Senior Libyan media representatives review progress following the Madrid meetings of 2015

16 Feb 2016

Senior Libyan media representatives review progress following the Madrid meetings of 2015

Vienna, Austria – 15 February 2016 – A three day “working” group” review of the implementation of recommendations for improved professional and ethical behaviour in Libyan media opened today at the International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna. A small team drawn from participants who attended the Madrid meetings in July and October 2015 leads the review, facilitated by UNESCO and IPI. Together, they will assess the impact to date in the sector and recommend further actions to propose to their peers.

Ambassador Stephan Vavrik from the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, noted in his opening remarks that “Within the framework of UNESCO, Austria has put a particular emphasis on protecting the safety of journalists, reflected in Austria’s role in co-organizing the international conference for the safety of journalism professionals on 5th February in Paris, which two of the members of the Madrid process attended”, adding, “We support you in your courageous efforts to improve the standards of journalism in Libya and thus to contribute to creating the stability and peace that your people need so badly.”

“We know Libyans everywhere badly want peace, but they need examples too,” added Michael Croft, UNESCO Representative in Libya,” This is the true meaning in your work, this is why Libyan media dialogue is so critical. It is a good example of Libyans from different backgrounds working together to address a challenging issue and overcome it in a way that benefits everyone. If you can do it, others can too”.

This activity is undertaken by UNESCO in partnership with the International Press Institute and made possible with the generous support of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is part of the Organization’s efforts to reinforce the capacity of Libyan media to contribute to reconciliation and peace in the country as well as to promote freedom of expression and independent media.

For more information please contact:

Raja’a El Abasi, Program Officer, UNESCO
r.el-abasi@unesco.org
+216 71 655 000