Professional Luncheon,
Robert Menard,
Secretary-General, Reporters Without Borders

The speech and Q & A will be in French with English interpretation.

Robert Menard is the current Secretary-General of the Paris-based international nongovernmental organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF in French), which advocates freedom of the press. RWB (http://www.rsf.org) was founded in 1985 by Rony Brauman, then president of MSF "Doctors Without Borders," and Le Monde journalist Jean-Claude Guillebaud.

On March 24, 2008, Menard and two other members of Reporters Without Borders were briefly arrested for attempting to disrupt the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Greece prior to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The disruption was aimed at protesting the crackdown on Tibetan civil rights activities by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

In its Charter, Reporters Without Borders states that it draws its inspiration from Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas regardless of frontiers."

RWB compiles and publishes an Annual Report of countries based upon the organization's assessment of their press freedom records. In 2005, Reporters Without Borders received the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought.

Born in 1953 in Oran, Algeria, Menard studied religion, and planned on becoming a priest prior to entering journalism. He is the co-author, with his wife, of "The Censure of Right-thinking People". RWB opened an office in Japan in 2002 held by Michel Temman of Liberation newspaper, focusing on the situation of the journalists in Japan and the report’s introduction lists problems expected in the coming year.

Globetrotter and press freedom advocate, Robert Menard will offer an exclusive review of the global press issues at FCCJ. Do join us for this outstanding event.

Sandwich: Smoked salmon, avocado & mizuna tortilla wrap with sun dried tomato cream cheese.
Hot Lunch: Roast spiced chicken breast on date & almond couscous, coriander yogurt dressing.
Dining Room Special: Seared salmon fillet with sauce gribiche, crisp fried onions and baby potatoes.

To help us plan properly, please reserve in advance at the Front Desk (3211-3161) or online (http://www.fccj.or.jp - please log in to reserve). The charge for members/guests is 1,260 yen/2,200 yen for the sandwich option, 1,575 yen/2,500 yen for the hot lunch option and 2,520 yen/3,570 yen for the dining room special, tax included. Reservations canceled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full. If you do not make a reservation or reserve late, your meal may vary from the scheduled menu.

Professional Activities Committee