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]
-END-