“Freedom of expression is something that reveals the state of our societies.”
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director General
Global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published an annual report on press freedom worldwide on the occasion of Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3rd, in line with the 1993 UN General Assembly Resolution.
The index ranks the sociocultural, political, and economic context along with the legal framework and security of the press in 180 countries across the globe. According to the World Press Freedom Index 2023, North Korea appeared at the bottom of the list, followed by China, Vietnam, Iran, and Turkmenistan.
Postulating the scenario of world press freedom, the report states that the situation is ‘very serious’ in 31 out of 180 countries. It is ‘difficult’ in 42 nations, ‘problematic’ in 55, and ‘satisfactory’ in only 52 out of 180 nations. On average, only three out of ten countries have satisfactory press freedom.
Moreover, this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme focused on press freedom relative to freedom of expression as an essential component of human rights protection.
Time and again, we have seen and heard that freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society. It serves as a watchdog, providing a vital check on power. But what happens when this tool is attacked in every corner of the world?
Given the scenario, 86 journalists were killed last year, despite most of them not being in war zones. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, said, “Oftentimes, they are at home with their families.”
When freedom of expression is in danger, it's all our rights that are in danger.
At the #WorldPressFreedomDay Conference today, @AAzoulay called world leaders to defend #PressFreedom and protect a professional, free & independent journalism.https://t.co/mb1BJPO6OE pic.twitter.com/Mt0Rhc1Xsa
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) May 2, 2023
In addition, a huge number of journalists have been attacked or imprisoned, with China being ‘the world’s biggest jailer of journalists.’
“The security of journalists is not just a matter for journalists or international organizations. It’s for society as a whole,” she added.
South Asia: a dripping trend in Freedom of the Press
In recent years, South Asian nations have witnessed a troubling decline in the freedom of the press. Governments in the region have increasingly resorted to tactics that stifle the media’s independence and undermine the free flow of information. For instance, in Afghanistan, where the conditions for journalists continue to worsen, coupled with attempts to erase the presence of women from the public sphere.
In the current polarized political and societal discourse, such vehicles of human rights and democratic advocacy deal with new threats like tackling hate speeches, internet shutdowns by the state, and erosion of trust enshrined within institutions.
In the international community, the right to freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which is a prerequisite and driver of the enjoyment of all other human rights.
The UDHR states “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion… to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” (UDHR: 1948)
Apart from the UDHR, countries have laws to secure freedom of expression. For instance, in India, the right to freedom of speech and expression is provided in Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. And it is believed that freedom of speech and expression includes freedom of the press, as the media has not been given any specific privilege in the Indian Constitution.
Democracy and transparency
The former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, said: “Press freedom is a cornerstone of human rights. It holds governments responsible for their acts and warns all that impunity is an illusion.”
The connection between human rights, democracy, and development remains central to policymakers, as a muzzled media weakens the checks and balances necessary for a functioning democracy. The lack of a transparent and accountable government or regime, as in Afghanistan, is bound to lead to increased corruption, abuse of power, and the stifling of civil liberties.
Economic Environment
The economic environment ensures freedom from financial manipulation by any actor, especially when a journalist is vouching for the marginalized or reporting on issues of dissent. A profound example of such a scenario is the Sri Lankan media landscape, which has been severely damaged by the ongoing economic crisis.
It is apparent in the South Asia Press Freedom 2022–23 report published by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) that journalists were assaulted by the police and military while reporting the surge of discontent. They were also subjected to low incomes and job insecurity.
In addition, the economic crisis and the global increase in paper prices pushed print media to the brink of collapse. In addition, more and more restrictions were imposed on online spaces.
Furthermore, it’s often not free from interference by corporate powers; advertisers, civil press groups, and publishers, however, are rarely taken into account.
Controlling and intimidating
South Asian nations have witnessed a rise in intimidation, control, and harassment directed at journalists. Reporters and media personnel critical of the government are often subjected to threats, physical assaults, and even extrajudicial actions. Waves of aggression aim to silence dissenting voices and create an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
Press freedom in Pakistan continues to be a pressing concern despite regime change. New legislation amounting to a crackdown on social media activists was discussed however, the cabinet eventually backed off. Apart from this, blocking videos and removing over a million websites occurred frequently in 2022.
Legal restrictions and censorship
Laws often provide authorities with excessive powers to censor or control media content, curbing investigative journalism and freedom of expression.
Oftentimes, it becomes appropriate to limit freedom of expression to tackle new threats like hate speech. In addition, defamation and sedition charges target journalists, stifling their ability to report on sensitive topics. For instance, in India, the weaponization of WhatsApp led to the proliferation of fake news, hate speeches, punditry, misinformation, and clickbait that ultimately led to violence and riots.
Also, censorship is often imposed by the authorities. However, because of the polarized nature of society and the increasing division within communities, some journalists use self-censorship at this juncture. Painting things in religiously polarized colors harms communities across the region.
Conclusion
A concerning trend that hampers the traditional role of the fourth pillar of democracy in doing its job as a watchdog and a conduit for information. It is vital for upholding democratic values and ensuring government accountability.
Respective governments, along with the international community, organizations and civil society, must continue to advocate for free and independent media. This serves as a vital pillar of democracy and the pursuit of truth.
In addition, in the wake of addressing various challenges faced by the press, needs like developing clear financial models for sustaining independent journalism must be taken care of.