Democracy needs a free press
By Ambassador Jerry Lanier,
Every year on May 3, the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day to recognize the fundamental principles of press freedom; evaluate press freedom around the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence; and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives as a result of their work. The date marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of principles drawn up by African journalists in 1991 calling for a free, independent, and pluralistic media in Africa and around the world.
The African journalists who gathered in Namibia recognized that free press is essential to the existence of democracy and a fundamental human right as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which states that everyone “has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Yet, media freedom is fragile, and it is also not yet within the reach of everyone. Even as the world community recognizes the central and indisputable importance of press freedom in advancing democracy and as an integral part of freedom of expression, the media continues to face frequent threats. Journalists all over the world are murdered, arrested, detained, intimidated and censored by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in a democratic process. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that in 2014, at least 60 journalists around the world were killed while on the job or because of their work, and 220 members of the press were imprisoned worldwide ? the second-highest figure the Committee has recorded since it started keeping records in 1992. Adding to this tragic figure are the hundreds more each year who face threats, harassment, censorship, and arbitrary arrests – guilty of nothing more than a passion for truth and strong desire to advance freedom of expression. The April 24 attack against Sudanese journalist Ali Hamdan illustrates the constant threats faced by journalists.
In addition to threats against journalists, media outlets are also hampered by economic and political pressures, including limitations on the circulation of publications and restrictions on exchange of news and information. When a government tries to control the dissemination of information, it does its country a disservice by restricting the kind of information that encourages healthy debate and helps citizens to make informed decisions. The press also has a responsibility to elevate and maintain high journalistic standards and provide accurate and balanced information to the public. An informed and educated citizenry makes better decisions, which in turn, helps advance their communities and their country as a whole.
Democratic countries have a responsibility to ensure citizens’ access to information. In January, the Sudanese government passed a freedom of information law that the government stated would increase transparency by giving citizens the right to access and publish public information. While rules granting freedom of information are a step in the right direction, states have a responsibility to ensure that other national laws on freedom of expression do not hamper government attempts at creating greater transparency. The press should not be seen as a threat, but instead as a key resource for building a stronger country, through more informed citizens and accountable leaders; and as an important liaison between the public and policy makers.
The United States joins the world in celebrating the dedication and courage of journalists and the critical role they play in a democratic society.
Ambassador Jerry Lanier, is the Chargé d’affaires at the United States Embassy in Sudan