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KEEPING THE SPIRIT
OF HELSINKI ALIVE
In commemoration of the 50 year anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Accords and in honour of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the award-winning short video documentary Hawks and Nightingales is published. Conceived and scripted by Fran Eve Wright and brought to life with the invaluable support of 'Mass Media and Communications' students from the University of Vienna, the film stands as a powerful testament to the continuing relevance of the Accords’ human rights commitments and the vital role of a free press in safeguarding democracy.
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
As the “fourth estate,” the press provides independent oversight of the three official branches of government and exposes abuses of power, scandal, corruption and threats to civil liberties. This watchdog role is essential for a healthy democracy.
WPH article The Crucial Role of Media in Democracy by SAKHRI Mohamed
“Journalists who travel abroad to cover wars and expose corruption, environmental crimes and abuses of human rights speak truth to power and challenge the people in power; many of them are at risk and suffer the consequences... They are a vital part of our ecology of democracy and mutual respect for and commitment to the rule of law.”
- Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, Member of
the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, speaking at the Global Conference for Media Freedom,
16 November 2020
Safety of Journalists in crisis and conflict-situations | UNESCO
The video project received a Bronze Award from the Verband Österreichischer Film-Autoren (VÖFA) and was screened at the VÖFA Film Festival.
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