Reporters Without Borders. The History of Reporters Sans Frontières

photo by Prakhar Amba/Freedom four press/CC2.0/Wikimedia

In 1985, forty years after the end of World War II, the world was still at war. Even though humanity had landed on the moon, Africa was starving, and many unjustly convicted individuals languished in prisons. Eastern Europe was slowly freeing itself from the "only correct path of development", which turned out to be a wrong one, and many countries began to speak about this openly.

However, freedom of speech did not appeal to all governments, regardless of the continent, and those who tried to change this often found themselves in prison or even facing execution. The most harassed group in this regard were and still are journalists. They, often persistently, try at all costs to uncover the truth, reveal injustice, fraud, or even crimes. Like any community, they support one another, help each other, and act for the group regardless of the country they live in.


Such a strong group was formed in June 1985 in Montpellier, France, by four journalists:

• Robert Ménard, creator of the pirate radio station Radio Pomarède and the magazine Le Petit biterrois
• Rémy Loury, journalist from Montpellier
• Jacques Molénat, economic journalist, co-founder of the weekly Sud, and author of Le Marigot des Powers and Chabot du Lez
• Émilien Jubineau, war correspondent for several French newspapers

All four lived in Montpellier and graduated from one of the oldest universities in the world located there. Although they were journalists, they did not create a new newspaper or radio station. That was not their goal. They were inspired by sensational reports about hunger, wars, and natural disasters that the world learned about thanks to Médecins Sans Frontières President Rony Brauman. Building on this momentum, they named their organization Reporters Sans Frontières (Reporters Without Borders), with the primary goal of raising public awareness about the situations in Third World countries affected by tragedies.

Defending Journalists in Pursuit of Truth

They based their activities on Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights, which ensures the right to freedom of opinion and expression, to inform and to be informed. They adhered strictly to these rights, seeking, investigating, and encouraging colleagues not only from France to collaborate. Each of them worked elsewhere, and they operated RSF as volunteers under the vigilant eye of Robert Ménard, who became the organization`s leader.

They wrote reports about crises, the difficulties in obtaining information, and the penalties for such actions. They informed about journalists seeking the truth who paid the price with their freedom. In a short time, defending colleagues unjustly imprisoned, punished, or even sentenced to death became another mission of the organization.

The activities and stance of RSF began to attract increasing attention. More and more journalists expressed their willingness to collaborate.

In May 1987, at Ménard`s initiative, a second organization was created in Montpellier: L`observatoire pour la liberté de la presse (Observatory for Press Freedom). The Observatory aimed to collect information on all attacks on press freedom. It officially operated alongside RSF and collaborated with international organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York. It was funded by the general council of the Hérault department, the regional council of Languedoc, and donors, and it included seven members:

• President Robert Ménard
• Four journalists
• Bernard Brabet, head of the secretariat
• Rony Brauman, treasurer (Médecins Sans Frontières)

That same year, on October 15, RSF organized a symposium to analyze censorship and the challenges faced by journalists in every country. During this meeting, the Observatory presented its first reports, which addressed economic issues and the plight of wronged journalists.

Insights from Behind the Scenes of the Media World: A Headquarters in Paris

French media closely followed the activities of RSF and the Observatory, eagerly using their information, data, and summaries. The activities of both organizations began to attract international attention. To reach the largest possible audience, an international symposium was held at Castrie Castle on October 12-13, 1988. A year later (1989), an official catalog was published addressing:

• Freedom of information
• The degree of independence of major media
• The dangers associated with reporting

A document on the French government`s website states that RSF was registered as an Association déclarée (Declared Association) on October 15, 1987, and its headquarters are located at Rue Vivienne 47 in Paris. The association operates three offices (Montpellier and Paris, Rue Geoffroy Marie 5), but only the one on Rue Vivienne is active. Thus, since 1987, RSF can be considered headquartered in Paris.


On June 23, 1989, Reporters Sans Frontières and the Observatory merged into one organization focused on defending press freedom worldwide. Robert Ménard became the executive director, Jean-Claude Guillebaud the president, and Rony Brauman the vice president. The entire organization had eight full-time employees.

The principles of operation were established:

• Mutual respect
• A sense of dialogue
• Non-discrimination
• A collective spirit of work
• Concern for professional and personal achievements
• The right to alert
• Respect for the environment
• Transparency in decision-making and accounting processes
• Rejection of corruption and conflicts of interest

Efforts began to gain recognition for RSF as an international organization. This was achieved in 1995, when it was officially registered as an international non-profit organization.

In 1989, RSF actively participated in the bicentennial celebrations of the French Revolution and published, along with Médecins Sans Frontières, the Atlas mondial des libertés (World Atlas of Freedoms) written by Jean-Claude Guillebaud (January 1). Additionally, that year brought:

• A monthly information bulletin, which two years later became a press review.
• In Spain, the first foreign RSF branch (August 3).
• The first sponsorship project: a collection for imprisoned journalists worldwide was announced. All French media committed to highlighting individual cases (October 25).
• Two spectacular protest actions: the first for Burmese journalist and opposition politician Win Tin, sentenced to 20 years in prison for expressing his views; the second after the murder of Norbert Zongo from Burkina Faso, editor-in-chief and investigative journalist of L’Indépendant.

Journalistic Ethics: How Not to Abuse the Power of Information

The year 1989 also brought the fall of the Eastern Bloc. Except for Romania, this occurred peacefully. The rule of Nicolae Ceauşescu ended in December with a coup and the leader`s death. Already on the first day of the revolution, Romanian television showed mass graves of those killed by the security forces. Robert Massa`s photos circulated worldwide, sparking protests and outrage. Within days, it was revealed that this was a fabricated action to temper global emotions after the execution of Ceauşescu and his wife, aired by numerous television stations.


While part of Europe experienced liberation, on August 2, 1990, the Gulf War broke out. Live reports often shocked and evoked mixed feelings.

These two events, in Romania and Kuwait, became the pretext for another global meeting of journalists. In April 1990, in Paris, RSF, with the participation of the French socio-political weekly Nouvel Observateur and the State Secretariat for Humanitarian Action, organized another international symposium on journalistic ethics. The management of Reporters Without Borders adopted two focal points:

• defending journalists, led by Robert Ménard
• abuse of freedom of speech and the press, discussed by Rony Brauman and Jean-Claude Guillebaud

Everyone agreed that while journalists have significant freedoms, this "freedom" must adhere to decency, good taste, and humanity.

The prestige of RSF grew. Starting in 1990, the organization opened additional sections across Europe. Following Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy followed. Although all branches were subordinate to the French headquarters, they eventually became independent units with their own statutes and boards. Today, there are 13 sections (6 sections and 7 offices) across all continents. Poland falls under the section dealing with the European Union and the Balkans, headed by Pavol Szalai.

The Press Freedom Report and the Controversy Over the Media Day Date

On April 20, 1991, the first Annual Press Freedom Report was published. On this occasion, RSF declared the day as the International Press Freedom Day. A day earlier, the newspaper Le Monde reported:

In response to RSF`s appeal, most major French media will mobilize on April 20 for the first International Press Freedom Day. Video and audio clips about imprisoned journalists will be broadcast by television and radio stations, and newspapers will dedicate editorials and Saturday columns to press freedom.

The day`s events were sponsored by Deputy Minister of Communications Catherine Tasca and UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor. Several advertising agencies published statements from prominent individuals about imprisoned journalists. The organization itself released a commemorative yearbook. The global public welcomed the idea of the holiday but rejected the date. The reason?

Independently of RSF, on May 3 of the same year, a group of 60 African journalists at their meeting in Windhoek, Namibia, called on colleagues to establish World Press Freedom Day. Both initiatives gained global approval, but due to dramatic news from Iraq and Yugoslavia, the decision was postponed. It was not until autumn, in November 1991, during the 26th General Conference of UNESCO, that the topic resurfaced. The Windhoek Declaration, designating May 3 as the official date for journalists` celebrations, was adopted. As noted by a German delegate, although RSF was the first to propose this initiative, April 20 coincides with Adolf Hitler`s birthday, which hardly evokes positive associations with freedom.

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RSF agreed, and in 1993 the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed World Press Freedom Day on May 3. Reporters decided that their Annual Press Freedom Report would also be published on this date, which in 2002 was renamed the World Press Freedom Index (Classement mondial de la liberté de la presse).

RSF Wins and Grants Accolades: The Press Freedom Award

RSF garnered increasing global attention and awards. In 1992, the European Commission awarded the organization the Lorenzo Natali Prize for defending human rights and democracy. This led to international support and funding, and RSF, with the participation of Fondation de France, established its annual Press Freedom Award. The first recipient was journalist Zlatko Dizdarević from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in 2017, the award went to Polish journalist Tomasz Piątek.

Despite grants and assistance from friendly organizations, RSF required significantly more funds for its operations. Photojournalists worldwide stepped in, donating their work to RSF. Thus, in April 1993, the first photo album, 100 photos pour la liberté de la presse (100 Photos for Press Freedom), was published. The inaugural edition featured images by war photojournalist Patrick Chauvel. The cover image, showing Chauvel himself, was taken in Cambodia in 1974. The album`s sales exceeded all expectations.

Since then, RSF has published these albums three times a year, each featuring a different photographer`s work. Proceeds from sales fully support the organization`s activities. Patrick Chauvel`s photographs also marked RSF`s 30th anniversary. On October 20, 1993, RSF released its first promotional video, where journalists appealed for support for 120 colleagues imprisoned worldwide.

Conflict at Headquarters Spills Over to the Field

While the organization achieved global successes, internal conflicts brewed. Despite its small staff, the headquarters experienced disputes. On one side stood Ménard, and on the other, Guillebaud. Ménard pushed for the organization to focus solely on defending journalists, while Guillebaud wanted to work on the profession`s ethics, especially in French and Western media. He initiated a media self-criticism campaign. However, Ménard argued: We cannot condemn ethical, financial, and economic abuses in France because doing so risks alienating some journalists, offending major media bosses, and challenging economic powerhouses. We decided to condemn attacks on press freedom in Bosnia and Gabon and the ambiguities of Algerian and Tunisian media, but not to address French excesses.

Unable to reconcile their differences, Guillebaud left RSF on February 9, 1993, while Ménard, who somewhat "softened his stance," established a French RSF office within the European bureau to monitor and intervene in attacks on press freedom in France.

Brauman also disagreed with Ménard`s direction, leaving on January 24, 1995. One of the reasons for his departure was a dispute between Ménard and Swiss section staff over establishing a radio station in Kigali with UNHCR support in 1994. The radio was intended to provide information on Rwanda`s societal issues and counteract genocide. Ménard, favoring "individual journalists," did not agree, leading Swiss journalists to leave the section and, with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, establish the Hirondelle Foundation in March 1995. They took over RSF`s Agatashya radio station (meaning swallow in Kinyarwanda) and began operating independently.


Despite internal disagreements, the organization continued to monitor and effectively publicize attacks on journalists. Such cases were abundant, particularly in African countries. To reach a wider audience interested in this work, RSF launched its first website in 1994. Since 2010, RSF has awarded a prize to the most active internet defenders of press freedom. The first recipients were the creators of the Iranian women`s rights website www.we-change.org.

Accusations of Turning a Blind Eye: DAMOCLES is Born

The late 20th century was a busy period for RSF journalists. African colleagues faced significant challenges in their countries, and RSF reports often focused on their issues. Among many others, a few drew particular international attention:

• On censorship in Mauritanian media (March 1, 1998)
• On democracy in Jordan (November 1, 1998)
• Investigation into journalist Norbert Zongo`s death (December 31, 1998)
• Journalists tortured in Syria (March 1, 1999)
• Press freedom in Tunisia (January 6, 1999)

It might seem that the modern world would be more tolerant and open to new challenges, but unfortunately, this was far from true. Ongoing wars, terrorism, and economic challenges took on new dimensions. Despite its active efforts, RSF was not immune to criticism. The primary accusation was turning a blind eye to U.S. government actions. Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet leveled this charge, supported in 1999 by French journalist Pierre Rimbert, who highlighted that NATO airstrikes in Belgrade had killed journalists from a Serbian television station, as well as in the Chinese embassy.

Despite this, RSF entered the 21st century as a consultant to the UN, UNESCO, and the European Council. Given the increasing brutality of various governments against journalists, the organization expanded its activities to include legal assistance and interventions. In December 2001, RSF established the French network DAMOCLES, with its primary objectives:

• ending impunity for those who murder and torture journalists,
• improving the safety and protection of journalists,
• providing legal assistance to journalists and their families,
• serving as a think tank addressing issues and challenges faced by the media.

In 2003, the network launched a bilingual French and English website, Toolbox. It offered resources such as a practical guide for journalists, the Journalist Safety Charter for reporting in war zones or dangerous areas, and in the International Justice section, a guide to the International Criminal Court in English, French, and Spanish, as well as legal procedures for preparing cases for anyone victimized by international crimes.

Pain Without Borders

When the 9/11 attacks shocked the world, the international press wrote extensively about terrorism, weaving theories and speculations. On October 11, 2001, RSF published a report by Alexandre Levé and Francois Buglngo titled Between the Pull of Patriotism and Self-Censorship: The US Media in Torment After September 11, questioning the objectivity of American media.

A year later, the organization faced criticism for its intervention in Venezuela after an attempted coup against President Hugo Chavez, and in 2003, for attacking Fidel Castro over the imprisonment of Ricardo Gonzalez Alfonso. Cuba often featured in RSF discussions, and Robert Ménard faced criticism for allegedly aligning with U.S. policies toward the country. Diana Barahona accused Ménard of exploiting Cuban journalists who had been writing for RSF since 1998, often for meager pay or for free.

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Ménard seemed indifferent to criticism, continuing down his chosen path. If necessary, he established relationships with regime figures, such as during the release of Belgian journalist Florence Aubenas, kidnapped in Iraq in 2005 while covering the war. He also defended French satirist and political activist Dieudonné, accused of public defamation of a racist nature for a sketch aired in December 2003 on the program On ne peut pas plaire à tout le monde (You Can`t Please Everyone). Ménard even supported the death penalty in certain contexts. Most of his efforts were successful, and he remarked: I am deeply pragmatic and have realized that if I fail, it`s because I didn`t know how to achieve my goals. As some began calling him Pain Without Borders, he accepted the 2005 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on behalf of RSF, awarded by the European Parliament.

A Call on Guantanamo and the Beijing 2008 Campaign

Despite accusations of sympathizing with the U.S. government, in 2006, Ménard and RSF defended American journalists. This involved disputes over revealing sources of information. The organization argued: The Josh Wolf case, like the San Francisco Chronicle matter, is in no way a national security issue. This argument is overused in other disputes between federal justice and journalists who refuse to disclose sources or archives. We consider Wolf`s imprisonment judicial harassment.

On February 13, 2006, RSF published the report Quand l`Amérique emprisonne des journalistes (When America Imprisons Journalists). It highlighted two journalists detained by the U.S. military. Abdel Amir Younes Hussein of CBS News had been held in Camp Bucca, Iraq, since April 2005, and Sudanese photographer Sami Al-Haj of Al Jazeera had been imprisoned in Guantanamo since 2002. RSF strongly advocated for Al-Haj during the 2008 U.S. presidential elections, stating: The legal and humanitarian scandal embodied by Guantanamo has persisted for six years. The next president must end this intolerable and legally indefensible situation. We urge all candidates to pledge to close Guantanamo.

RSF frequently addressed issues faced by Chinese journalists. In 2008, the Beijing Olympics spotlighted China`s repression. As early as June 2007, RSF expressed dissatisfaction with the Chinese government`s refusal to release 100 journalists and cyber-dissidents. In protest, RSF launched the international campaign Beijing 2008.

A letter to IOC President Jacques Rogge stated: Global concerns over these Olympics are mounting. The games have been taken hostage by a government that refuses to guarantee freedom of speech and uphold the humanistic values of the Olympic Charter. It`s time to clearly tell Chinese authorities that their disregard for the international community is unacceptable. Mr. President, we trust your commitment to freedom of expression and believe the Olympic movement will take decisive action to promote freedom in China before the 2008 Games begin.

RSF disseminated a poster featuring Olympic rings shaped like handcuffs, along with banners, T-shirts, and other items bearing the same imagery. With no response from the IOC or Chinese government, RSF called on heads of state, government leaders, and royal family members to boycott the Olympic opening ceremony.

On March 24, Ménard and two RSF members were arrested for attempting to disrupt the Olympic flame`s lighting. On April 7, during the flame`s journey through Paris, banners with handcuff-shaped Olympic rings and the slogan Beijing 2008 appeared along the route, and Tibetan and handcuff flags were displayed atop Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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On the eve of the Olympics, a demonstration in Paris began at Champs-Elysées, passed by Fouquet`s House, and ended at the Chinese embassy. In Beijing, on August 8, at 8:08 a.m., a pirate radio broadcast prepared by Emilien Jubineau and RSF journalists condemned the regime`s repression.

On October 9, Ménard published the book Des libertés et autres chinoiseries (Freedoms and Other Chinas), detailing the campaign against the Olympic boycott and behind-the-scenes negotiations. This book is also a scathing essay on the press, human rights, and the cowardice of the political elite.

New Faces, New Tasks, Transparent Funding

After the Beijing 2008 campaign, on September 26, 2008, Robert Ménard stepped down from his role. I dedicated 23 years to Reporters Without Borders and will continue to play my part in their fight. I made this decision at a time when things are going well for Reporters Without Borders: our organization has never been as present worldwide. Our teams, reputation, and financial base ensure its independence and effectiveness. It proves this day by day.

Ménard became the honorary president of the organization, and after leaving RSF, he took a position as director of the Doha Center for Freedom of Information in Qatar. He was succeeded at Reporters Sans Frontières by 35-year-old Jean-François Julliard, who had been with RSF since 1998. With the new secretary-general, other positions also saw changes:

• Dominique Gerbaud became the president of the French section of RSF
• Daniel Junqua and Fabrice Drouelle, vice presidents
• Jean-Michel Boissier, treasurer
• Alain Mingham, Gervais Nitcheu, and Jacqueline Papet - board members

The organization’s operations and focus areas also evolved. New tasks were added, such as monitoring legal violations by developed countries, including France. An advisory ethics committee for the profession was established. Jean-François Julliard declared that one of his first priorities as head of RSF would be rebuilding ties with French journalists, including:

• returning to the core "mandate" of RSF: defending freedom of expression and the right to inform,
• simplifying communication,
• increasing the use of the internet and blogs,
• promoting non-violent actions.

A significant issue for many RSF opponents remains its funding. The new secretary-general presented a report on the organization`s 2006 revenue, revealing:

• 58% came from book and calendar sales, as well as RSF campaigns,
• 15% from the European Parliament,
• 10% from the French government,
• 9% from donations and membership fees,
• 9% from sponsorships (private foundations).

This or a similar breakdown remains in place today, with annual financial reports available on the organization`s website. In 2008, RSF`s budget was nearly 4 million euros. Critics argued that only 2.5% of this amount went toward defending African and Cuban journalists (Marie-Christine Tabet, Figaro).

A Stain on Honor and New Challenges

In 2012, RSF faced significant financial difficulties, which it managed to overcome only by 2019 through public funding. The new leadership also had to deal with a stain on its honor. During Ménard`s tenure, on March 12, 2008, RSF organized a Journée pour la liberté sur internet (Day for Internet Freedom) event to defend bloggers worldwide, with UNESCO`s involvement. However, UNESCO withdrew at the last moment, claiming that certain elements were presented by RSF without our knowledge, suggesting our endorsement of this information.

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Four years later, another conflict with UNESCO occurred. At Venezuela’s request, supported by Peru, RSF was removed from the list of NGOs granted association status, citing methods incompatible with UNESCO`s values in the field of journalism. RSF contested the decision and remained a consultant.

On May 6, 2014, the blog Le Club de Mediapart published an article by Dr. Salim Lamrani, a scholar of Iberian and Latin American studies, titled 25 vérités sur Reporters Sans Frontières (25 Truths About Reporters Without Borders), where the author argued that RSF is not as innocent as it appears. The French organization claims to defend press freedom but, in reality, hides a very specific political agenda behind its noble facade.

While some criticized and excluded RSF, others praised and rewarded it. Between 2008 and 2009, RSF received three prestigious awards:

• Kahlil Gibran Award for Institutional Excellence, from the Arab American Institute Foundation
• Human Dignity Award, from Roland Berger
• Médaille Charlemagne, for European media

Under the new leadership of Julliard, RSF had a 25-person team at its Paris headquarters, plans for a Tunis office (opened in October 2011), around 100 correspondents worldwide, and several issues to address:

• an investigation into the murder of Novaya Gazeta journalist Anastasia Baburova and human rights defender Stanislav Markelov in Moscow (January 2009),
• a report on the safety of Mexican press (September 2009),
• an investigative report following the defeat of the Taliban in Pakistan (February 2010),
• a forum in San Francisco titled Journalisme en débat (Journalism in Debate, May 7-8, 2010),
• a mission La tentation du contrôle (The Temptation of Control, Ukraine, July 19-21, 2010),
• an investigative report on Kurdish media (November 2010),
• organized crime and information control (February 2011),
• the birth of free media in Libya (June 2011),
• an investigative report in French, English, and Arabic on the state of press freedom in South Sudan (July 2012).

Anniversary: 25 Years of Reporters Without Borders

These were just some of the challenges facing Jean-François Julliard. On September 23, 2010, he led RSF`s 25th-anniversary celebration at Hôtel de Ville in Paris. In collaboration with the National Audiovisual Institute, which RSF continues to work with, four films highlighting key milestones in RSF`s history were produced:

• 1989: The four-year-old organization begins to achieve success
• 1998: An illegal protest aimed at drawing the attention of world leaders gathered in Paris to the plight of journalists in certain countries
• 2003: Defending two journalists, Frenchman Vincent Reynaud and Belgian Thierry Falise, sentenced to 15 years in prison in Laos for obstructing public authorities and possession of weapons, but actually for reporting on the Hmong mountain community, a minority discriminated against by the communist government
• 2009: On June 3, RSF organized a demonstration in Paris to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.

To commemorate the anniversary, the weekly magazine Le Nouvel Observateur dedicated its pages to RSF journalists, and in collaboration with Magnum Photos, a photo album titled 101 Photos by Magnum for Press Freedom was released.


Robert Badinter, former president of the Constitutional Council, explained the album’s title: Why 101? The choice is symbolic. The 101st photo shows “a broken road in Haiti after the earthquake earlier this year.” We wanted to include this photo because Reporters Without Borders has always been present in that country. This beautiful album, which I consider an honor to preface, is doubly valuable: for the exceptional artistic and historical quality of the works collected and because these photos testify to the talent and courage of reporters for whom there is no freedom without press freedom.

Quarterly Magazine Instead of Letters

In the winter of 2012 (this date is official), the first issue of the quarterly Libre Cours (Free Course) was published. Previously, RSF had released a bulletin titled Courrier de Reporters sans frontières (Letter from Reporters Without Borders). The new publication was a high-quality magazine in terms of both content and production. As Dominique Gerbaud, RSF President, wrote in the editorial: This magazine is more cheerful than a paycheck. It looks fantastic. Brighter, more readable, more illustrated, more interactive, concise, more enjoyable to read… and useful… It will be a vital link between the association, its members, and donors. A place for exchanging views and proposals.

In the same article, Gerbaud announced RSF`s first-ever report on press freedom in France and the departure of Jean-François Julliard.

In July 2012, Julliard officially handed over the reins of RSF to the next secretary-general, Christophe Deloire. Deloire was an investigative reporter for the French news magazine Le Point and had directed one of France`s leading journalism schools, CFJ. He introduced himself to the team, collaborators, correspondents, and all interested parties through the third issue of Libre Cours – Summer edition.

In his editorial, he wrote: It is up to us, `sons and daughters of the founders,` to bring new ideas, take new actions, and show loyalty that does not mimic the past but extends the trajectory to ensure a future serving freedom of information, without which there is no political, economic, or social progress, nor any emancipation of minds.

The new secretary-general had plenty of work ahead, with plans for the remainder of 2012 including not only two additional 100 Photos albums but also an international conference in Poitiers (October 9), the launch of a new website, wefightcensorship.org (November 27), featuring censored and banned texts from journalists worldwide, and preparing the global press ranking set to be released in January 2013.

Deloire took over an organization he described as incredibly efficient – with ten offices and branches abroad and correspondents in 150 countries. An organization that begs, protests, helps, supports, funds, offers, and advises.

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Deloire demonstrated his expertise and determination at every turn. Among his successes was on May 27, 2015, when he addressed the UN Security Council, which unanimously adopted Resolution 2222/2015 concerning the protection of journalists in armed conflicts. This resolution, the first in history to address freedom of speech, was based on Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It is essential, Deloire said in his speech, for the Security Council to continue prioritizing the protection of journalists and to expand protection to both non-professional and professional journalists, in times of peace and war. Most journalists die in countries deemed `peaceful,` where the most horrifying abuses are committed by government thugs.

Combating Internet Censorship

That same year, on March 12, the Collateral Freedom operation was launched to combat censorship and unblock online media. The campaign succeeded in unblocking 11 websites. This ongoing initiative now provides access via mirror sites to 80 blocked websites across 24 countries, including Russia, Belarus, China, and several African countries like Togo and Mali (data as of 2023).

On the RSF website, Christophe Deloire wrote: Access to online information is deteriorating worldwide, especially in authoritarian countries led by Russia and China. Creating mirror sites complements the range of solutions provided by RSF to enable media to reconnect quickly with their audiences.

30 Shocking Posters for 30 Years of Reporters

In 2015, RSF celebrated its 30th anniversary. On May 3, a concert was held at Place de la République. Besides RSF’s celebration, another reason for the gathering was the deadly attack on the editorial staff of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo four months earlier, in which 17 people were killed. It is estimated that nearly 15,000 people paid tribute to the victims. Many French artists attended the event.

If you are here, it is to defend this country’s history, human rights, which begin first and foremost with freedom of speech, said Patrick Pelloux, a Charlie Hebdo columnist, from the stage. Christophe Deloire added: Without press freedom, there can be no opposition, nor any freedom at all.

Among the numerous celebrations and commemorative publications was a ranking of the 30 most shocking posters released by RSF over the years. Parisians were first startled by Christine Ockrent’s shocking posters depicting murdered journalists in 2003. Since then, various campaigns followed, such as the 2009 campaign L`encre devrait couler partout où le sang coule (Ink should flow wherever blood flows) or Predator, addressing press predators in 2010. Through its often graphic posters, RSF aims to draw the world’s attention to an ever-growing problem.

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

The following years brought new campaigns, reports, and protests. Much wrongdoing occurs worldwide, and the media cover it. Not everyone appreciates this. In 2016 alone, 348 journalists were imprisoned, with Turkey leading following the July coup attempt. A year later, 65 journalists were killed. Troubling events unfolded in Ukraine (Maidan protests), Croatian television, and Algerian press. In tiny Malta, investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a bombing on October 16, 2017, and in Mexico, journalists reportedly disappeared like smoke (report from August 28, 2018).


To honor murdered and missing journalists, November 2 was declared the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The day before, on November 1, 2018, at the request of Christophe Deloire and RSF, Paris authorities turned off the Eiffel Tower lights for one minute at 6:30 PM. Journalists gathered at Place de Varsovie to pay tribute to their colleagues. In his speech, Deloire said:

By darkening the Eiffel Tower, the color of mourning, we honor our murdered colleagues, and the lights that follow declare to those who kill journalists that justice must eventually prevail.

Four days later, on November 5, RSF initiated the Commission on Information and Democracy, comprising 25 individuals from 18 countries. The Commission published the International Declaration on Information and Democracy, defining fundamental principles governing the global information and communication space.

That same month, during the Paris Peace Forum, 12 heads of state and government committed to starting a political process based on the Declaration.

Journalistic Trust and Pandemic Times

In 2019, RSF launched another project, the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), aimed at creating a healthier information space. It develops and implements indicators of journalistic reliability, thus promoting and rewarding adherence to professional standards and ethics. Partners in this project include:

• European Broadcasting Union (EBU),
• Agence France Presse (AFP),
• Global Editors Network (GEN).

350 media outlets from various countries pledged to adopt JTI transparency standards. The project gained the endorsement of 11 of 47 government representatives. This occurred on September 22, 2019, during the International Summit on Information and Democracy, held alongside the UN General Assembly in New York.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a year later, the issue of imprisoned journalists became an even greater concern for RSF. Many governments used the pandemic as a pretext to suppress detained journalists: Sayed Shehta (Egypt), Siddique Kappan (India), Amadou Vamoulke (Cameroon), Hopewell Chin’ono (Zimbabwe), and Nada Sabouri (Iran) were among those RSF advocated for.

The pandemic also became a taboo subject, with journalists imprisoned for covering it in Cambodia, Kazakhstan, China, Bangladesh, Liberia, Algeria, Tanzania, and India. In Europe, RSF targeted Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko. Slovenia’s government faced criticism for hindering journalist Blaž Zgaga’s efforts to report on the pandemic.

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While transitioning to remote work like the rest of the world, RSF continued its petitions, requests, and informational efforts. In March 2020, RSF launched the L`Observatoire 19 (Observatory 19) program, aimed at:

• assessing the pandemic’s impact on journalism,
• documenting state censorship,
• examining deliberate disinformation concerning the right to reliable information,
• providing recommendations to promote journalistic practice.

Fighting Censorship with the Help of... Minecraft

Around the same time, RSF utilized the online gaming platform Minecraft. Within its resources, a library was created containing banned and censored articles and books, primarily intended for audiences in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, China, Russia, and Mexico. These texts can be read but cannot be modified.

Toward the end of the year, people, exhausted by restrictions and limitations, took to the streets in protest. Alongside their governments, journalists became a main target of these protests. In Germany, during a single demonstration in Leipzig (November 7, 2020), 43 reporters and cameramen were attacked. Similar incidents occurred in Italy (Palermo, Bologna, Genoa), Austria, and the Netherlands.

Just as the world began to recover from the pandemic, the war in Ukraine broke out. RSF has been heavily involved in this matter. As early as March 2022, it was proven that Russians were deliberately destroying radio and television towers, information shared with the International Criminal Court. French press reports included statements like: At least three other TV towers (in addition to Kyiv) were targeted in Korosten, Lysychansk, and Kharkiv, while two broadcasting antennas ceased functioning after being seized by Russian forces in Melitopol and Kherson. The deliberate bombing of media infrastructure, such as TV antennas, constitutes a war crime and highlights the scale of Putin’s offensive against the right to information.

The information blockade in Russia and Belarus, the obstruction of Ukrainian journalists` work, and their murders are just a fraction of the issues growing in the region. From May 24 to June 3, RSF organized a reconnaissance mission in Ukraine, resulting in a report revealing that Ukrainian journalist Maks Levin and his colleague were tortured and murdered by Russians on March 13, 2022.

The fate of journalist Dmytro Khyliuk, abducted by Russians on March 3, 2022, remains unknown. On April 26, 2023, Bohdan Bitik was killed by a Russian sniper, becoming the ninth Ukrainian journalist to die since the Russian invasion began.

While the war in Ukraine has overshadowed other global issues, those problems have not disappeared. Many governments have used this moment to address unwanted problems in their own backyards. Leading the charge are China, Vietnam, and Algeria.


RSF continues to fight. Today, the international organization operates with 134 correspondents worldwide. Christophe Deloire remains the Secretary-General, Pierre Haski serves as President, and Michael Rediske (Germany) heads the international section. RSF also has a Retirees` Council, whose members embody the fight for freedom of information and the defense of human rights through their roles and actions. The council includes 15 journalists from around the world, among them Polish journalist Adam Michnik.

The organization is divided into five main departments:

• Advocacy and Assistance
• Productions
• Resources and Development
• International Coordination
• Campaigns and Operations

Its mission has always been and remains: to act in favor of freedom, pluralism, and independent journalism and to defend those who uphold these principles.

Reporters Without Borders Timeline:

• 1985, June – Establishment of Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
• 1987, May – Creation of the Press Freedom Observatory
• 1987, October 15 – Official headquarters established in Paris
• 1988, October 12–13 – First international symposium
• 1989 – First informational catalog published
• 1989, January 1 – Publication of the World Atlas of Freedoms
• 1989, June – Merger of the Press Freedom Observatory and RSF
• 1989, August 3 – First foreign RSF branch opens (Spain)
• 1989, October 25 – First sponsorship project for imprisoned journalists
• 1990, April – International symposium on journalistic ethics
• 1991, April 20 – First Annual Report on Press Freedom
• 1992 – Lorenzo Natali Prize awarded to RSF by the European Commission
• 1992 – RSF establishes its Press Freedom Prize
• 1993 – UN General Assembly proclaims World Press Freedom Day on May 3
• 1993, April – First edition of the album 100 Photos for Press Freedom
• 1993, October 20 – First RSF advertising clip released
• 1994 – Launch of the first RSF website
• 1995 – RSF recognized as an international non-profit organization
• 1998 – Illegal protest in Paris during a government summit
• 2001 – Creation of the French network Damocles
• 2003 – Launch of Toolbox, a legal advice site for journalists
• 2005 – Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded by the European Parliament
• 2007 – International protest action Beijing 2008
• 2010 – RSF celebrates its 25th anniversary
• 2012, Winter – First issue of the quarterly Libre Cours published
• 2012, November 27 – Launch of the website wefightcensorship.org featuring censored and banned texts
• 2015, March 12 – Launch of the Collateral Freedom operation to combat censorship and unblock online media
• 2015, May 27 – Adoption of UN Resolution 2222/2015 on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts
• 2018, November 1 – In honor of murdered and missing journalists, the Eiffel Tower lights were turned off at 6:30 PM; November 2 declared the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
• 2018, November 5 – Establishment of the Information and Democracy Commission
• 2019, September 22 – Launch of the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI)
• 2020, March – RSF launches the L’Observatoire 19 program related to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2020, March – Use of the Minecraft gaming platform to create a library of banned and censored articles
• 2022, May 24–June 3 – Mission in Ukraine

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