Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Namibia, Sweden and my own country the Kingdom of Netherlands.

A democratic society depends on the respect for all human rights, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 

We thank the esteemed panelists for highlighting the challenges faced by women and girls, both online and offline, when exercising this right.

The full, equal, effective, and meaningful participation of all women and girls in society at large is critical to achieving gender equality, sustainable development, peace and democracy. States have an obligation to protect the rights of women journalist and media workers to enjoy freedom of opinion and expression. However, women often face specific gender-based risks when they conduct their work, and gender-based violence against women journalists has been increasing.

It is therefore vital to take an inclusive approach and engage men and boys when taking measures to address the safety of all journalists and other media workers. This is particularly important to effectively tackle gender-based violence, discrimination, abuse and harassment, including sexual harassment, threats and intimidation, as well as inequality, negative social norms and gender-stereotypes.

In closing, we would like to ask the panellists how the Council can contribute to making sure that women journalists and media workers can do their work safely and effectively. 

Thank you.