The Commonwealth and media freedom: Where do we stand?

Article V of the 2013 Commonwealth Charter declares the commitment of all Commonwealth states to the values of freedom of expression. This seminar assesses the Commonwealth’s current track record on freedom of expression, as 2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists. What more can and should be done for the Commonwealth to live up to the norms and aspirations in Article V? 

Speakers:

• William Horsley (International Director, Centre for Freedom of Media, U/Sheffield)
• Zaffar Abbas (Editor of Dawn (Pakistan’s leading English language newspaper) & recipient of the Committee for the Protection of Journalists’ 2019 Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award)
• Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC (Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, specialising in human rights and civil liberties)

This session will be chaired by Dr Sue Onslow (Director, Institute of Commonwealth Studies).

This session is in collaboration with the Centre for Freedom of Media, University of Sheffield.