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 3000 journalists, 1000 lawyers and 120 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: | AUD 100 000 |
| Austria: | EUR 10 000 |
| Canada: | CAD 3 000 000 |
| Cyprus: | EUR 20 000 |
| Czech Republic: | USD 52 331 |
| Estonia: | EUR 60 000 |
| France: | EUR 315 000 |
| Germany: | EUR 300 000 |
| Japan: | USD 100 000 |
| Latvia: | EUR 10 000 |
| Luxembourg | EUR 20 000 |
| New Zealand | NZ 250 000 |
| Serbia | EUR 30 000 |
| Slovakia | EUR 40 000 |
| Switzerland | USD 249 965 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 3 185 000 |
