Viet Nam Human Rights
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2020
29/4/20
MEDIA WORLDWIDE is facing crises on multiple fronts, exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic. Reporters without Borders released its 2020 World Press Freedom Index on April 21st, noting that the Coronavirus is being used by authoritarian governments to implement "shock doctrine" measures that would be impossible in normal times.
The index shows a "clear correlation between suppression of media freedom in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and a country's ranking in the Index." Of the 180 countries and territories in the index, Iran (ranked at 173) censored their Coronavirus outbreaks extensively. Iraq, at 162, punished Reuters for an article that questioned official pandemic figures, and Hungary (ranked at 89) has just passed a coercive Coronavirus Law.
The long-term risks of suppressing press freedoms have been exposed by the pandemic. As the death toll mounts amidst an economic crisis of unprecedented proportions, promoting transparent reporting is a global necessity. Yet, several countries stand accused of acting too late in warning the world about the timing and extent of the threat.
The World Press Freedom Index illustrates the oppression of journalists from North to South and a pandemic in its own right seems to have fomented.
In Myanmar, Voice of Myanmar's editor was arrested RECENTLY and charged with terrorism for interviewing a representative of the Arakan Army, a rebel group fighting for regional autonomy.
Even the president of the world's most powerful democracy has described the press as "the enemy of the people."
Ultimately, the freedom of the press can only be guaranteed by a coordinated global effort, public awareness and a focus on the long-term advantages of a more critical world.
This year's World Press Freedom Day aims to do just that, under the theme of "Journalism Without Fear or Favour." It calls for awareness on specific issues about the safety of journalists, their independence from political or commercial influence, and gender equality in all aspects of the media.
In the words of Albert Camus, "...without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad."
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All comments [ 20 ]
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference.
May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
The global health problems caused by COVID-19 require effective measures to protect people’s health and lives. This includes combating disinformation that may cause panic and social unrest.
Regrettably some governments are using this imperative as a pretext to introduce disproportionate restrictions to press freedom; this is a counterproductive approach that must stop.
In times of crisis, we need to protect our precious liberties and rights.
Access to information is also a collateral victim of the measures governments are taking to face the pandemic. However, as indicated in the recent Joint statement by international experts, journalism serves a crucial function during a public health emergency.
Free and independent media are a cornerstone of democratic societies.
Media freedom is a crucial pillar of democracy and the cornerstone for building societies that enjoy civil rights and fundamental freedoms.
May 3, World Press Freedom Day, reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect freedom of the media and to ensure that journalists can continue to work honestly and openly, in an atmosphere free of fear and intimidation.
Democracy cannot survive without this, and in order to secure it, we must all do more.
This year’s theme “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” describes the current challenges faced by the media during election periods.
Journalists should be able to provide objective and reliable information so that citizens can make informed decisions and hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions.
On this day and any other day, we must also not forget the harsh reality of the daily threats and attacks against journalists around the world.
We pay tribute to those journalists who work tirelessly in pursuit of truth, often at risk to their own safety and in some cases their lives. Their determination and courage is an inspiration to us all.
The time is now – let’s free the press!
Happy World Press Freedom Day.
This cannot however be an excuse to clamp down on the press and thus restrict people’s access to information.
Journalists and media actors carry out indispensable work that serves the public good. Their work must be protected, not undermined.
Measures to combat disinformation must never prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the Internet. Countries which have introduced restrictions that do not meet these standards must repeal them as a matter of urgency.
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