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<p>Media freedom is vital to open societies, and journalists must be able to investigate
and report without undue interference. We must oppose all attempts by any state to
use the COVID-19 pandemic to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists,
or spread misinformation.</p><p>As the Minister of State responsible for Human Rights,
I addressed the Alliance for Multilateralism on 16 April, and highlighted the UK's
commitment to human rights and media freedom, particularly during the crisis. To mark
World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the Foreign Secretary issued a statement on 2 May
with his German, French and Dutch colleagues, calling on governments to defend media
freedom, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK also signed a statement
issued by the Media Freedom Coalition on WPFD and supported a Dutch social media campaign
publicly highlighting cases of journalists who have been killed or imprisoned.</p><p>On
13 July at the inaugural meeting of the UK National Committee for the Safety of Journalists,
I talked about the opportunity we had to lead internationally, developing an effective
National Action Plan and thus setting an example for other countries in best practice.</p><p>We
are determined not to allow the pandemic disrupt global efforts to protect media freedom.
On 23 July, I called the Canadian High Commissioner to maintian momentum towards the
next conference of the Media Freedom Coalition, which we hope will be held later this
year. We remain committed to broadening this coalition of like-minded states to ensure
that journalists are able to work freely without interference.</p>
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