Call for Papers: UNESCO Academic Conference on the Safety of Journalists 2019 (Funded)

The Academic Conference committee welcomes submissions/ papers/ research on all aspects of safety of journalists, impunity for crimes against journalists and governance and justice.

Application Deadlines:

• Deadline for submission of abstracts: 18th February, 2019
• The deadline for full paper submissions is 18th April 2019.

To be taken at (country): The main events, including the Academic Conference of World Press Freedom Day, 2019 will be held at the Headquarters of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

About the Award: As part of UNESCO’s annual flagship World Press Freedom Day celebration, to be held in Addis Ababa, from 2-3 May 2019 (with pre-events taking place on the 1 May) the Organization, in collaboration with a local university in Ethiopia (tbc) is organizing the Academic Conference on the Safety of Journalists.

The Academic Conference brings together researchers from different disciplines working on issues related to the safety of journalists. It also offers the possibility for researchers to connect with decision-makers and media practitioners. During the 23rd edition of the WPFD celebration (2016, Helsinki, Finland), the Journalism Safety Research Network (JSRN)(link is external) was launched, coinciding with the first edition of the Academic Conference. The network aims to strengthen the field of research and ultimately, contribute to safer environments for journalist by creating a space where multidisciplinary research on the safety of journalists can be developed, shared and promoted worldwide.

The event aims at bridging the gap between academic research and the experience of journalists on the ground. The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2019 is “Media for Democracy: journalism and elections in times of disinformation”.

Type: Call for Papers

Eligibility: Topics that are especially encouraged for the 2019 Academic Conference are:

• Specific threats faced by women journalists online and offline
• The safety of journalists during times of elections
• Journalists engaged in debunking and /or investigating disinformation
• Impact of internet cut offs on journalistic work
• How best to monitor and report on safety of journalists in terms of Sustainable Development Goals indicator 16.10.1 which specifies the “number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists [and] associated media personnel” each annual cycle.

Please also find a comprehensive list of potential research topics in UNESCO’s Research Agenda on Journalists’ Safety.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: Based on the availability of funds, a limited number of partial/full sponsorship may be available for covering flights and hotel accommodation, with priority given to academics based in the Global South. Meals will be provided for all participants and no registration fee will be charged. UNESCO and the local partner university (tbc) will investigate publication opportunities for the best papers presented at the Conference.

Duration of Programme: Academic conference: 2-3 May, 2019

How to Apply: Please submit abstracts of a maximum 300 words by 18th February, 2019 to Sandra Sharman: s.sharman@unesco.org

• It is important to go through all application requirements on the Programme Webpage see link below) before applying
• GOODLUCK!

Visit Programme Webpage for Details