The panel provides legal advice and recommendations to states and international organizations
Former UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye has been announced as the 15th member of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom.
Panel chair Helena Kennedy made the announcement last week.
“He is a valuable addition to the Panel at a critical time for the protection of media freedom and democratic values globally. His voice and expertise will add further force and authority to this body of eminent international lawyers and jurists, which I am proud to Chair,” Kennedy said in a statement.
Kaye was UN Special Rapporteur from 2014 to 2020. He is a clinical professor of law teaching international human rights law and international humanitarian law at the University of California’s Irvine School of Law. He also directs the International Justice Clinic and is part of the Venice Commission.
“David Kaye has been a leading light in the field of international law and freedom of expression for over a decade. He has also been a great friend to the High Level Panel and made significant contributions to the Panel’s work in his capacity as a member of the Consultative Committee,” deputy chair Can Yeginsu said in a statement. “Having David join the Panel now will only strengthen an existing working relationship at a time when the challenges to media freedom, democracy and the rule of law only continue to proliferate.”
The High Panel serves as the Media Freedom Coalition’s independent advisory body. The panel provides legal advice and makes recommendations to the coalition and partners like international organizations in relation to the promotion and protection of independent media.
The panel also provides legal opinions on both draft and implemented legislation involving media freedom. Moreover, it offers amicus curiae opinions in media freedom cases of general public importance if requested by international courts and tribunals.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute acts as the panel’s secretariat.
