Freedom of expression
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. Communication is essential to the
development of our identities and relationships, and so to human integrity. It is also the
foundation of other rights and freedoms, and social and economic development. Without
the ability to communicate it is impossible to realise or defend human rights, to have
genuine democracy of to organise politically in any meaningful way.
GPA works to promote and support media and communication environments which are
citizen-centred and enabling of healthy democracies, using a human rights approach.
Our work spans media regulation, ethics in journalism and media development. GPA has
particular expertise in the impact of the internet and other digital networks on freedom of
expression and democracy at local, regional and international levels.
Our freedom of expression projects include:
Measuring media impact
We developed the Media Development Indicators for UNESCO. These were adopted by
governments in 2008 as the definitive assessment tool for measuring the impact of media
on society. We have subsequently advised on use of the MDIs in Ecuador, Croatia, Bhutan,
the Maldives, Mozambique and Brazil.
Digital communications project
GPA has an ongoing relationship with the Ford Foundation to deliver a major
international research and policy initiative which is examining how to build a global digital
communications environment that is open, empowering and that supports human rights.
This project, now in its fifth year, has produced a wide variety of policy papers and held
workshops in Africa, Asia and Latin America with a network of civil society organisations.
GPA has also produced a major paper on ICTs and Human Rights for the European
Parliament’s Human Rights Committee; co-chairs the Internet Governance Forum’s Internet
Rights and Principles Coalition; and co-chaired the Aspen Initiatives’ business policy forum.
At present we are also managing an international project for UNESCO to examine the
challenges and opportunities for privacy protection on the Internet.
Advice and evaluation
We have conducted evaluations for a range of media organisations including Press Now in
the Netherlands, Freemuse in Denmark, and the International Safety Institute in Brussels.
We have provided specialist advice and training on the laws and practices affecting free
expression in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Romania.
Media support
We have conducted a strategic review of the work of International Media Support, a Danish-
based international NGO which supports media organisations and journalists in conflict
situations.
