As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the exercise of freedom of expression, the situation and activity of journalists and the media, and citizens’ right of access to public information have been specially affected by this major crisis. Many emergency provisions as well as existing laws and regulations have been used to directly restrict the exercise of such rights and to introduce further controls using the rationale of the need to protect public health.

The guidelines in this document promote the proper consideration and correct understanding of applicable international and regional standards, thus upholding the adequate and effective protection of the fundamental right of freedom of expression and freedom of information beyond the specificities of the respective national laws.