CIVICUS CIVIL SOCIETY NEWS
CIVICUS calls for respect of freedom of expression for press and civil society
Issued: 3 May 2006
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation joins global civil society today to celebrate World Press Freedom Day. As an international alliance of civil society, CIVICUS emphasises the important roles of freedoms of expression and the press in supporting civil society¡¦s crucial function as an advocate for the public good.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, World Freedom Day urges the global community to reflect on the importance of the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as stated in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The ability of people to gather and speak freely without fear is an integral part of civil society worldwide. Freedom of expression ensures civil society is able to advocate effectively and raise awareness about injustice, violations of human rights and the needs of the poor and other marginalized groups.
In Belarus, for example, the government has used draconian laws to arrest, imprison and fine anyone, particularly the press and civil society, who ¡§discredits¡¨ the Republic of Belarus. Over the last three years, all openly critical organisations have been liquidated, and independent press outlets closed.
A free and independent press is essential in protecting against injustice and projecting the voices of those who act out against it. Without a free press, civil society¡¦s ability to criticise government policy and advocate for people-driven development and human rights is severely curtailed. As the forced removals in Zimbabwe last year demonstrated, the lack of an independent press hampered civil society¡¦s ability to respond to this situation, allowing it to descend into a humanitarian crisis.
In addition to amplifying and promoting civil society causes, the press can also serve as a valuable watchdog on civil society. Non-governmental organisations, trade unions and faith-based organisations have all come under fire for lack of accountability, transparency and legitimacy. The press can enhance the openness of civil society by offering a critical eye on civil society¡¦s increasing role in public affairs.
Recognising the central roles both civil society and the press play in enhancing development and democracy, the themes of this year¡¦s World Press Freedom Day, CIVICUS calls on governments internationally to:
„X Recognise the important roles of the press and civil society in promoting and sustaining development, good governance and respect for human rights
„X Guarantee and protect the fundamental freedom of expression as a vital component of the existence of the press and civil society
„X Repeal restrictive laws which constraint civil society and the press, and allow greater freedom of expression as outlined in international and regional legal instruments.
For more information, visit www.civicus.org and www.civilsocietywatch.org, or contact Julie Middleton at cswatch@civicus.org, +27 11 833 5959.
