IFJ and IFEX Conference Focuses on Free Expression Campaigning

© IFEX

Free expression groups from around the world will be meeting in Brussels, Belgium, next week at the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) conference, being hosted by the IFJ, to discuss ways they can build effective campaigns to confront the growing threats to freedom of expression and press freedom.

Running from 19 to 24 February 2006, the conference will bring together more than 100 free expression activists, including members of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, from across the globe under the theme "Acting Together to Defend Free Expression".

The conference will feature six panel discussions on the most pressing issues facing the free expression movement today, including an opening panel on the impact of anti-terrorism legislation on free expression as well as key issues raised by the recent cartoon controversy. An opening speech will be delivered by the Vice President of the European Commission Franco Frattini followed by a discussion panel from 13.15 until 14.30.

Other panels will focus on:

  • Global Impunity: Experiences and Strategies in Seeking Justice for the Murder of Journalists;
  • Legal Defence Funds: Research and Proposals in Favour of a Coordinated Approach;
  • Internet Censorship, Citizen Journalists and the Battle for Free Expression;
  • Media Ownership Concentration, Globalisation and Freedom of Expression;
  • Insult Laws and Criminalising Journalists Around the World.

There will also be a series of campaign workshops where IFEX members can work together to advance existing or new campaign initiatives, and evaluate lessons learned from previous joint efforts.

Registration for the conference is limited to IFEX members and partners, and is currently closed.

To download a conference agenda, click here.

Conference Venue:
The International Press Centre
Résidence Palace
"Polak" Room
155 Rue de la Roi, B – 1040, Brussels, Belgium
tel: +32 2 235 2207 fax: +32 2 235 2219

For more information on the conference, contact:
Robert Shaw, IFJ:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +32 496 205 447