The International Press Institute (IPI) global network has called for action to protect freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
The IPI made the call in commemoration of the 2022 International Human Rights Day amid the rise in attacks on independent journalism
In a statement published on its website, the Institute joined print and online media outlets in South Asia; Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan to launch an ad campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the need to protect press freedom as an essential pillar of democracy and human rights.
The IPI disclosed that many journalists have been arrested under anti-terrorism and other criminal laws in India
The Institute lamented that although lawmakers in Pakistan recently passed national and regional legislation aimed at protecting the safety of journalists impunity for attacks against journalists remains high.
“An estimated 96 percent of cases of killed journalists have gone unpunished. This includes the killing of Shan Dahar, bureau chief for Abb Takk Television channel in the Larkana district of Pakistan’s Sindh province, who was shot dead on January 1, 2014. An initial police investigation claimed the death was the result of stray gunfire, but Dahar’s colleagues and family believe he was targeted for his journalistic work.”
According to the IPI, attacks in Bangladesh stifle press freedom
“In Bangladesh, draconian laws restricting the work of independent journalism are choking press freedom and democracy.”
The Institute added that Journalists in Nepal faced intense pressure in the lead-up to the general election in November
“As authorities tightened controls over online media and attacks against journalists and media outlets increased. These pressures came amid an already fragile environment for press freedom in Nepal, where journalists operate in an uncertain and intimidating environment and regularly face threats, restrictive laws and arrests.“
Meanwhile, the European Union has also expressed concerns about the deteriorating human rights in Russia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Ethiopia and Myanmar.
