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Webinar | Media Development and Freedom of Expression: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in West and Central Africa

Jul 27, 2020
Webinar | Media Development and Freedom of Expression: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in West and Central Africa

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?29 -30 July 2020 ? 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Webinar

Within the realm of its “COVID-19 Labs” initiative, the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa-Sahel is organizing, jointly with the UNESCO Regional Offices in Abuja and Yaoundé, an online Regional Consultation entitled: “Media Development and Freedom of Expression: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in West and Central Africa”.

Since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic in Africa, the media has continuously had essential contributions when it comes to, among other things, informing citizens about the development of the disease, raising awareness about protective measures, uncovering misinformation, countering rumors and promoting the sharing of good practices. However, this necessary contribution has been made and is still being made in a context where the media is facing many technical, economic, social, and even political difficulties due to the effects of the measures taken to contain the pandemic.

It is for this reason that a background analysis should be carried out to draw the consequences and propose options to ensure media development in an environment that is conducive to economic viability, freedom of expression and safety of journalists.

For this consultation, UNESCO will mobilize experts, decision-makers, politicians, civil society actors, media organizations and professionals, who will debate the future of the media in West and Central Africa.

The main objectives of this online regional consultation will be as follows:

  • Identifying and promoting the contribution of the media in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular the fight against disinformation;
  • Understanding the impact and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on freedom of expression, safety of journalists, respect for human rights, gender equality in the media, etc.;
  • Identifying courses of action to support the development of the media and strengthen its resilience to the effects of large-scale crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Promoting good practices in the media’s contribution to fighting against pandemics.

Original source: UNESCO
Published on 27 July 2020