Reporters sans Frontières

IN MORE THAN half the world’s countries, banning, confiscation and censorship of publications are everyday occurrences.

Even today, nearly two billion men and women live under governments which restrict their right to know the truth. Reporters sans Frontières, which has branches or members in more than 20 countries, is an independent organisation that defends the freedom to inform and to be informed.

Every day, Reporters sans Frontières works to help imprisoned journalists. Press campaigns are organised and protest letters sent to the governments responsible. At its instigation, about 40 jailed journalists are sponsored by newspapers, radio and television stations. Lawyers are also provided for journalists in prison, bail and fines are paid and support is made available for needy families.

Reporters sans Frontières publicises violations of press freedom in a monthly newsletter, an annual report and other reports focusing on particular countries or regions in the world. It also helps media that are victims of repression. It provides material assistance to independent publications and broadcasters facing government repression, and even violence from armed groups or open conflict.

Reporters sans Frontières works alongside major international organisations, and has consultative status with the Council of Europe, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and UNESCO. It also has observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and maintains a working relationship with the Organisation of American States. Reporters sans Frontières is recognised by the French government as an organisation in the public interest.