Protecting and promoting press freedom is a universal mission that knows no borders.

APA reports that the head of the European Union Representation in Azerbaijan, Ambassador Peter Mikhalko, told journalists on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.

"While the protection of freedom, independence and pluralism of the media is vital for the stability and health of democratic systems, press freedom is currently under threat in most parts of the world. Those who provide the public with quality independent information, highlight gross violations of human rights and atrocities, and hold those in power accountable Journalists, mass media employees, and other persons are facing more and more slanders, threats and attacks, as well as the negative impact of disinformation," the ambassador said.

Mikhalko noted that the professions of reporters in the attacked Ukraine, journalists in Belarus and Afghanistan, independent media in the Middle East and North Africa, local journalists in Central America, Nobel laureates in the Philippines and Russia, and many other media workers around the world, including Europe, have cost them dearly. comes

The ambassador stressed the importance of protecting the rights of journalists: "Women journalists are particularly vulnerable to threats and increasing attacks both in cyberspace and in real life. They face public condemnation, sexist hate rhetoric, trolling, sexual and gender-based violence, and are even killed. "73 percent of female journalists have been subjected to online threats, mistreatment and harassment during their work. We have never seen so many female journalists in prison."

He said that the EU, as a defender of the right to freedom of expression, condemns all threats and violence against journalists.


"We support media workers at risk through local missions and special programs, specifically the "Safety for Journalists" platform in the Western Balkans, the "Support to Independent Media and Fundamental Freedoms" project in Cambodia, and the "Media Resilience" program in Afghanistan," the diplomat added.

"At the same time, in parallel, the EU is taking domestic measures: fighting strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), regulating digital services and markets, and proposing the adoption of an EU Media Freedom Act. Also , we are developing our strategic capacity to combat information manipulation and interference from outside and to help European citizens build resilience against disinformation, manipulation and propaganda through initiatives such as the EU Anti-Disinformation platform and the European Digital Media Oversight System. Protecting and promoting press freedom It is a universal mission that knows no boundaries.The EU will take the initiative to strengthen press freedom around the world, both in international forums and at the local level, and will continue to communicate with governments, mass media and civil society," Mikhalko stressed.