IFEX (organization)
|
IFEX logo | |
| Founded | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit NGO |
| Focus | Freedom of speech |
| Location |
|
Area served | Worldwide |
| Method | Advocacy |
Members | 95 independent organisations worldwide |
| Website | IFEX.org |
Formerly called | International Freedom of Expression Exchange |
IFEX, formerly the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, is a global network of 95 independent non-governmental organisations[1][2] working at the local, national, regional and international level to defend and promote freedom of expression as a fundamental human right.[3]
History
IFEX was founded in 1992 in Montreal, Canada, by a group of organisations responding to free expression violations around the world.[3][4]
Operations
The day-to-day operations of the organisation are run by IFEX staff based in Toronto, Canada, and managed by IFEX member Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.[5][6]
IFEX's mandate is to raise awareness by sharing information online and mobilising action on issues such as press freedom, Internet censorship, freedom of information legislation, criminal defamation and insult laws, media concentration and attacks on the free expression rights of all people, including journalists, writers, artists, musicians, filmmakers, academics, scientists, human rights defenders and Internet users.[3]
Campaigns and advocacy
IFEX works with its members by creating and participating in advocacy coalitions and working groups and releasing joint statements and petitions.
In 2011, IFEX launched the International Day to End Impunity, marked annually on 23 November.[7][8] In a report to the Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,[9] Frank La Rue welcomed IFEX's declaration of the day.[10]
The Tunisia Monitoring Group (IFEX-TMG), launched in 2004 by 21 IFEX members to raise awareness of censorship and other human rights violations in Tunisia[11] is IFEX's largest campaign to date. IFEX-TMG was dissolved in January 2013 in response to an improved conditions for local NGOs, media independence and free expression rights.
Online information
IFEX brings attention to free expression stories and events through its website, e-newsletters and special reports. The content is available in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish and Arabic), and addresses pressing free expression stories. The website hosts a searchable online archive of free expression violations going back to 1995.[12]
See also
References
- ↑ "IFEX Members". IFEX. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "The safety of journalists: Why should you care?". UNESCO. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- 1 2 3 "What We Do". IFEX. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "IFEX". Rabble. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "IFEX Network". CJFE. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "IFEX: Narrowing the Digital Divide: Increased Press Freedom Campaigning through ICT Capacity-Building". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Nachawati, Leila. "International Day to End Impunity: Join the Campaign". Global Voices Advocacy. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Greenslade, Roy (14 November 2012). "End the culture of impunity – don't let journalists' murders go unpunished". Greenslade Blog (London: The Guardian). Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ "UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression". Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ "Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue". United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ ,"Tunisia Monitoring Group". IFEX-TMG. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "IFEX programme for freedom of expression training and communication support". UNESCO. Retrieved 13 November 2012.