By Fanta L. Keita & Robert Dixon
MONROVIA, July 18 (LINA) – Representatives of governments around the world, including Liberia, have committed themselves to a “Global Pledge” to work together in protecting media freedom.
The pledge, which was signed recently at the Global Conference on Media Freedom held in the United Kingdom, according to Press Union of Liberia President Charles Coffey, commits signatories to speak out and initiate action through a “Media Freedom Coalition,” to harness the power of diplomatic networks, through a new Media Freedom Contact Group.
Coffey said at a news conference held in Monrovia on Tuesday, that the pledge also seeks to reinforce international initiatives to champion media freedom through an annual meeting aimed at renewing their commitments and to address emerging threats and opportunities.
“The struggle for media freedom is being waged day after day, not in conference centers like this, but by independent journalists in authoritarian states; by vigilant bloggers who expose corruption; and by courageous activists who publish the evidence of human rights abuses,” Coffey said in reference to the commitment made by government representatives.
He indicated that “there is no place for neutrality in this struggle,” adding that “we are on the side of those who seek to report the truth and bring the facts to light and we stand against those who suppress or censor the media.”
By attending the Global Conference on Media Freedom, Coffey affirmed that the PUL pledged to do what it takes – and no less – to ensure that instead of being silenced, the plural and varied voices for a free media are nurtured and encouraged as the most important contribution to the open societies that are the foundations of human progress.
LINA FLK/RD/WSG/PTK
