Free media provide a bedrock for democratic exchange and respect for human rights. By exposing violations of rights media can improve the climate of democratic debate and reduce corruption in public life. At the same time, media sensitive to the importance of human rights provide reliable sources of information through which citizens, human rights groups, private organisations and public authorities can work together to promote development and to eliminate arbitrary abuse.

Independent media have for many years played a central role in the promotion of democracy. Many journalists have put their lives or freedom at risk in order to promote transparent and accountable governance. Press freedom becomes an issue and independent journalism becomes a target because it is these are conditions without which it is impossible to advance and protect other human rights.

This book offers some general reflections on the current conditions in which mass media work and the role of media in human rights development. This book would be of interest as well as of great use to the students, teachers and professionals of journalism and human rights.