Guide to Reporting Civic Space: Media Toolkit

This toolkit is designed to inform the media about the importance of civic space, and how the media can play a more effective role in protecting it. It defines what civic space is, the threats and challenges it faces, and the work being done across the world to protect and promote civic space. In addition to providing story ideas and angles designed to help media and journalists cover these issues better, it provides resources and hyperlinks for further resources and reading.

As explained in the toolkit, “According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all people, everywhere in the world, have the right to speak out, to organise, and to take action. These rights – the freedoms of association, assembly and expression - give us the freedom to form and join groups, peacefully protest, and advocate for the things we want – and to counter the things we don’t. These freedoms are called `civic space’ and are an essential part of a vibrant democracy; where debate and discussion thrive, and where people are able to contribute to important decisions that affect them.

Across the world there is a growing trend of countries restricting citizens’ freedoms or making the work of civil society groups more difficult and dangerous, for example increased surveillance on ordinary citizens, activists and civil society organisations and targeted attacks and arrests. Furthermore, civil society activists, journalists and human rights defenders face escalating intimidation, harassment and reprisals, including imprisonment, for undertaking the work that fights for and protects human rights for us all.”

In this context, media is a critical component of civic space - not just because of the media's importance for freedom of expression but also because media has the power to hold governments to account, shine a spotlight on violations, and be a platform for the most marginalised voices to be heard.

The toolkit comprises the following sections:

Section 1. About This Toolkit - provides information about the toolkit and introductory background on civic space.

Section 2. Reporting on Civic Space: The Basics - outlines key concepts for reporting civic space, including what makes a story newsworthy, and gender balanced reporting.

Section 3. Three Fundamental Freedoms, Endless Possible Stories - unpacks the three fundamental freedoms associated with civic space - freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and offers story ideas. For each of these freedoms, the toolkit offers the following:

• Summary: short outline each freedom and the main issues faced around the world.
• Perspectives: ideas for angles and perspectives for different audiences.
• Humanise the story: suggestions of how to give a local or personal slant to stories, ensure diverse voices are heard.
• Dig deeper: ideas for more in-depth analysis and investigation.
• Information resources: background documents, potential sources.
• Fact boxes, case studies, and media tips from editors and journalists.

The toolkit also includes a printable calendar of key human rights dates for media, as well as an infographic explaining what civic space is.