Grim realities face journalists as UN chief calls for press freedom safeguards

By Admin 03 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
3 May 2024, Sittwe

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ advocacy on World Press Freedom Day did little to change realities on the ground for journalists in Myanmar, where post-coup oppression of the media continues unabated. 

“I call on governments, the private sector and civil society to join us in reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding press freedom and the rights of journalists and media professionals around the world,” the UN chief said May 3, celebrated annually as World Press Freedom Day.

“Without facts, we cannot fight mis- and disinformation. Without accountability, we will not have strong policies in place. Without press freedom, we won't have any freedom. A free press is not a choice, but a necessity,” he added.

Since the coup, the military regime has been raiding and persecuting independent media outlets, arresting, killing, and imprisoning journalists.

According to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 press freedom ranking of 180 countries, Myanmar ranks 171st.

Since January 1, 2024, one journalist was killed in Myanmar, according to RSF’s real-time dashboard, which indicates that detained as of today are 59 journalists and three media workers.

“Many journalists are still behind bars, and many journalists from independent news agencies have been forced to flee to the border or foreign countries due to the junta’s arrests,” said Ko Naung Naung, Planning Editor from Mizzima Media Group. “Though some journalists are still working inside the country, they have to work under the 24-hr surveillance of military intelligence personnel.”

The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement on World Press Freedom Day saying that it would strongly oppose any acts of intimidation and harassment against Myanmar’s news media and would endeavour to protect media freedom and journalists.