DEADLINE: MAY 10, 2020 ― Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), media or lawyers’ associations, media development agencies, foundations, academic institutions and non-commercial media institutions can apply for the Global Media Defence Fund.
The Global Media Defence Fund is a Multi-Partner Trust Fund/Program at UNESCO developed with the goal of enhancing media protection and improving the access of journalists to specialised legal assistance.
It was established upon impulsion by the governments of the United Kingdom and Canada in the framework of the 2019 Global Campaign for Media Freedom – and under the overall umbrella of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
This Fund synergises with other activities (including those funded by the Regular Programme, UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the International Programme for the Development of Communication, and FIT Projects).
Its particular niche is supporting legal defence based on international standards on media freedom, and part of its implementation approach consists in seeking applications for funding from external relevant non-profit organisations.
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Administered by UNESCO, the Global Media Defence Fund contributes to a free and safer environment for journalists via four key approaches or outputs:
- Fostering international legal cooperation, as well as the sharing and implementation of good practices to promote the defence of journalists under attack;
- Reinforcing the operationalisation of national protection mechanisms and peer support networks to ensure journalists’ rapid access to legal assistance, bolster their defence and enhance their safety;
- Supporting investigative journalism that contributes to reduced impunity for crimes against journalists and enhancing the safety of those conducting this line of work;
- Enhancing structures for fostering strategic litigation in order to protect environments where the legal frameworks are conducive to an independent, free and plural media ecosystem.