IFJ Asia-Pacific affirms importance of independent media
Over 40 journalist leaders met in Taipei, Taiwan over July 7-10 at an International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Asia-Pacific conference called "Media for Democracy - the Challenge in Asia".
Hosted by the IFJ's Taiwan affiliate, the Association of Taiwan Journalists, and supported by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the meeting brought together leaders of journalists' organisations from: Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand.
The meeting passed the following resolution:
This meeting of over 40 journalists' leaders from the International Federation of Journalists Asia-Pacific group, led by the IFJ President Christopher Warren, meeting in Taipei from 7-10 July:
RECOGNISING the important role the independent media plays in the promotion of fearless and balanced reporting;
ENCOURAGES the promotion of independent media free from state control. This can be done through trade union development and educational programs designed to inform journalists of their rights and obligations as watchdogs of society;
CALLS for Asia-Pacific governments to support the growth of independent media in the region;
DEMANDS that political organisations remain separate from the independent media. This must be done to ensure that the independent media can report on without bias or fear of reprisal;
DEMANDS that the independent media be informed of their rights and that they be encouraged to work in accordance with the IFJ Declaration of Principles on the Conduct of Journalists. This includes acknowledgement that the respect for the truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.
For further information, please contact Christopher Warren on +61 411 757 668.
The IFJ represents over 500,000 journalists in more than 110 countries
