The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) invite you to attend a panel session on "Anti-Terrorism Legislation and the Cartoon Crisis - EU and NGO perspectives and approaches to Protecting Free Expression."
Date: Monday February 20, 2006
Time: 1:00 PM.
Location: International Press Centre
155 Rue de la Loi
Résidence Palace, Bloc C
Brussels
Speakers:
1) Franco Frattini: EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security
2) Hélène Flautre: Chair of European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights
3) Tony Bunyan: Director, Statewatch
4) Aidan White: IFJ General Secretary (Moderator)
The panel session is part of the 2006 IFEX General Meeting, which brings together more than 60 free expression groups from around the world to discuss the most pressing free expression issues in the world today. The theme of the General Meeting is "Acting Together to Defend Free Expression" - with a focus on building effective campaigns to confront the growing threats to free expression and human rights nationally, regionally and globally.
The speakers will address increasing concerns that in the post 9-11 era, media and independent journalists work in a pervasive atmosphere of paranoia and self-censorship, made worse by government repression of fundamental human rights. Key issues on free expression, ethics, quality and tolerance highlighted by the recent controversy surrounding the cartoon publications in Denmark and across Europe will be raised.
If you would like to attend the panel session, please RSVP by Friday February 17, 2006:
Robert Shaw,
IFJ Human Rights and Information Officer
Mobile: +32 (0) 496 205 447
Email: robert.shaw@ifj.org
A demonstration titled "No to Impunity - Justice for Journalists" will take place on Wednesday 22 February at 10.30 in front of the European Council at Rond Point Schuman as a protest over the killing of journalists across the world.
For more information on the IFEX General Meeting, visit: http://www.ifex.org
IFEX is a global network of more than 60 non-governmental organisations that works to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression.
IFJ is the world's largest journalists' union, with around 500,000 members in more than 100 countries (http://www.ifj.org).