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| Joint message by Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson and Koïchiro Matsuura on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2000 |
 On this first World Press Freedom Day of the new century, and in the context of the International Year of the Culture of Peace, we urge all actors in conflict situations around the world - governments, local authorities and armed forces - to protect the right of all citizens to reliable information and the right of journalists to provide it without fearing for their security, their freedom or their life.
In every society, freedom of the press is essential to transparency, accountability, good governance and the rule of law. It cannot be suppressed without dire consequences for social cohesion and stability. When it is sacrificed, whatever the reasons invoked, the chances are that conflict is not far down the road. All States should ratify the relevant international human rights instruments and should scrutinise their domestic legal systems with a view to bringing them into line with international standards governing the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
In times of conflict, the media's responsibilities for independent and pluralistic reporting are more important than ever. They can help to prevent the worst atrocities. But when belligerents see freedom of expression as an enemy to their cause and the media as a tool for propaganda, journalists who attempt to report in a non-partisan way face pressure, manipulation, intimidation, or even elimination. And when they are forced to leave, the cycle of violence does not end. The only remaining eye-witnesses - aid workers and local residents - often become the next targets.
In the aftermath of war, the establishment of a free and independent press offers a way out of mistrust and fear, into an environment where true dialogue is possible because people can think for themselves and base their opinions on facts.
Particular attention should be given to ensuring that women's voices are heard. Women are often the first ones affected by armed conflict. It is, therefore, right and indeed necessary that women have full access to information and that they be there to cover the issues, with equal strength and in equal numbers. Governments are urged to do all they can to overcome any formal and cultural obstacles to the exercise by women of their right to freedom of expression.
Wherever their independence or security is threatened - whether in repressive societies, in times of conflict or in post-conflict situations - local journalists must be supported and protected in their efforts to maintain a flow of fair and independent information. The international media, too, have an important role to play, in providing non-partisan coverage of conflicts and in calling the world's attention to humanitarian crises, human rights abuses and other situations where oblivion would be the worst of fates for suffering human beings.
The international community must keep on seeking to remedy severe violations of press freedom. On behalf of our organisations, and in the interest of knowledge, justice, and peace, we promise to explore every approach that offers hope of enabling the media to carry out their invaluable and often dangerous work.
Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Mary Robinson, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO
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Round Table on media in conflict and post-conflict areas
(Geneva, Switzerland 4 - 5 May 2000) |
In order to examine the role of the international community in fostering free and independent media in conflict and post-conflict areas, UNESCO and the Swiss Department of Federal Affairs, in collaboration with IGOs, NGOs and professional media associations, are holding a Round Table in Geneva, on 4 and 5 May, following the celebration of World Press Freedom Day.
The full title of the Round Table is "How to combat war and hatred propaganda without undermining press freedom and editorial independence of local media. The role and duties of intergovernmental organisations".
On the morning of 4 May, after the introductory remarks of the Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace, Professor Monroe Price will present an overview of four case studies, which will serve as a basis for discussion. This academic work commissioned by UNESCO analyses from a comparative point of view the situation of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Cambodia and Rwanda. A group of local journalists from these countries will contribute to the debate.
This discussion will be followed by a panel that will examine how to deal with expressions of hatred and racism in the media, as well as the best ways to guarantee that local populations have access to balanced and objective information. After a debate on this subject, the afternoon of 4 May will be devoted to analysing the role of IGOs in increasing the safety of journalists in conflict and post-conflict areas.
The closing panel of the afternoon will discuss several issues related to the strategy that the international community should adopt concerning local media during peace-keeping operations.
On 5 May, the Round Table will continue with a debate on the comparative advantages of fostering a local, independent press versus setting up temporary intergovernmental media outlets.
Each panel will be conducted by a member of a professional media association and a representative of an intergovernmental organisation.
At the end of the morning, participants will be requested to draft and adopt a plan of action on these matters.
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