By David Robie in Arena Magazine
Abstract: Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
Freedom of the press is the guarantor of these rights. Although the practice of independent journalism is, internationally, frequently under attack, vigorous and courageous reporting of events by reporters in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and South Africa over the past few years has reminded the world that openness and freedom of expression are cornerstones of democracy.
It is ironic, then, that several nations in the South Pacific should be heading in the other direction, imposing draconian restrictions on the news media, sufficient to constitute a threat to democracy in the region.
- Read the full article on the Informit datadase.
- Robie, David (1994). Pacifications: The erosion of press freedom in Oceania. Arena Magazine,9:34-36. Feb/Mar 1994.
