The power of media is informative in shaping “transparent” political decisions as well as public debates that contribute to the common interests of all, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
In a message to mark the occasion of World Press Freedom Day commemorated on Monday, FM Shahid noted that the World Press Freedom Day is a day to “defend” the pivotal roles free media plays in upholding the values of human rights and democracy.
Revolving around the theme “Information as a Public Good”, this year the “informative” power of media in shaping transparent decisions is being recognized, said the foreign minister.
“Over 30 years ago, the international community came together to commemorate the first Press Freedom Day, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. It is a day to defend the essential role played by a free and pluralistic press in upholding the values of human rights and democracy. As we celebrate this occasion under this year’s theme “Information as a Public Good”, we recognize the informative power of media in shaping transparent political decisions and public debates that contribute to the common interests of all.”Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister.
Going on to reveal that freedom of press requires “constant” protection, FM Shahid noted that this has become more relevant now with a diverse mediascape having been unveiled across the globe.
FM Shahid noted that the urgency for the re-evaluation of media corporations, based on concrete codes of ethics has also been brought under the spotlight in lieu of the increase of misinformation and hate speech at a time the Covid-19 pandemic is sweeping across the globe.
“During this critical juncture, the international community must team up to stop disinformation and to ensure the credibility and accessibility of information disseminated by the media. Keeping press freedom alive is inherently linked to the collective empowerment of individuals across the globe and holds the potential to build a world that caters to a spectrum of needs, leaving no one behind.”Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister.
Further the foreign minister shed light on the remarkable progress Maldives has made in promoting media freedom under the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Maldives was ranked in the 120th position in the World Press Freedom Index when President Solih’s administration came into power. However, swift action by the incumbent administration to ensure legislative freedom and ensure a conducive environment for journalists to work in had taken the country’s media to new heights, with Maldives having climbed up to the 72nd position on the global index.
FM Shahid described this to be “huge” step forward from where the country was three years ago. FM Shahid reiterated the government’s commitment to counter any challenges that hinder safe journalism and to “champion” freedom of expression both at home and abroad. With this being said, the foreign minister noted that the backing of the incumbent administration to re-enforce freedoms entitled to press in the constitution continues to grow stronger, from repealing draconian laws, to cultivating an environment that allows journalists to thrive.
In this regard the foreign minister called on the public to protect media professionals and raise awareness on the importance of a free press as a means of peace, justice and human rights for all.
