MFC members initiated, and continue to support, the Global Media Defence Fund administered by UNESCO.
The fund supports not-for-profit organizations from all around the globe in the implementation of local, regional, and global projects that seek to bolster journalists’ legal protection and enhance media freedom through relevant investigative journalism and/or strategic litigation.
The GMDF is established as a Multi-Partner Trust Fund established within the framework of the Global Campaign for Media Freedom and under the overall umbrella of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
Key numbers
As of early 2023:
- $4 million committed to nearly 120 projects
- Projects have directly benefitted over 5000 journalists, 1500 lawyers and 200 civil society organisations
- Projects have support over 150 investigations of crimes against journalists and 70 instances of strategic litigation
There is more information on the Global Media Defence Fund, including dates of recent or upcoming calls for partnerships, at the UNESCO website.
Contributing countries
| Australia |
| Austria |
| Canada |
| Cyprus |
| Czech Republic |
| Estonia |
| France |
| Germany |
| Italy |
| Ireland |
| Japan |
| Latvia |
| Luxembourg |
| New Zealand |
| Serbia |
| Slovakia |
| Switzerland |
| United Kingdom |
