EC: Press freedom still under threat

MANILA, Philippines – Freedom of the press is still under attack in various guises in many countries, the European Commission said yesterday.

EC Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said journalists are being intimidated, censored and murdered around the world because of their commitment to unbiased and truthful reporting.

“For many years the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights has supported activities enhancing freedom of expression, the independence of media, strengthening professionalism and ethics in journalism as well as providing assistance to human rights defenders who become targets of threats because they denounce infringements on the freedom of expression,” Waldner said.

The EC joined the celebration of the 2008 UN World Press Freedom Day today, dedicated this year to the empowerment of people by giving them information that can help them gain control over their own lives.

Waldner said promoting democracy and human rights is an essential element of foreign policy.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year,” Waldner said.

She emphasized that freedom of expression needs to be supported throughout the world to enable the building of vibrant civil societies and to empower people to participate in the democratic debate and to hold governments and other power holders accountable on all issues affecting their lives.

In the report of the Washington-based Freedom House, it said the Philippines followed the declining global trend in 2007 from 2006 amid lingering concerns on violence inflicted against journalists.

From a global rank of 89 out of 194 nations in 2006 with Serbia and Montenegro, the Philippines went down to 97 out of 195 with Bosnia.

The Philippines was classified “partly free” by Freedom House, but its performance posted a lower score in the legal environment, with 11 in 2007 from eight in 2006; and also posting lower in the political environment, with 23 from 21.

In Asia-Pacific, the Philippines maintained its 22nd place out of 40 countries. Freedom House noted the Philippine press’ impression as “historically ranked among the freest, most vibrant, and outspoken in Southeast Asia,”