Norway and UNESCO have signed a new Programme Cooperation Agreement, through which Norway reinforces its support to the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP). This generous contribution amounts to14 million Norwegian Krone (around 1,600,000 USD).
Norway is a longtime ally of UNESCO and its Communication and Information Sector. Its contributions have helped promoting freedom of expression online and offline and the safety of journalists. Its previous contributions have rendered possible, since the creation of the MDP in 2017, the expansion of the implementation of The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity in terms of geographical scope and actions.
Expansion to Africa
The MDP has since intensified safety trainings for media workers around the world and extended the judges initiative. It was originally launched in Latin America, but thanks to the expansion includesĀ now members of the judiciary on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in Africa.
These efforts resulted in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with various regional human rights courts. Furthermore, the dissemination of impactful awareness-raising campaigns to end impunity for crimes against journalists such as #KeepTruthAlive.
This new Programme Cooperation Agreement thus reiterates Norwayās commitment to continue supporting these priorities, and will enable the MDP to furthermore meet the challenges faced by media in all regions in relation to their safety and freedom of expression, an area of action that is particularly relevant within the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
See here: Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists
