Australia is pleased to be working with Media Freedom Coalition members around the world on strengthening press freedoms and supporting the safety of journalists.

Freedom of the press supports good governance and helps build stronger and more resilient public institutions.

In times of crisis, including the current pandemic, media freedom is even more important.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disturbingly prompted some states to impose emergency measures that have silenced dissent, and intimidated, expelled or imprisoned journalists.

Some have been accused of spreading disinformation about the virus, impeding the sharing of reliable, life-saving information necessary for an effective pandemic response.

In a climate where media freedoms are under pressure around the world, it is more important than ever that we work to protect them.

Thank you.