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 or contact: Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator, AMARC Asia Pacific, Kathmandu, Nepal, [log in to unmask]

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