Well they're trying to help journalists, so their intentions are good. It just seems ironic they're based in a country that doesn't have freedom of media. Perhaps they should have given themselves a different name so it doesn't include Media Freedom bit.
Continued fighting between countries, civil wars, violence by organised crime, corruption and terrorism… all show that the world doesn’t yet share "universal values".
Among the many victims are journalists, especially those who report to us about what’s really going on behind the scenes, or the other point of view, of people opposed to a government who dare to condemn its abuses and corruption.
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom was set up for these journalists, to provide them with shelter, help them assert their rights and give them a voice, whatever their origin, culture or views, as long as they do not call for violence or incite hatred.
The Centre is their home, defender and security, and gives them assistance, advice and refuge. It also pays tribute to those who have been killed or imprisoned in defending the right of everyone to be kept informed of the news.
By materially assisting persecuted journalists and media outlets, the Centre hopes to serve the cause of press freedom, without which a more humane world cannot be built.
Introduction
The Doha Centre for Media Freedom aims to be a refuge for those who risk their life or their freedom in trying to keep us informed.
It will shelter journalists who are threatened, provide care for the wounded among them and financially help media outlets and journalists who have been ill-treated by dictatorial authorities. This will be done in the heart of the the Arab-Muslim world. Solidarity is a universal principle that belongs in all cultures and all religions.
But the Centre is not just a refuge for media workers in danger and this sets it apart from other institutions. It tries to encourage dialogue and favours a constructive approach and practical achievements in a bid to reduce tensions between different parts of the world. The media have a special responsibility here. They can aggravate misunderstandings and stir up hatred or they can build bridges and promote greater understanding. Either way, they are key players.
The Centre is also a place of commemoration, and education too. Press freedom is indispensable for creating open and tolerant societies, so the fight to have impartial, good quality news and information is not just the job of journalists. The Doha Centre – through its events, meetings, exhibitions and, soon, a museum – will tell the story of the media and its heroes, in the hope that it will inspire people to become journalists and make everybody aware of the vital role of this basic freedom that is essential to the full flowering of all other freedoms.
Well they're trying to help journalists, so their intentions are good. It just seems ironic they're based in a country that doesn't have freedom of media. Perhaps they should have given themselves a different name so it doesn't include Media Freedom bit.
From their website http://www.dohacentre.org