HRC56 - NB8 statement - Promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session

Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Statement by Latvia on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

26 June 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her latest report and the valuable recommendations.

Threats to media freedom are growing by the day across the world, and hundreds of journalists go into exile every year, due to the increase in armed conflicts and the rise of authoritarianism and political repressions in their home countries. Freedom of media and journalism must be protected - States must uphold their international obligations and guarantee the right to freedom of expression, including the rights of journalists to work freely and safely in their home country or elsewhere.

We are alarmed by the surge in weaponization of digital tools by States and non-state actors to intimidate, attack and silence journalists in exile, particularly women journalists. We call on all States to strengthen the protection of journalists, including exiled journalists, from digital, physical or legal threats – all acts of repression must be fully investigated and prosecuted.

Special Rapporteur, how to best strengthen States’ responses to specific needs of journalists in exile?

I thank you.