Digital attacks and threats to journalists are on the rise, including surveillance, (gendered) online violence, mis- and disinformation and hate speech, as also emerged by 2022 World Press Freedom Day Global Conference focusing on “Journalism under Digital Siege”.

UNESCO’s work on digital platform governance outlines human rights due diligence as one of the principles digital platforms should comply with and be accountable ;   UNESCO’s “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms” outline the responsibility of digital platforms to adhere to international human rights standards while mitigating risks, particularly for those that live in a situation of vulnerability and ;  In 2022 as part of the consultative process for the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, UNESCO conducted a first consultation in Copenhagen, Denmark, for a Human Rights Risk Assessment Framework for the Safety of Journalists Online, resulting in the development of a Draft version The finalization of the Human Rights Risk Assessment Framework was predicated on the conclusion of the global consultations towards the “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms”, which were finalized and published in November 2023.

Based on the provisions of the “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms,” particularly in relation to human rights due diligence, it was necessary to update and finalize the Draft that was developed in 2022 to ensure alignment with the ;To this end, UNESCO is currently organizing follow-up consultations – with one held in September 2024 during the 11th edition of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) in Dakar, Senegal, which brought together over 35 stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, CSOs representatives and journalists mostly from the Africa region, resulting in the development of a Draft version of the Human Rights Risk Assessment Framework.

This updated Draft will be the focus of further review during a new consultation event, scheduled to coincide with the 10th commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity of Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), which will be organized by UNESCO at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Human Rights Risk Assessment Framework aims to guide companies providing digital platforms to identify, assess, mitigate and report on human rights risks associated with the design, development, marketing, sale/licensing and deployment of products, services and solutions that could harm journalists.

The Framework can also be of value to understand what is required from digital companies to reduce threats and prevent Framework is the first publication of a series of companion documents produced by UNESCO for a proper and efficient implementation of the “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms” and to contribute the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of of the Framework is included as an annex to this concept consultation is a closed meeting and will operate under Chatham House will include international regulatory authorities, media councils, journalists and media organizations, civil society, and academia.

More critically, the consultation will also include local participation and expertise, including local (women) journalists, leveraging their experiences and understanding of the intersection between technology and consultation will be a 3-hour session that will take place at the African Union Headquarters, on 7 November 2024 from am to pm, in the framework of the 10th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI).

The consultation will be a mixed form of roundtables and plenaries.

It will be facilitated consultation will be a mixed form of roundtables and plenaries.

During roundtable conversations, participants will be divided into 4 groups of approximately 10 people, including 1 moderator and 1 rapporteur in each ;The consultation will follow the structure of the Draft HRRA Framework, specifically covering:UNESCO’s Human Rights Risk Assessment (HRRA) ApproachMitigation Measures Additional Components Module 1: Human Rights Risk Assessment (HRRA) ApproachEvaluation of Human Rights Risk Assessment Approach: Participants will assess the effectiveness of the current risk assessment approach in the Draft, identifying any missing elements or areas for improvement, and suggesting enhancements to ensure comprehensive risk evaluation and 2: Mitigation MeasuresRefined Mitigation Strategies: A thorough review of the proposed mitigation measures will be conducted, with participants providing insights into any gaps or areas for improvement in both preventive and responsive measures.

Recommendations will be made for additional strategies to enhance safety and security for journalists 3: Additional ComponentsResponsibilities of the Stakeholders Involved and Identification of Emerging Threats: Participants will discuss emerging issues not previously covered in the Draft Framework, such as the responsibilities of the various involved stakeholders and the potential threats related to new technologies.

Recommendations will be made for incorporating these threats and developing corresponding mitigation measures.