20 Jan 2020 Media coverage should give peace a chance
Growing tensions between the United States and Iran marked the first two weeks of 2020. News cycles have been dominated by coverage of the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, the killing of a high-profile Iranian general, Iranian attacks on US military bases, and the horrific downing of a passenger airplane in Tehran, sparking fears that the conflict could ignite another full-out war in the Middle East. The situation has also affected Iranian Americans, many of whom have reported being questioned about their political views when entering or leaving the United States.
13 Jan 2020 Demanding accountability from democratic structures
It would be wonderful to begin 2020 with an upbeat account of communication rights being strengthened and protected around the world. There are undoubtedly many instances of positive and exciting changes taking place. Unfortunately, the overall picture is dispiriting. Studies show that organisations like WACC, which advocate for and defend people’s right to communicate, still have much to do.
06 Jan 2020 Communicating with tenacity and courage
How wonderful that three women have been nominated for the prestigious Martin Ennals Award – the first time the jury has named three women for this top human rights prize. Unofficially known as the “Nobel Prize for human rights”, the Martin Ennals Award was created in 1993 to honour and defend human rights activists around the world. The winner will be announced on 19 February 2020.
28 Oct 2019 Measures to tackle disinformation and propaganda in Europe
Recently, the European parliament voted in favour of stronger EU measures aimed at countering “highly dangerous” Russian disinformation and at upgrading the EU’s anti-propaganda unit.
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21 Oct 2019 ‘It takes a village to keep children safe both online and offline’
Children now represent one third of all Internet users.
This number is expected to increase once developing countries – where most of the world’s children live –become digitized.
This is both exciting and worrisome. Exciting because it has been established that connectivity opens doors to new...