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On 9 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania hosted a discussion dedicated to the international Human Rights Day. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius noted the relevance of freedom of speech and freedom of the media in the face of today’s threats.

“Words can inspire tolerance and consolidate peace. However, they can also spread lies, fear and hatred. We see well-organized efforts to create and disseminate false news, to sow doubts about the architecture of democracies, or even attempts to incite military aggression,” said Linkevičius when opening the conference on “The importance of freedom of expression in ensuring human rights”.

Lithuania’s Foreign Minister noted that the most effective way to deal with the spread of hatred and propaganda was through the strengthening of independent media and building resilience in civil society.

“Media diversity is especially significant for peace, stability and human rights protection. Only independent media and media diversity ensure that various social groups’ voices are heard,” said Linkevičius.

The interactive discussion was attended by the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks, Senior Editor of The Economist Edward Lucas, a member of the delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on European Affairs of the Seimas (Parliament), and of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Dovilė Šakalienė, the Chairman of the Lithuanian Journalists’ Union Dainius Radzevičius, and the Professor at Mykolas Romeris University Justinas Žilinskas. The discussion was moderated by the Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas.

The participants of the discussion shared their insights into how freedom of speech could help to combat incitement to hatred, populism and negative stereotypes in our society, and, at the same time, to strengthen democratic values and security in the country. The discussion also touched on the role of journalists in the fight against the dissemination of hatred and disinformation.

The event began with a presentation of an exhibition of photographs by the Lithuanian photographer Neringa Rekašiūtė. The exhibition, entitled “Women – Superheroes”, aims to show the stories of women that are determined to leave an abusive relationship, stand up and speak out against violence. They set an inspiring example for those women, who still suffer from domestic violence and abuse.

The event was attended by diplomats, journalists, lawyers, human rights activists and members of the academic community. The event of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania contributes to the European External Action Service’s #EU4Humanrights campaign.