“On World Press Freedom Day 2018, I call on governments to strengthen press freedom, and to protect journalists. Promoting a free press is standing up for our right to truth.”
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law
The theme of the 2018 celebration highlights the importance of an enabling legal environment for press freedom, and gives special attention to the role of an independent judiciary in ensuring legal guarantees for press freedom and the prosecution of crimes against journalists.
The 2018 theme also addresses the role of the media in sustainable development, especially during elections – as a watchdog fostering transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
Within the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals making up its 2030 Agenda, the contribution of journalists and media workers is linked to SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
In order to reach this goal, effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels must be developed, and press freedom. Essential to this is the right of all people in general, and journalists in particular, to use media platforms for public communication.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2018, this IPS special report brings news and views from around the world.VIDEO —
World Press Freedom Day 2018
IPS World Desk
The theme for the 25th celebration of World Press Freedom Day is “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law,” focussing on the importance of an enabling legal environment for press freedom, and gives attention to the role of an independent judiciary in ensuring legal guarantees for … MORE > >
Press Freedom & Enforced Disappearances: Two Sides of the Same Coin in Sri Lanka
Kanya D’Almeida
When Sri Lankan journalist Richard de Zoysa was abducted from his home in Colombo on the night of February 18th, 1990, his family knew there would be dark days ahead. The population was still reeling from one of the bloodiest episodes in the island nation’s history – a government counterinsurgency … MORE > >
In Beacon of Press Freedom, Dark Spots Persist
Kwaku Botwe
Ghana is a living contradiction, at least in the arena of freedom of expression, free speech and press freedom. It is touted as one of the continent’s best atmospheres for media workers and does have a highly free media space, being ranked number one in Africa and number 23 in the World Press … MORE > >
“Fake News” a Growing New Threat to Press Freedom
Thalif Deen
When a Malaysian politician of a bygone era was asked about the “leading newspapers” in his country, he shot back: “We don’t have any leading newspapers in our country because all our newspapers are misleading.” But that comment, perhaps uttered half-jokingly about two decades ago, underwent a … MORE > >
Egyptian Photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, aka Shawkan, to Receive 2018 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize
UNESCO
Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, known as Shawkan, has been selected by an independent international jury of media professionals as the laureate of the 2018 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize. 3Shawkan, a photojournalist, has been in jail since 14 August 2013 when he was … MORE > >
Authoritarian Govts Tighten Grip on Press Freedom
Sopho Kharazi
The 25th celebration of World Press Freedom Day will be led by UNESCO and the government of Ghana in Accra on May 2-3. The theme is “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law,” covering the issues of media in respect to the judicial system and transparent political processes. At … MORE > >
Keeping Power in Check – Media, Justice and the Rule of Law
Alison Small
Rarely has the press been as powerful as it is today. Thanks to the advent of social media, the use of which has grown exponentially, the combination of the formal press, newspapers, television and radio is now strengthened, and itself even kept in check by social media. Jo and Joanne citizen have … MORE > >
Getting Away with Murder in Slovakia
Ed Holt
Sitting in a cafe in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, Zuzana Petkova admits that like many other investigative journalists in the country today, she is scared. She explains how she and colleagues investigating possible links between the country’s politicians, businessmen and the Italian mafia, … MORE > >
Pre-election Tension Threatens Free Speech in Brazil
Mario Osava
Gunshots, eggs and stones thrown, blocked roads and other forms of aggression against politicians and journalists in recent weeks generated fears that the violence will increase the uncertainty over the October elections in Brazil. Before going to prison, former President Luiz Inácio Lula da … MORE > >
Freedom of Speech Guaranteed, Says Aliyev, as Azerbaijan Blocks News Websites
Gulnoza Said
President Ilham Aliyev claims that in Azerbaijan the internet is free and press freedom is guaranteed. But ahead of the April 11 snap elections, authorities have systematically silenced critical voices online through amending laws and blocking news websites, and hackers have attacked independent … MORE > >
Kenyan Journalists Feel Heat of Govt Pressure
Sam Otieno
Freedom of the press in Kenya is facing its biggest challenge since independence, with government censorship on the rise both during and since last year’s general election. Kenya’s media landscape includes five major television stations and well over 90 FM radio stations, two national leading … MORE > >
Paradise on Tenterhooks
Amantha Perera
It was a shutdown that was emblematic of the instability plaguing the Maldives in recent months. On Feb. 8, Raajje TV, an opposition aligned TV channel in the atolls, suspended broadcasting due to lack of security. “RaajjeTV informs our viewers that we have suspended regular broadcast due … MORE > >
Internet Freedom Rapidly Degrading in Southeast Asia
Pascal Laureyn
Researchers recently evaluated 65 countries which represent 87 percent of internet users globally. Half of them experienced a decline of internet freedom. China, Syria and Ethiopia are the least free. Estonia, Iceland and Canada enjoy the most freedom online. The most remarkable evolution comes … MORE > >