Despite the progress in the regulatory framework for freedom of information, Uruguay still has room for improvement as far as the treatment of the self-regulatory and ethical aspects of journalism and media activity is concerned. The objective of this project is to create a space for debate and reflection on the need for an ethical reference framework to be adopted by journalists and the media, as well as on the institutions' need to deal in a transparent way with complaints that may come from media users. As noted by UNESCO in the course of the discussion on 'Journalism Ethics and Self-regulation in Europe: New Media, Old Dilemmas' (Paris, January 2011), self-regulatory mechanisms are helpful and a relevant guideline for journalists' work
 
A direct and achievable goal of this project is to launch a process of consultation and reflection on the need of Uruguay to accomplish self-regulatory mechanisms that promote freedom of expression and journalistic best practices on the different levels of the media system. A second component aims to build a reference code of ethics to be endorsed by the union of media professionals, the Uruguayan Press Association (APU), and through a subsequent widespread dissemination campaign. The project incorporates the gender perspective in a context of particular concern of the journalists' union. Currently a National Survey of Communication Workers, sponsored by the Uruguayan Press Association, is underway which aims to identify the existing standards in the media concerning the treatment of information about gender perspectives. The debate and the development of regulatory mechanisms take into account the need to promote cultural change in the coverage journalistic approach in relation to gender. The project will be executed by the Archives Centre and Access to Information (CAINFO), in cooperation with the Uruguayan Press Association and the Media and Society Group (MSG). This proposal will complete the work started under the project of media development approved by IPDC.