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WAN-IFRA Board Endorses Resolution for Press Freedom in Middle East and North Africa
Monday 11. April 2011 - The World Association of Newspapers and Newspapers (WAN-IFRA) has called on governments across the Middle East and North Africa to seize a historic opportunity "to recognise and support the essential role a free and independent press must play in the democratisation process."
Representatives of the publishing industry must be involved “at every level of the media reform process,” while governments – old and new – should “respect the role of a free press in the democratic advancement of their societies,” said a resolution issued by the Board of WAN-IFRA, meeting Friday in Dublin, Ireland.
Through its long-standing engagement in Tunisia, and following recent press freedom missions to Egypt and Yemen, WAN-IFRA has witnessed the demand for sweeping change that has led to unprecedented reforms in parts of the region.
The role of the media in safeguarding the right to freedom of expression underlines the importance of a free press in emerging democratic societies. In countries where the struggle for reform continues, the independent press has proven a vital tool in linking those who defy oppression with a worldwide audience.
With the fall of regimes in Tunis and Cairo and the spread of pro-democracy movements throughout the region, the media has faced great risks and suffered tragic consequences. WAN-IFRA therefore reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and supporting the independent press in this crucial period of transition in what is a unique chapter in history.
The full resolution read:
“The Board of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), meeting in Dublin on 8 April 2011, calls on those leading change in Tunisia and Egypt and on governments undergoing reform throughout the Middle East and North Africa, to seize this historic opportunity to recognize and support the essential role a free and independent press must play in the democratisation process.
“The Board notes that the popular uprisings across the region offer new hope for democratic change and for the establishment and development of freedom of expression and press freedom.
“The end of Zine Abedine Ben Alis 23-year regime in Tunisia, a period in which the Tunisian press suffered censorship and other forms of repression, is a key moment for Tunisian journalists, editors and publishers to contribute to the rebuilding of a strong, democratic nation.
“In Egypt, the resignation of Hosni Mubarak has opened the door to the reemergence of the critical independent press, which suffocated under years of authoritarian control. As the future of a democratic Egypt takes shape, the press must be given the freedom required to fulfill its role of informing the public during this crucial transitional period.
“The Board of WAN-IFRA reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and supporting the independent press in Tunisia and Egypt and across the entire Middle East and North African region. It calls for representatives of the publishing industry to be involved at every level of the media reform process, and for governments – old and new – to respect the role of a free press in the democratic advancement of their societies.”