Freedom of Expression
Press Release 140/06
JOINT DECLARATION: WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Washington, D.C., May 3, 2006. On this occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo; the Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression of the Organization of American States, Mr. Ignacio Alvarez; the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Mr. Miklos Haraszti; and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Ms. Faith Pansy Tlakula, wish to commend the vital role the Press has been playing for the progression of democracy and human rights.
Journalists are indispensable for disseminating information, promoting debate and facilitating dialogue, activities that constitute the foundation of a democratic society based on pluralistic approach, where individuals and groups are encouraged to exchange information and express opinion freely. In this context, maintaining and nourishing media diversity, based on mutual respect and tolerance amongst different groups, are essential.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day also sheds light on the link between freedom of the Press and poverty eradication. Free and independent media is a key to combat poverty, as they serve as a medium to ensure unhindered circulation of ideas, to promote education and awareness thus upgrading opportunities. A special effort needs to be made to bring these benefits to the less developed countries and the poor in general, as they should be the prime beneficiaries of unprecedented opportunities the global information society offers.
It is, however, a grave sorrow to remind ourselves that in the year 2005 the world recorded the highest number of journalists and other media professionals, killed or injured on the line of duty. Attacks, intimidation and harassment against journalists and media professionals regrettably became every-day events in some parts of the world. It is noted with grave concern that violence against the media and journalists often occur with impunity. Criminal sanctions against persons and media who express critical opinions continue, including in the forms of criminal defamation or libel suits. Media ownership concentration, censorship, harassment through judicial or administrative measures, such as discriminatory application of media accreditation procedure or entry permit to a country, continue to be reported. With a rapid development in technology, Internet has become one of the main means of disseminating information and exchanging opinions, but at the same time, more and more the freedom of the Internet is targeted.
The four special rapporteurs would like to take this opportunity to call upon all governments to combat impunity with regard to violence against journalists and media personnel, by bringing to justice those responsible for attacks against them, and by taking measures that enables journalists and media personnel to continue providing information freely and independently. All journalists detained because of their media-related activities should be released immediately.
In this context, it is parallel obligation of all to avoid the use of discriminatory forms of expression, such as hate speech. True freedom of expression and the press is firmly based on the culture of pluralism, diversity, tolerance and mutual understanding.
Ambeyi Ligabo
Special Rapporteur of the UN on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Miklos Haraszti
Representative on Freedom of the Media of the OSCE
Faith Pansy Tlakula
Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression of the ACHPR
Ignacio Alvarez
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the OAS