Report on the Use of Targeted Sanctions to Protect Journalists

Launch of the First Report by the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom


Authored by Amal Clooney, barrister and Deputy Chair the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, the report has been endorsed by the High Level Panel, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights First, PEN America, Reporters without Borders and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye (2014-2020). The report examines current challenges faced by journalists around the world and recommends the consistent use of targeted sanctions as a tool to enforce compliance with international human rights law, including the right to a free press. The report contains an in-depth analysis of the existing systems for targeted sanctions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union and concludes with eleven recommendations for designing and implementing global human rights sanctions regimes to better protect journalists around the world.

The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom is an independent body that was convened by the Chair, The Rt Hon Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury at the request of the UK and Canadian governments. The High Level Panel comprises a diverse group of leading lawyers from around the world, including the Deputy Chair, Amal Clooney and the IBAHRI Director Baroness Helena Kennedy QC.

This event was organised by the Secretariat to the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, in collaboration with Chatham House.

Event recording

Opening remarks

  • Baroness Helena Kennedy QC Director, IBAHRI
  • Chatham House, London
    13 February 2020
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  • Maria Ressa Co-Founder and CEO, Rappler Online News Network, Philippines

Panel

  • Lord Neuberger former President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
  • Amal Clooney Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers and Deputy Chair, High Level Panel of Legal Experts On Media Freedom
  • Chatham House, London
    13 February 2020
    Read online | Download PDF
  • Professor Sarah Cleveland Louis Henkin Professor of Human and Constitutional Rights; Faculty Co-Director of the Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School
  • The Honourable Irwin Cotler Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights and former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada

Chair

  • Elizabeth Wilmshurst CMG Distinguished Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham House

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