"The document was created at the initiative of the SafeJournalists network with the aim of creating a safe and supportive environment for female journalists from the region. The declaration was adopted at the conference "Journalism under attack: The age of unfreedom and steadfastness of the profession", which was held from September 29 to October 1 in Belgrade, and was open for signature until recently," the statement reads.
The signatories recognized that the safety of female journalists is a key condition for protecting freedom of expression, strengthening democracy and guaranteeing citizens' right to information.
The text of the Declaration points out that female journalists across the region continue to face disproportionate risks, including online harassment, physical intimidation, discrimination at work and gender-based violence.
"Weak institutional and fragmented legal frameworks and entrenched gender norms have created an environment in which violence and harassment are often minimized or go unpunished, forcing many female journalists to self-censor," the Declaration states.
The document prescribes the obligations of state institutions which, among other things, will harmonize the national legal framework with UN, EU and Council of Europe standards, but also strengthen the capacities of law enforcement authorities and the judiciary, and provide effective institutional responses.
"On the other hand, by signing, media associations, unions and civil society organizations undertook to advocate the implementation of legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that laws and institutional measures are not only adopted, but also effectively applied. They also undertook to promote and advocate the adoption and application of gender-sensitive safety protocols in the newsrooms, as well as to provide support services for women journalists who are at risk," it concludes.
The full text of the Declaration is available at line.
