BANJUL/GENEVA/VIENNA/WASHINGTON D.C./NEW YORK CITY, 2 May 2023 —
Commemorating the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day and the
75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of
expression mandate holders* from the United Nations (UN), the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the African Commission of Human
Rights (ACHPR), and the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights (IACHR)
issued a Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and
Democracy.
“We
are alarmed that in many countries around the world laws to protect media
freedom are being eroded, physical and online attacks against journalists
persist with impunity and the use of courts and the legal system to harass
journalists and media outlets is on the rise.
Deeply
disturbing trends of authoritarianism, co-optation of public power, erosion of
judicial independence, and backsliding on human rights in many established and
emerging democracies creates an urgency and imperative for States to reaffirm
and renew their commitment to protect and promote independent, free and
pluralist media as a vital pillar of democracy and an enabler of sustainable
development.
Independent,
free and pluralistic media play a critical role in providing reliable news and
information, enabling robust public debate, and contributing to building
well-informed and active citizenry. As watchdogs, the media critically
scrutinise those in power, investigate and report on matters of public
interest, and by doing so, contribute to strengthening democratic processes and
institutions,” stressed the freedom of expression rapporteurs.
The
2023 Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy highlights the conditions
that independent, pluralistic, and quality media need to thrive. It outlines
the role of the media in enabling and sustaining democratic societies and
identifies the elements for an enabling environment for media freedom and sets
out clear, succinct recommendations to States, online platforms, and the media
sector.
“Both
States and private companies have obligations and responsibilities to address
the growing threats to media freedom and the safety of journalists, and to
urgently reverse the decline in public trust in democratic institutions,”
emphasised the freedom of expression rapporteurs.
Contacts
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar