A free press can ensure that citizens have access to diverse sources of information, enabling them to take part in society more effectively. An independent media that is engaged with citizens can support many of the same objectives as a peace operation. It can encourage dialogue and foster a range of different views, which might counter or dispel efforts to perpetuate misinformation or hate speech. Investigative journalism can shine a light on impunity, atrocities or injustices, supporting the strengthening of government institutions and accountability, as well as mandate implementation of a peace operation.

The free and responsible flow of information can be vital in supporting efforts to build and sustain peace.[1] In the context of many peace operations, however, the media can also be manipulated to spread misinformation and hate speech, or journalists may be targeted, censored or arrested. A lack of independent media outlets, or a plurality of media institutions, can exacerbate tensions and conflict.

Peace operations do not have a lead role in establishing an independent media. Efforts to support the establishment of an independent media are largely beholden to the host authorities, which need to support freedom of expression. Moreover, independent regulators and funders are required in order to support the existence and work of an independent media. However, peace operations provide an enabling role, through their political offices and capacity-building tasks, which provides an opportunity to foster institutions that can protect journalists in the long term, through judicial and legal institutions, and foster the development of an independent media. The Strategic Communications and Public Information section can do much to support the training of local journalists, thereby supporting the development of an independent media.

6.7.1 Operational activities

The key operational activities by the mission to support this output include:

  • Encouraging and supporting local media professionals, including through the training of journalists.
  • Supporting the creation of self-regulatory mechanisms in the media and/or an independent media commission.
  • Supporting the development of institutions and/or legislation that will support press freedom and address impunity.
  • Building the capacity of government institutions to engage with the media, through training on both traditional and social media.
  • Supporting civic education programmes with civil society and development actors that foster an understanding in the community of the role of media and reporting.

6.7.2 Benchmarks

Short-term

  • A process to establish an independent regulatory mechanism for the media has commenced.
  • Host authorities are engaged in discussions about the value and importance of an independent media, and any judicial reforms that need to be considered.
  • A mission radio station and/or programmes have been established to engage with civil society and local journalists.

Medium-term

  • There is a legal framework that guarantees freedom of speech and access to information.
  • Capacity-building or training programmes have been created to professionalize journalists.

Long-term

  • Self-regulatory mechanism created by the print and electronic media, working effectively within the limits of the law.
  • Independent media regulation/commission functioning effectively.
  • Government engaging effectively with the media to communicate with the population.

6.7.3 Responsibilities and coordination

Supporting an independent media is not necessarily a mandated task, and no single mission component has sole responsibility for providing such support. It is, however, an important consequence of advocating for legislative and judicial reform. In this regard, political affairs and judicial officers can have an important role to play. MLT members can act as role models for the host authorities in terms of how they and the mission engage with the media, particularly when there is criticism of actions the mission has undertaken. In support of a free and independent media, a mission may attempt to build capacity by establishing a radio station to provide free and independent news, and through the training of local journalists. This may require coordination with the Strategic Communications and Public Information section, the Civil Affairs section, development actors and bilateral donors.

6.7.4 Resources

Efforts to support an independent media are likely to require additional donor support, particularly to support efforts to establish a plurality of media organizations and the infrastructure needed to support different media platforms (including television, radio, print, Internet and social media). This is not the responsibility of the peace operation, but the MLT can play a role in engaging with other partners to support these initiatives in fulfilment of the overall mandate and objectives, and to build a more sustainable peace.

6.7.5 Challenges and risks

  • Intimidation, real or perceived, may discourage members of civil society and the media from pursuing their work freely and rigorously.
  • The media may pose a threat to the mission if not engaged with effectively.
  • Global distrust in media organizations may result in a lack of public trust in established organizations and the news they communicate.
  • Other actors may capitalize on new media platforms to spread “fake news” to promote a particular view of the conflict, or against the mission.
  • If the mission fails to effectively engage with the media institutions that are established, particularly in times of crisis or criticism, this may set a bad example for the role of government in accepting a free and independent media.
  • Funding media institutions can be a challenge, which means that there is a risk of undue influence if media organizations are not appropriately and sustainably funded and guided by journalistic ethics, which makes appropriate donor support essential.

6.7.6 Considerations

Access to and reach of different media platforms

In some countries, traditional media platforms may have more reach than new social media platforms due to limited or uneven Internet access. The MLT will need to consider the different priorities in terms of engaging in activities that might support an independent media, based on the availability and accessibility of different media platforms across the country.

  1. For example, the Institute of Economics and Peace identifies “free flow of information” as one of eight pillars of “positive peace”. See Institute of Economics and Peace, Positive Peace Report 2018, October 2018, pp. 7–8. ↵

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Considerations for Mission Leadership in United Nations Peace Operations Copyright © 2021 by International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations. All Rights Reserved.

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