Can India and the EU’s Renewed Commitment Redefine Global Media Freedom?

As part of their commitment to respect human rights, India and the European Union (EU) decided on Wednesday to protect the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society organizations and other stakeholders including journalists.

The India-EU Human Rights Dialogue which took place in New Delhi focused on bolstering national and international frameworks to defend and advance human rights as well as the common principles of democracy, freedom and the rule of law.

According to an Indian readout, the “meaningful, free and frank discussions” within this framework were welcomed by all parties. “Reflecting their commitment to upholding human rights, they both agreed on the need to safeguard the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors and organisations and other relevant stakeholders such as journalists, respecting freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly,” the readout from the external affairs ministry said.

In order to safeguard and advance human rights both parties emphasized the “importance of strengthening national and international human rights mechanisms” and the necessity of fostering greater collaboration in multilateral fora like the UN General Assembly and UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Along with discussing collaboration on disaster relief and humanitarian aid in accordance with international humanitarian law, they also shared opinions on migrant, business and human rights.

Both sides also discussed issues related to civil and political rights, social, economic and cultural rights, elimination of all forms of discrimination, freedom of religion or belief, countering religious hatred, freedom of expression and opinion, both online and offline, gender, LGBTQI+ and rights of children, women’s empowerment and technology and human rights.