Skip to main content

Human rights experts urge media protection and end to attacks on journalists

World Press Freedom Day
3 May 2018

Human rights experts urge media protection and end to attacks on journalists


GENEVA  (2 May 2018) –  The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye, and rights experts from around the world have joined forces to highlight growing threats to media independence and diversity worldwide, particularly those affecting digital outlets.

In a joint declaration to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, they emphasise the essential role of independent media in democratic societies, and express grave concern about physical attacks on journalists, as well as surveillance, marginalization and squeezing out of independent outlets around the world. 

Mr. Kaye welcomed the declaration saying: “Free and independent media facilitate democratic institutions and accountability, while attacks on journalists and journalism undermine the very idea of public participation and governmental accountability.”

“Attacks on journalists are deplorable and State authorities must do more to prevent them. These attacks stem in part from increasingly irresponsible framing of journalists as ‘enemies’ by political and business leaders, but are also aimed at deterring investigative reporting in the public interest. All those committed to independent and diverse media must join together now to stop such attacks,” the Special Rapporteur stressed.

“In addition to physical attacks, those acting on behalf of the State threaten journalism on political, legal and technological fronts. They abuse public resources by placing advertisements only with friendly outlets, assert financial or other forms of control, and promote or permit media concentrations,” Mr. Kaye added.

The Joint Declaration on Media Independence and Diversity in the Digital Age has been issued by Mr. Kaye and counterparts from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

It also urges governments to promote media independence and diversity, emphasizes fundamental norms of human rights law and urges States to meet their obligations, and calls on others, such as the media and private internet companies, to take steps to ensure that independent media can continue to play a central role in democratic societies.

 
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Opinion/JointDeclaration2May2018_EN.pdf

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Neh Sandra Fongeh Defends Degree with Unlikely Innovation: Beans Peeling Machine

By Bakah Derick  In a groundbreaking display of creative innovation, Neh Sandra Fongeh, a student of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute of the University of Bamenda defended her Bachelor's degree on Saturday, September 9, 2023, using a remarkable beans peeling machine. The unconventional approach caught the attention of faculty members,  fellow students and family members alike, turning Neh's defense into a memorable event. Neh Sandra Fongeh presenting her machine to the Jury Neh Sandra, known for her out-of-the-box thinking and passion for engineering, mesmerized the audience with her extraordinary project during the thesis defense titled: design and realization of a manually and motorized beans shelling machine. While most students opt for a traditional presentation or experiment demonstration, Neh's choice to showcase a beans peeling machine highlighted her unique perspective on problem-solving.

North West Cameroon: Remarkable Cultures I- The Nso People

They own, and with pride, use Lamnso (language of Nso) anywhere they are found. They are from the grassfields of Cameroon, with capital being Kimbo (or today known as Kumbo), the Nso People have a rare structured traditional administrative setup, with the Fon at the summit; then there are the   Vibai, aShufai, aYaa, aFai, aShey, etc.  Yeeh Ngwerong  The very religious people give uncommon value to their traditional beliefs, yet are so attached to Christianity and Islam, the two main religions apart from the traditional practices. Even the most learned of them all would always go back home to identify with their roots, either to pay allegiance to the throne of the tribe, occupied by an "immortal" being, called the Fon; according to the cultural belief, the never dies.    Many would also return home just to be and identify with the people during cultural events. Ngam-Ngonnso’ is the melting pot of Nso culture and traditions. It is a week during which the peoole communinion with