The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a surge in misinformation, disinformation, and, in some countries, government censorship, at a time when access to factual and timely information has perhaps never been so important.
IFEX members around the world are working hard to ensure respect for human rights and open, safe, and equitable access to reliable information, both online and offline, at this critical time.
Check out our Access to Information hub to stay up to date with their important work.
(Image: Emanuele Cremaschi/Getty Images)
Beyond the attacks and detention of journalists and media workers, authorities also undermined the Belarusian peoples’ right to access free and impartial information when they blocked access to the internet, affecting websites and popular apps.
The draft Law on Public Order raises serious concerns for the exercise of freedom of peaceful assembly and association in Cambodia, allows for arbitrary infringements on the right to freedom of expression and will exacerbate discrimination against women.
On 1 July 2020, members of the International Civil Society Organisations Coalition on the Safety of Journalists sent an information request to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in relation to the Mexican State News Agency (Agencia de Noticias del Estado – NOTIMEX).
The Chinese government imposed sanctions on 11 Americans, which included legislators and leaders of IFEX members Human Rights Watch and Freedom House for their advocacy on Hong Kong’s democratic rights.
In a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, civil society defenders of free expression from all over the world call for the immediate release of Shafiqul Islam Kajol and accountability for his mistreatment.
July in Sub-Saharan Africa: A free expression roundup produced by IFEX’s regional editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
