joint action - International

Fourteen IFEX members urge government to halt attacks on the EFJA and ensure that the organisation can work free of harassment and intimidation

(IFJ/IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 28 January 2004 letter to President Woldegiorgis Girma, signed by 14 IFEX members:

Joint action - International

Eighteen IFEX members sign appeal on Iraq crisis

Joint action - International

Insult laws are incompatible with press freedom, say participants at IFEX General Meeting

Joint action - International

IFEX members and other participants at IFEX meeting sign declaration on Ethiopia

Joint action - International

Don't let September 11 cut into freedom of expression, groups say

(IFEX) - The following is an 11 September 2002 International Freedom of Expression eXchange media release:

Joint action - Zimbabwe

11 IFEX members sign appeal urging Zimbabwe to drop charges against journalists

Joint action - International

10 IFEX members sign on to UNESCO conference resolution on Terrorism and Media

Joint action - International

Eighteen IFEX members sign appeal urging Syria to stop terrorising journalist's family

Joint action - International

Twenty IFEX members sign appeal urging Bangladeshi leaders to take steps to ensure the security of journalists ahead of elections

Joint action - International

Eighteen IFEX members sign on to letter highlighting recent violations of press freedom and freedom of expression in the region

Joint action - International

Twelve IFEX members sign on to protest letter on behalf of detained journalist Akbar Ganji

Joint action - International

Eleven IFEX members sign on in support of campaign for imprisoned writer

Joint action - International

Twenty-five IFEX members condemn IMF press policy on community media

Joint action - International

IFEX members sign on to NFFE statement on press freedom and democracy in Iran

Joint action - International

IFEX members sign on to IPI campaign to release journalist

Joint action - International

IFEX members protest Zambian authorities' efforts to silence independent media

(IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by IFEX members protesting

Joint action - International

Twenty-six IFEX members express international support for Eduardo Kimel

(IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by twenty-six IFEX members

Joint action - International

Twenty-eight IFEX members call on the Zanzibar authorities to remove ban on journalist

(IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by twenty-eight IFEX members

Joint action - International

Twenty-seven IFEX members issue joint appeal for freedom of expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo

(IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by twenty-seven IFEX members

Joint action - International

Twenty-five IFEX members concerned by efforts to gag journalists

(IFEX) - The following is a joint action signed by twenty-five IFEX members

Joint action - International

Eight IFEX members and affiliates sign on to Nikitin appeal

Joint action - Nigeria

13 IFEX members sign WAJA statement on developments in Nigeria

Joint action - International

A dozen freedom of expression groups protest Internet censorship in APEC countries

Joint action - Nigeria

32 press freedom groups appeal to CHOGM over Nigeria, noting freedom of expression violations