Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte is seen in Brussels, Belgium, on June 23, 2022. CPJ recently joined a statement welcoming the Dutch government’s proposed policy changes on journalist safety. (Reuters/Yves Herman)

CPJ joins statement welcoming Dutch government’s proposed policy changes on journalist safety

On July 1, 2022, the Committee to Protect Journalists joined seven other press freedom organizations in a joint statement welcoming a letter by the Dutch government to Parliament proposing a new policy approach on media freedom and journalist safety.

That June 29 letter took into consideration reports and recommendations by domestic and international press and civil society organizations, including from an online fact-finding mission in February 2022, which CPJ joined, the joint statement said.

The statement noted that, while the Netherlands remains a relatively safe place for journalists and media workers, the government should apply a more targeted policy approach for specific categories of journalists, including women and freelance reporters, who suffer specific threats, and adopt a tailored approach to police protection against serious threats from organized crime.

The full statement can be read here.