PRESS RELEASE
15th SEPTEMBER 2022
Protecting Press Freedom for Democracy,
Ensuring Freedom of Expression, and Widening Civic Space
Celebrating International Day of Democracy 2022
The 2022 International Day of Democracy theme is timely in reminding us that the press plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability of democratic institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated regression of democracy across the globe and we witnessed governments compromising fundamental freedoms and suppressing information to its people. In this process, many media actors were targeted by the state for simply doing their mandate. As we heal from the pandemic and as restrictions are gradually lifted we must demand and act towards the restoration of a free press, free expression, and widening of civic space.
The Asia Democracy Network (ADN), on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy 2022, calls on all governments to ensure respect for freedom of press. Journalists should not be seen as a threat, rather partners carrying a mandate to ensure transparent information and delivery of truth to the public. We reiterate that the media and press is the fourth estate and plays a vital role in ensuring a functioning democracy. The press serves as the citizens’ watchdog on every aspect of democratic governance and free flow of information.
Taking this opportunity, ADN furthermore calls upon the governments in Asia to ensure freedom of expression and widening space for all people. We strongly encourage the active development of strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation which has become an existential threat to the sustainability of democracy and human rights. Misinformation and disinformation must be addressed and it must start with education and not the criminalization of it. Educating the public must be prioritized and this must include relevant stakeholders among them civil society organizations and members of the press.
Lastly, ADN would like to express our highest gratitude and solidarity to members of the press, civil society organizations, and all pro-democrats for their sacrifice and endless effort in keeping the powerful accountable despite all the challenges and threats they are often faced with.
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