"A framework to ensure that whistleblowers are protected by the law and that their public interest reports or disclosures are effectively acted upon will strengthen democratic societies based on human rights and the rule of law. The Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)7, adopted by the Comm
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ittee of Ministers on 30 April 2014, offers important policy advice to member states on the content of such a framework and this brief guide gives suggestions on how it might be put in place, drawing on existing international practice." (Back cover)
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"With a focus on online hate speech, protection of journalism sources, the role of internet intermediaries in fostering freedom online, and the safety of journalists, the report highlights the importance of new actors in promoting and protecting freedom of expression online and off-line." (Back cove
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"In 2010 the Open Democracy Advice Centre undertook a comprehensive review of the state of whistleblowing in South Africa, entitled 'The Status of Whistleblowing' (2010). Three years on, the whistleblowing landscape is due another review. Research demonstrates that progress has not merely halted in
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the current context, but that in fact South Africa appears increasingly hostile to whistleblowing activities. It is not just legislative provisions that may require review, but other broader environmental recommendations are also needed in order to properly enable whistleblowing. This publication looks at how to create an environment in South Africa that can encourage whistleblowers to act – this means not looking at law alone, and understanding that interventions are required at multiple points in the whistleblowing process if people are to feel supported enough to disclose." (Introduction)
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"In passing and implementing the Access to Information Act 2002, Jamaica has established a new and more open form of governance and accomplished what many other countries are still attempting. The Act, which provides citizens an enforceable right to official documents held by public authorities, is
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key to enhancing democracy, ensuring citizens’ participation, and building greater trust in Government decision making. Access to public documents can assist citizens in exercising their other fundamental socioeconomic rights, such as the right to housing, appropriate health care, and a clean and healthy environment, and it can serve to make government more efficient and effective. Passing an access to information law is, relatively speaking, easy in comparison to the practise of implementation, which can be challenging for any country. Successful implementation of an open information regime requires a commitment of resources (human, financial, and time), preparation of public bodies, development of procedures, change in culture and behaviours, and expertise. It is clear that the Jamaican Government and its public authorities, who entered into effect in phases with the final large group beginning in July 2005, have made great progress in the implementation of the Act including training of civil servants in the law and best practices. Many of the efforts in Jamaica serve as a model for other jurisdictions. However, as with any new regime there is the potential for constructive reform and advancement." (Introduction)
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"La relación con las fuentes es complicada: los periodistas usan a sus fuentes pero a la vez son manipulados por ellas. Lo clave es darse cuenta a tiempo cuándo está uno al servicio de ellas.La mayoría de periodistas dicen que se dedicaron a este oficio para “darle voz a los que no la tienen
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para “ayudar a comprender el mundo” o “para denunciar las injusticias” sin embargo, si un extraterrestre aterrizara en Colombia y leyera los diarios, las revistas, viera la televisión y escuchara la radio, pensaría que la función de los periodistas es prácticamente la contraria: hablan los presidentes y los ex presidentes, los famosos cuentan sus chismes y sus vidas, los empresarios reportan sus utilidades, los funcionarios se ufanan de sus éxitos. Los periodistas moderan una conversación donde definitivamente los poderosos hablan más y más fuerte que los desposeídos, los hombres muchisísimo más que las mujeres, y los negros ni siquiera obtienen la palabra. ¿Tiene todo colombiano el mismo derecho a ver su realidad reflejada en los medios? Este manual pretende abordar todas estas cuestiones desde un enfoque práctico. Es una guía para que los periodistas reflexionen sobre su trabajo, enfrenten los hechos a sus deseos y aprendan técnicas concretas para mejorar su relación con las fuentes." (Introducción, página 5)
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