UNESCO Global toolkit for judicial actors: international legal standards on freedom of expression, access to information andsafety of journalists

This toolkit aims to strengthen the knowledge and capacitites of judicial actors, including judges, prosecutors, lawyers and legal experts. It offers a set of references on international standards and regionals jurisprudences and norms on freedom of expression and safety of  ournalists, while also offering teachers resources for workshops and training of trainers’ courses. The toolkit is structured in five modules. Module 1 sets out the international legal framework underpinning the right to freedom of expression. However, this right is not absolute. Accordingly, Module 2explores the legitimate restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, as provided in international law and interpreted through various court decisions around the world. Module 3 sets out the legal frameworks regarding the right of access to information, with a particular emphasis on the important role that it plays in ensuring democratic political processes and sustainable development. Module 4 examines the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, highlighting the physical risks that many journalists face in the pursuit of the truth, including the specific threats faced by women journalists, and the role of the judiciary and prosecution services in protecting freedom of expression. Module 5 explores contemporary challenges to freedom of expression that have arisen particularly through the exercise of the right online, and how existing legal frameworks can be applied online. The toolkit has been designed to put theory into practice and aims for justice professionals to gain a practical understanding of the legal standards. Moreover, the modules contain various assessments to test one’s knowledge and command of the topics under consideration.