AMARC expresses Solidarity and Support for Freedom of Expression in Fiji
Islands

 

27 April 2009, Kathmandu. The World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters (AMARC) is seriously concerned by the deteriorating political
situation in the Fiji Island and by the state of freedom of expression
following the 30-day state of emergency declared on 10 April, 2009. Under
the decree of emergency, local news reports critical of the government have
been banned and international media coverage subjected to censorship.

 

Ashish Sen, Vice-President for the Asia-Pacific Region of AMARC has said
that the worsening situation in Fiji coupled with widespread media
censorship and harassment of journalists has seriously jeopardised the
functioning of the free media in Fiji. Extending his support and solidarity
to the people of Fiji, Ashish has commended the continuation of women's
community radio broadcasts pioneered by the AMARC member femLINKPACIFIC. "We
view the work being carried out by femLINKPACIFIC as an important step
towards empowerment of the Fijian society and leading towards reconciliation
and harmony. I call upon the Fijian authorities to recognize community radio
as a distinct sector of communications and to support its inherent capacity
to promote peace by enabling women and other marginalised groups to
participate in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building,"
he said. 

 

AMARC has taken serious note of the curtailment of media access and freedom
of speech, and the disregard for judicial independence in the Fiji Islands.
The World Association is particularly concerned that the recent developments
have placed serious restraints over the community media sector.  AMARC calls
for the protection of civilians including media personnel, and safe guarding
of constitutional rights and freedoms as underpinned by principles of
democracy, justice, transparency, and accountability.  

 

AMARC and its members all over the world will continue to carefully watch
the unfolding situation in Fiji, and support human rights and freedom of
expression in the Fiji Islands.

 

 

AMARC is an international non-governmental organization serving the
community radio movement in over 110 countries, and advocating for the right
to communicate at the international, national, local and neighbourhood
levels. AMARC has an International Secretariat in Montreal. It has regional
sections in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific and offices in
Nairobi, Buenos Aires, Brussels and Kathmandu.

 

For more information, please go to www.asiapacific.amarc.org
<http://www.asiapacific.amarc.org/>  or contact: Suman Basnet, Regional
Coordinator, AMARC Asia Pacific, Kathmandu, Nepal, [log in to unmask] 

 

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