PFF, Rarotonga, Cook Islands--Government officials responsible for the sudden suspension of senior news editor Dorah Masseung from her management position in the Papua New Guinea national broadcasting corporation must let the national media do its work without fear or political pressure.
Masseung, the Executive News Director for NBC, was 'relieved' of her duties on Tuesday 14 December after officials alleged NBC had been 'biased in its reporting on current political activities'. She was sent home on full pay. All political stories will now be 'checked' before going to air, with NBC Managing director Memafu Kapera telling local journalists this was to ensure balance in reporting. He has also denied a gag is in place for NBC, the largest broadcast organisation covering Papua New Guinea's 6 million-plus population.
"There is little doubt that the media attention to the leadership issues facing Prime Minister Somare, and his recent commentary against the media, has led to the current backlash against the state broadcaster. As a journalist in management, Masseung is merely a scapegoat for this misdirected anger," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"PFF calls on the incoming prime minister to treat political interference in the public right to know as an urgent constitutional matter and make sure that the editor is reinstated."
Masseung is a longtime journalist with the National Broadcasting Corporation. She was with the organisation in the days before independence, when the former NBC was little more than an information arm supported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"We also strongly urge media and officials to step up public awareness of the role of the PNG Media Council as a key point of contact on media complaints," says Laumaea.
Without a clear and open complaints process, allegations of imbalance and biased reporting are often just an excuse for officials to bully and control the media, especially government-owned media says PFF co-chair Monica Miller.
"To go straight from complaints being received to sending key people home and controlling editorial news values is clearly robbing the people of Papua New Guinea of their right to being fully and accurately informed on the issues of the day."
"We stand in support of the commitment to professional standards of media reportage by our PNG media colleagues, and condemn this breach of human rights for Ms Masseung, her news colleagues, and NBC's audience."--ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Pacific Freedom Forum is a regional media body, monitoring threats to press freedom and journalism ethics across Oceania.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Monday 13 December 2010
Tonga government and media must support complaints process, says PFF
PFF, Rarotonga, Cook Islands--Regional media monitoring network the Pacific Freedom Forum says an open and transparent media complaints process for Tonga could have helped to keep 12 Tongans working, and controversial Tongan talkback-FM station ONE-FM88.1 on-air.
The FM station was shut down on December 4, a day after the owner of its broadcasting license cut short the agreed timeframe for its return and wanted it back, citing complaints against program content as one of the reasons for his decision. The operating company for FM ONE,Broadcom Ltd, was set up by Maka and Katalaina Tohi, both former employees of the state owned national broadcaster. The Tohi's and Broadcom have been waiting on the outcome of their application for a license to Tonga's government since last year, and had been broadcasting using a license owned by Taimi Media Group's Kalafi Moala.
Moala rejects any notion that government pressure made him decide to take back his license from Broadcom before the agreed end date of January 2011. In new developments, Broadcom's application for another available FM frequency in Tonga is undergoing more delays by the outgoing government.
"Until a complaint over material is seriously looked into by a tribunal representing the public interest, the current situation is confusing. The complaints never seem to move beyond being serious allegations against media operators whose bread and butter is information," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Without putting a complaint or the information that started it all under investigation, there is nothing there to help Tongans, let alone Tongan journalists, understand the rights and responsibilties of the media," he says.
"It can only benefit all of us if allegations and complaints go through a process which gives a fair and objective space for the complainant and media owner to present their points of view. The ruling of a tribunal provides a more democratic way past the often emotional and other side-issues around the complaint itself, and can help all of us to more clearly see and understand the nature of media's roles and responsibilities. It's a win-win situation."
"We are witnessing a new Tonga being born -- similarly, a stronger democracy needs to be served by a stronger media. It's timely that the winds of change sweeping through Tonga are also now indicating the need for a contestable media complaints process which can help all Tongans understand the nature of media freedom and responsibilitiy," says Laumaea.
"It is with sadness and dismay that we learn of the further delay by Tonga's current government on Broadcom's application for the FM 88.5 frequency," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa. "The application, coming in the wake of the FM 88.1 licensee wanting his license back, would have given 12 Tongan media workers--some of them leading journalists with decades of experience, the chance to keep Tonga's people informed at a critical time in their history."
"We can only urge the government of Tonga to enforce a timely and transparent process on license applications from all media operators who like Broadcom are awaiting decisions. It should not take more than 12 months, or a change of government, for a decision to be made."
"As we enter the festive season, our thoughts are with our 12 colleagues and their families, forced off air by allegations and complaints which never stood the test of a complaints process. What an irony for a media organisation which has contributed much to public debate and discussion leading to the historical November 25th elections, that it should now be shut down and its listeners shut out, without any fair hearing on the complaints made."-ENDS
CONTACT:
Tonga Broadcom: Katalaina Tohi, 676-7714826
PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
The FM station was shut down on December 4, a day after the owner of its broadcasting license cut short the agreed timeframe for its return and wanted it back, citing complaints against program content as one of the reasons for his decision. The operating company for FM ONE,Broadcom Ltd, was set up by Maka and Katalaina Tohi, both former employees of the state owned national broadcaster. The Tohi's and Broadcom have been waiting on the outcome of their application for a license to Tonga's government since last year, and had been broadcasting using a license owned by Taimi Media Group's Kalafi Moala.
Moala rejects any notion that government pressure made him decide to take back his license from Broadcom before the agreed end date of January 2011. In new developments, Broadcom's application for another available FM frequency in Tonga is undergoing more delays by the outgoing government.
"Until a complaint over material is seriously looked into by a tribunal representing the public interest, the current situation is confusing. The complaints never seem to move beyond being serious allegations against media operators whose bread and butter is information," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Without putting a complaint or the information that started it all under investigation, there is nothing there to help Tongans, let alone Tongan journalists, understand the rights and responsibilties of the media," he says.
"It can only benefit all of us if allegations and complaints go through a process which gives a fair and objective space for the complainant and media owner to present their points of view. The ruling of a tribunal provides a more democratic way past the often emotional and other side-issues around the complaint itself, and can help all of us to more clearly see and understand the nature of media's roles and responsibilities. It's a win-win situation."
"We are witnessing a new Tonga being born -- similarly, a stronger democracy needs to be served by a stronger media. It's timely that the winds of change sweeping through Tonga are also now indicating the need for a contestable media complaints process which can help all Tongans understand the nature of media freedom and responsibilitiy," says Laumaea.
"It is with sadness and dismay that we learn of the further delay by Tonga's current government on Broadcom's application for the FM 88.5 frequency," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa. "The application, coming in the wake of the FM 88.1 licensee wanting his license back, would have given 12 Tongan media workers--some of them leading journalists with decades of experience, the chance to keep Tonga's people informed at a critical time in their history."
"We can only urge the government of Tonga to enforce a timely and transparent process on license applications from all media operators who like Broadcom are awaiting decisions. It should not take more than 12 months, or a change of government, for a decision to be made."
"As we enter the festive season, our thoughts are with our 12 colleagues and their families, forced off air by allegations and complaints which never stood the test of a complaints process. What an irony for a media organisation which has contributed much to public debate and discussion leading to the historical November 25th elections, that it should now be shut down and its listeners shut out, without any fair hearing on the complaints made."-ENDS
CONTACT:
Tonga Broadcom: Katalaina Tohi, 676-7714826
PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Pohiva offers new momentum to media freedom in Pacific: PFF
PFF, Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS -- Signs that Tonga's new leadership will look into clarifying the status of a longtime entry ban on New Zealand journalist Michael Field are being welcomed by the Pacific Freedom Forum, or PFF.
In one of his first interviews after a landslide win to his Democratic Party last week, party leader Akilisi Pohiva said the ban on Field was a bad move, and that media freedom is an 'important part of democracy'. However, the ban was apparently lifted during the hosting of the 2005 Pacific Islands News Association conference in Tonga. Field did not attend.
"We warmly congratulate our media colleague Akilisi Pohiva on his win at the polls in the historic elections held last week in Tonga. His insights and perspectives as a journalist and media leader in Tonga brings a different dimension to his political leadership. It can only boost media awareness by other Pacific leaders", says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Pohiva's inspiring crusade for transparency and access to information in Tonga has now gained momentum with his election victory. He's holding a fantastic entry point now to remind elected officials everywhere that a free media, able to do its job without fear or favour, is what thriving democracies are all about."
Pohiva is a former broadcaster and publisher imprisoned for contempt of Parliament and charged with sedition during his media career. He's a founding member of Tonga's Human Rights and Democracy Movement and leads the Democratic Party which commanded a majority at the polls on November 25.
"It's early days yet, but there have been encouraging signals of a leadership committed to transparency and we hope it ushers in an open-door policy for media no matter how controversial or sensitive the issue to government officials," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa, "It's an inspiring example for other Pacific leaders who are watching Tonga."--ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
In one of his first interviews after a landslide win to his Democratic Party last week, party leader Akilisi Pohiva said the ban on Field was a bad move, and that media freedom is an 'important part of democracy'. However, the ban was apparently lifted during the hosting of the 2005 Pacific Islands News Association conference in Tonga. Field did not attend.
"We warmly congratulate our media colleague Akilisi Pohiva on his win at the polls in the historic elections held last week in Tonga. His insights and perspectives as a journalist and media leader in Tonga brings a different dimension to his political leadership. It can only boost media awareness by other Pacific leaders", says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Pohiva's inspiring crusade for transparency and access to information in Tonga has now gained momentum with his election victory. He's holding a fantastic entry point now to remind elected officials everywhere that a free media, able to do its job without fear or favour, is what thriving democracies are all about."
Pohiva is a former broadcaster and publisher imprisoned for contempt of Parliament and charged with sedition during his media career. He's a founding member of Tonga's Human Rights and Democracy Movement and leads the Democratic Party which commanded a majority at the polls on November 25.
"It's early days yet, but there have been encouraging signals of a leadership committed to transparency and we hope it ushers in an open-door policy for media no matter how controversial or sensitive the issue to government officials," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa, "It's an inspiring example for other Pacific leaders who are watching Tonga."--ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Friday 29 October 2010
Vanuatu Times right of reply breach 'alarming' -- PFF
Pacific Freedom Forum, Rarotonga COOK ISLANDS -- The refusal by the Vanuatu Times newspaper to allow the subject of a front page article right of reply is an ‘alarming’ breach of media ethics, says the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
Issue 57 of the Vanuatu Times singled out Vanuatu Daily Post Publisher Marc Neil Jones and his application for a broadcast licence, featuring his photo but not his comment. In the Times coverage, the Times Director who also leads FM107 Saby Natonga was one of three journalists featured. Vanuatu’s national Media Association President Evelyne Toa and PINA President Moses Steven also supported the call for government to reverse the process of granting Neil Jones his broadcast FM license. Noting what’s happened in Fiji as a positive move, they want to shut out anyone who isn’t ni-Vanuatu from the media industry.
"PFF trusts the Vanuatu government would maintain the provisions of the mama law, or Vanuatu's own constitution which guarantees equality for all citizens, and freedom of expression," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
Neil-Jones, who has taken on the establishment and his own media colleagues on media freedom issues, penned a Letter to the Times Editor. This was published in his Daily Post media outlet after his letter was ignored.
“Refusing anyone the right of reply to a news story where they are discussed and have their images published raises alarming concerns over professional standards and media ethics,” says Laumaea.
“The right of reply is a basic tenet of maintaining balanced reporting and journalistic integrity. We encourage the editorial team of the Times to support the code of ethics supported by the Media Asosiasen Blong Vanuatu, which commits to uphold this central key to balanced reporting."
But MAV President Toa has also defended the decision by the Times to deny Neil-Jones his right of reply, saying it’s the controversial publisher who has breached media ethics for choosing not to publish MAV or PINA press releases in his newspaper.
“A press release is not a letter to the editor, especially when the letter aims to provide a missing part of an already-published story,” says PFF co-chair Monica Miller. “What’s especially disturbing is the call for Vanuatu to do what Fiji is undergoing with media ownership under the current regime and the impact of that on media freedom."
“It would help audiences appreciate the issues more if the PINA President declares his interests when he does his opinion pieces on matters where his position conflicts with the issue he's commenting on. He is an employee of the Times and FM107, which would be in direct competition with the Daily Post and the new FM operation planned by Neil-Jones,” says Miller.
“We implore the PINA and MAV presidents to practice dialogue and engagement with all media colleagues in Vanuatu regardless of their skin colour. This is especially important given the commitment to freedom of expression and journalistic ethics are the founding mission of both MAV and PINA.” --ENDS
***
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Issue 57 of the Vanuatu Times singled out Vanuatu Daily Post Publisher Marc Neil Jones and his application for a broadcast licence, featuring his photo but not his comment. In the Times coverage, the Times Director who also leads FM107 Saby Natonga was one of three journalists featured. Vanuatu’s national Media Association President Evelyne Toa and PINA President Moses Steven also supported the call for government to reverse the process of granting Neil Jones his broadcast FM license. Noting what’s happened in Fiji as a positive move, they want to shut out anyone who isn’t ni-Vanuatu from the media industry.
"PFF trusts the Vanuatu government would maintain the provisions of the mama law, or Vanuatu's own constitution which guarantees equality for all citizens, and freedom of expression," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
Neil-Jones, who has taken on the establishment and his own media colleagues on media freedom issues, penned a Letter to the Times Editor. This was published in his Daily Post media outlet after his letter was ignored.
“Refusing anyone the right of reply to a news story where they are discussed and have their images published raises alarming concerns over professional standards and media ethics,” says Laumaea.
“The right of reply is a basic tenet of maintaining balanced reporting and journalistic integrity. We encourage the editorial team of the Times to support the code of ethics supported by the Media Asosiasen Blong Vanuatu, which commits to uphold this central key to balanced reporting."
But MAV President Toa has also defended the decision by the Times to deny Neil-Jones his right of reply, saying it’s the controversial publisher who has breached media ethics for choosing not to publish MAV or PINA press releases in his newspaper.
“A press release is not a letter to the editor, especially when the letter aims to provide a missing part of an already-published story,” says PFF co-chair Monica Miller. “What’s especially disturbing is the call for Vanuatu to do what Fiji is undergoing with media ownership under the current regime and the impact of that on media freedom."
“It would help audiences appreciate the issues more if the PINA President declares his interests when he does his opinion pieces on matters where his position conflicts with the issue he's commenting on. He is an employee of the Times and FM107, which would be in direct competition with the Daily Post and the new FM operation planned by Neil-Jones,” says Miller.
“We implore the PINA and MAV presidents to practice dialogue and engagement with all media colleagues in Vanuatu regardless of their skin colour. This is especially important given the commitment to freedom of expression and journalistic ethics are the founding mission of both MAV and PINA.” --ENDS
***
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Spin and silence reign as Fiji clampdown on free speech continues, says PFF
Regional media freedom watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum is concerned over the increasing confusion spread by Fiji's regime over the departure from Fiji Times of its long-serving editor Netani Rika.
Comments by the regime's spokesperson Sharon Smith-Johns over the departure of Rika are "appalling in their clear revelation of a pro-regime agenda and heavy bias in this matter," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.
"Claiming that a Pacific journalist at the pinnacle of his career, forced to leave his job because of extraordinary pressure is 'a good move' simply because he did not tow a pro-regime agenda, is dangerously misleading,"says Laumaea.
"The forced sale of the Fiji Times and the stance taken by the new management show there is no longer an independent news media outlet in Fiji. We can appreciate that people need to stay in jobs at a difficult time, but to claim that Netani Rika's departure was a good thing, and that the Times was not 'pro-Fiji', creates confusion and mis-information."
"There is little doubt that Rika and the Fiji Times news team have worked in difficult times to be nothing less than the best journalists possible for their Fiji audiences -- reporting without fear or favour and under the cloud of repressive military tactics clearly aimed at shutting them down."
"In any nation, a leadership that goes all out to define anything or anyone that does not step in with its views as being 'anti-nationalist' is using confusion and fear to peddle its public image, and that's not a public image that no person in a position of power should be paid taxpayer dollars to push without being questioned," he says.
Laumaea says the sudden and unexplained 'absence' of leading Fiji Times journalist Sophie Foster from the news team this week will also put new pressure on the new Editor as team leader to walk the balance between Fiji politics and media ethics.
In other Fiji news headlines this week, PFF co-chair Monica Miller has also flagged concern and dismay over the unlawful assembly charges facing former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhury. "The connection between the media controls and regime attempts to curb free speech are already well established with Fiji's regime leader on the record justifying his silencing of the churches and chiefs in Fiji as part of his leadership strategy. Silencing voices by restricting freedom of assembly is just taking control over free thinking and debate to the next level. In that regard, we are dismayed to see the charges laid and its implications for anyone wanting to exercise their human right to speak freely and share opinions with each other."
"We can only repeat our call on Fiji's regime to set up its own media and publishing outlets if it is unhappy with the job done by independent news media. Allowing people their human right to freely hold and share their own opinions is a cornerstone of credible leadership and governance," she says.-
-ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Comments by the regime's spokesperson Sharon Smith-Johns over the departure of Rika are "appalling in their clear revelation of a pro-regime agenda and heavy bias in this matter," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.
"Claiming that a Pacific journalist at the pinnacle of his career, forced to leave his job because of extraordinary pressure is 'a good move' simply because he did not tow a pro-regime agenda, is dangerously misleading,"says Laumaea.
"The forced sale of the Fiji Times and the stance taken by the new management show there is no longer an independent news media outlet in Fiji. We can appreciate that people need to stay in jobs at a difficult time, but to claim that Netani Rika's departure was a good thing, and that the Times was not 'pro-Fiji', creates confusion and mis-information."
"There is little doubt that Rika and the Fiji Times news team have worked in difficult times to be nothing less than the best journalists possible for their Fiji audiences -- reporting without fear or favour and under the cloud of repressive military tactics clearly aimed at shutting them down."
"In any nation, a leadership that goes all out to define anything or anyone that does not step in with its views as being 'anti-nationalist' is using confusion and fear to peddle its public image, and that's not a public image that no person in a position of power should be paid taxpayer dollars to push without being questioned," he says.
Laumaea says the sudden and unexplained 'absence' of leading Fiji Times journalist Sophie Foster from the news team this week will also put new pressure on the new Editor as team leader to walk the balance between Fiji politics and media ethics.
In other Fiji news headlines this week, PFF co-chair Monica Miller has also flagged concern and dismay over the unlawful assembly charges facing former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhury. "The connection between the media controls and regime attempts to curb free speech are already well established with Fiji's regime leader on the record justifying his silencing of the churches and chiefs in Fiji as part of his leadership strategy. Silencing voices by restricting freedom of assembly is just taking control over free thinking and debate to the next level. In that regard, we are dismayed to see the charges laid and its implications for anyone wanting to exercise their human right to speak freely and share opinions with each other."
"We can only repeat our call on Fiji's regime to set up its own media and publishing outlets if it is unhappy with the job done by independent news media. Allowing people their human right to freely hold and share their own opinions is a cornerstone of credible leadership and governance," she says.-
-ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Govt must step up investigation into journalist deaths in Indonesia: PFF
Pacific Freedom Forum, Rarotonga-- The Pacific Freedom Forum is expressing grave concern about the deaths of three colleagues in two Indonesia provinces in recent weeks.
“Indonesia needs to see these deaths as a wake up call,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.
In particular, PFF joins international groups like the International Federation of Journalists, Reporters Sans Frontiers, and UNESCO in condemning the deaths and calling for investigations by Jakarta.
"Indonesia's government must ensure enough resources are given to independently investigate recent deaths of the three journalists in West Papua and Maluku," says Laumaea, based in Papua New Guinea.
Deaths of environmental journalists Ardiansyah Matra’is and Muhammad Syaifulla in Papua were followed by that of TV reporter, Ridwan Salamun after filming a confrontation between villagers in Maluku.
PFF says the deaths cannot be treated as singular events.
They take place against a background of decades of extensively documented human rights abuses in Indonesia, where Papua journalists have received numerous death threats for uncovering illegal logging, mining and environmental destruction.
From Pagopago, co-chair Monica Miller says PFF members “join our colleagues and cousins in west Papua in their sadness and loss.”
“All three deaths are the more serious, stemming from their professional duties with the first two receiving multiple death threats,” she says.
“Concerns over an alleged lack of independent investigation are very strong on the ground,” says Miller, noting a “boycott” by Jayapura media.
“Local journalists boycotting police stories sends a powerful message to the international community: human rights are breaking apart in a vital region worth many billions to Indonesia and the global economy.”
PFF members strongly support the right of West Papua media to protest alleged cause of death in their colleagues disappearance, as well as express concerns over threats against news media and others.
“This is freedom of speech, plain and simple” says Miller.-- ENDS
Country background:
“West Papua” is common media reference to distinguish the Indonesian province from Papua New Guinea, the other half of this large Melanesian island. Now officially known as “Papua”, the western half was changed from West New Guinea (1962–63), West Irian (1963–73), Irian Jaya (1973–2001), and Papua (2002–2003). Districts within Papua are also routinely redrawn and renamed by Indonesian authorities.
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
“Indonesia needs to see these deaths as a wake up call,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.
In particular, PFF joins international groups like the International Federation of Journalists, Reporters Sans Frontiers, and UNESCO in condemning the deaths and calling for investigations by Jakarta.
"Indonesia's government must ensure enough resources are given to independently investigate recent deaths of the three journalists in West Papua and Maluku," says Laumaea, based in Papua New Guinea.
Deaths of environmental journalists Ardiansyah Matra’is and Muhammad Syaifulla in Papua were followed by that of TV reporter, Ridwan Salamun after filming a confrontation between villagers in Maluku.
PFF says the deaths cannot be treated as singular events.
They take place against a background of decades of extensively documented human rights abuses in Indonesia, where Papua journalists have received numerous death threats for uncovering illegal logging, mining and environmental destruction.
From Pagopago, co-chair Monica Miller says PFF members “join our colleagues and cousins in west Papua in their sadness and loss.”
“All three deaths are the more serious, stemming from their professional duties with the first two receiving multiple death threats,” she says.
“Concerns over an alleged lack of independent investigation are very strong on the ground,” says Miller, noting a “boycott” by Jayapura media.
“Local journalists boycotting police stories sends a powerful message to the international community: human rights are breaking apart in a vital region worth many billions to Indonesia and the global economy.”
PFF members strongly support the right of West Papua media to protest alleged cause of death in their colleagues disappearance, as well as express concerns over threats against news media and others.
“This is freedom of speech, plain and simple” says Miller.-- ENDS
Country background:
“West Papua” is common media reference to distinguish the Indonesian province from Papua New Guinea, the other half of this large Melanesian island. Now officially known as “Papua”, the western half was changed from West New Guinea (1962–63), West Irian (1963–73), Irian Jaya (1973–2001), and Papua (2002–2003). Districts within Papua are also routinely redrawn and renamed by Indonesian authorities.
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Thursday 12 August 2010
PFF welcomes engagement with new Pacific media body
The launch of a new Pacific media body this week has been welcomed by regional media freedom watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum. The Pacific Media Association, or PacMA, features former PINA executive members and media freedom awardees in its new leadership, who launched PacMA this week in Samoa after hosting their inaugural meeting.
"The work of promoting, monitoring and reporting media freedom requires many hands," says PFF Chair, Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea, "and the PFF operates as an online network with a specific focus on media freedom alerts and advocacy of UNDHR Article 19. The broader context of training and promotion of standards and ethics by more regional colleaguesis more than welcome."
"We stand by ready to engage and partner with Pacific news leaders who are already involved with the Pacific Freedom Forum," he says. "Through our shared goals, membership and resources, the task of networking, monitoring and reporting threats to a free media can be better shared by more media workers."
The PFF Chair has confirmed a partnership on monitoring media freedom is to be formally offered to the new regional association. The same partnership offer to assist and build on monitoring threats amongst the Pacific countries has been sitting without a reply from the PINA executive for more than a year. Hints of high-level political support for a Samoa-based regional body followed the departure from PINA of the Vice-President John Woods, in July 2010.
"It's heartening to see the support shown the inaugural commendation of the regional organisation by Samoa's Prime Minister and leaders of development corps. It speaks well of the recognition of the link between media standards, governance work, and thriving democracies," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
"The establishment of PacMA reiterates the sense of solidarity amongst Pacific media which PFF strives to support through its own monitoring work. The recent announcement by the IFJ of its Pacific Media and Human Rights monitoring project also adds to the signs that monitoring and reporting of press freedom violations in the Pacific is stepping up to the next level. And Pacific media practitioners must be the ones taking it there."--ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
"The work of promoting, monitoring and reporting media freedom requires many hands," says PFF Chair, Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea, "and the PFF operates as an online network with a specific focus on media freedom alerts and advocacy of UNDHR Article 19. The broader context of training and promotion of standards and ethics by more regional colleaguesis more than welcome."
"We stand by ready to engage and partner with Pacific news leaders who are already involved with the Pacific Freedom Forum," he says. "Through our shared goals, membership and resources, the task of networking, monitoring and reporting threats to a free media can be better shared by more media workers."
The PFF Chair has confirmed a partnership on monitoring media freedom is to be formally offered to the new regional association. The same partnership offer to assist and build on monitoring threats amongst the Pacific countries has been sitting without a reply from the PINA executive for more than a year. Hints of high-level political support for a Samoa-based regional body followed the departure from PINA of the Vice-President John Woods, in July 2010.
"It's heartening to see the support shown the inaugural commendation of the regional organisation by Samoa's Prime Minister and leaders of development corps. It speaks well of the recognition of the link between media standards, governance work, and thriving democracies," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
"The establishment of PacMA reiterates the sense of solidarity amongst Pacific media which PFF strives to support through its own monitoring work. The recent announcement by the IFJ of its Pacific Media and Human Rights monitoring project also adds to the signs that monitoring and reporting of press freedom violations in the Pacific is stepping up to the next level. And Pacific media practitioners must be the ones taking it there."--ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
. . .
Tuesday 3 August 2010
PFF urges PINA to return to its mandate and withdraw from Fiji Media Decree body
Regional media freedom watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum are urging the Pacific Islands News Association to return to the mandate of supporting a free media; and withdrawing from any involvement with Fiji's new Media Industry Development Authority, MIDA. The Authority is a key part of the Fiji regime's Media Decree.
"The announcement this week of the appointment of PINA Coordinator Matai Akauola as the Fiji media representative to the regime's MIDA has shocked and dismayed colleagues who feel PINA's founding commitment to media freedom for the Pacific community has been betrayed," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"As coordinator of a regional association whose key objective is promotion of freedom of expression and information, Akauola now faces the difficult task of choosing his regional appointment or his regime one," he says.
"It is painfully clear that his usual stance of 'engagement from within' to explain PINA's silence on Fiji has now reached the point where wearing the regime hat means he can't effectively wear the media freedom one."
Confirmation of appointments came from regime information channels and not via PINA. It's understood the decision to accept the appointment was an executive one and has yet to be formally shared with all PINA members.
"We sympathise with the difficulty and complexity of the Fiji situation, but remain duty-bound to our colleagues in Fiji and the Pacific to raise the alarm on the appalling lack of judgement by someone who has just renewed a full time contract position to uphold regional values on media freedom and standards. We encourage the full PINA membership to call for a review of this decision by their Coordinator," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa.
"PFF is not disputing the issue of the Media Industry Development Authority members from Fiji. We note that a former employee of the University of the South Pacific, a regional agency, is chairing the MIDA. But Akauola is currently a regional servant of an organisation whose mandate is to resist threats to media freedom, not welcome them", says the former PINA President.
"PINA and PFF are the only Pacific-specific members of the Global freedom of expression body, IFEX. The decision by the PINA coordinator to accept the regime appointment not only shames the body he is employed by, but calls PINA's membership of IFEX into question." --ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
"The announcement this week of the appointment of PINA Coordinator Matai Akauola as the Fiji media representative to the regime's MIDA has shocked and dismayed colleagues who feel PINA's founding commitment to media freedom for the Pacific community has been betrayed," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"As coordinator of a regional association whose key objective is promotion of freedom of expression and information, Akauola now faces the difficult task of choosing his regional appointment or his regime one," he says.
"It is painfully clear that his usual stance of 'engagement from within' to explain PINA's silence on Fiji has now reached the point where wearing the regime hat means he can't effectively wear the media freedom one."
Confirmation of appointments came from regime information channels and not via PINA. It's understood the decision to accept the appointment was an executive one and has yet to be formally shared with all PINA members.
"We sympathise with the difficulty and complexity of the Fiji situation, but remain duty-bound to our colleagues in Fiji and the Pacific to raise the alarm on the appalling lack of judgement by someone who has just renewed a full time contract position to uphold regional values on media freedom and standards. We encourage the full PINA membership to call for a review of this decision by their Coordinator," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa.
"PFF is not disputing the issue of the Media Industry Development Authority members from Fiji. We note that a former employee of the University of the South Pacific, a regional agency, is chairing the MIDA. But Akauola is currently a regional servant of an organisation whose mandate is to resist threats to media freedom, not welcome them", says the former PINA President.
"PINA and PFF are the only Pacific-specific members of the Global freedom of expression body, IFEX. The decision by the PINA coordinator to accept the regime appointment not only shames the body he is employed by, but calls PINA's membership of IFEX into question." --ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Monday 2 August 2010
Fiji: PFF calls for clarity over 'police questioning' of journalists
The overnight detention of Fiji journalist Richard Naidu over a news story on the FijiLive website is stirring concern over the continuing campaign of intimidation and fear against Fiji's journalists says the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
Police confirmed Naidu was taken into custody on Friday 30 July, after the FijiLive site where he serves as News Editor ran a story stating Fiji's military head of the Police Esala Teleni, had been suspended. A government release on Monday 2 August, hours after the FijiLive site returned from a weekend of going offline, stepped out its version of why the two events were unrelated. But PFF remains concerned over the signals sent out by the process of 'police questioning' and its implications for Fiji's journalists.
"If Police are going to use up their taxpayer-funded time questioning journalists overnight for every error of fact that is published, surely the public has a right to demand more clarity on the efficiency and priorities of their public officials," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"We call on the regime to make public the reasons and the rules which govern the continued impromptu detainment of journalists for Police questioning. It's a human rights issue, and will help Police better understand their own responsibility to uphold professional integrity."
"In the news and information industry, it's impossible to get it right, all the time. Standard practice is that we say'sorry' when we get it wrong, run a correction, and learn from it," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa.
"We hope the regime who replaced the former Public Emergency Regulations with the new Media Decree will be open to ensuring their own officials understand that the PER is over -- and that a media-led process for raising concerns and running corrections already exists."--ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Police confirmed Naidu was taken into custody on Friday 30 July, after the FijiLive site where he serves as News Editor ran a story stating Fiji's military head of the Police Esala Teleni, had been suspended. A government release on Monday 2 August, hours after the FijiLive site returned from a weekend of going offline, stepped out its version of why the two events were unrelated. But PFF remains concerned over the signals sent out by the process of 'police questioning' and its implications for Fiji's journalists.
"If Police are going to use up their taxpayer-funded time questioning journalists overnight for every error of fact that is published, surely the public has a right to demand more clarity on the efficiency and priorities of their public officials," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"We call on the regime to make public the reasons and the rules which govern the continued impromptu detainment of journalists for Police questioning. It's a human rights issue, and will help Police better understand their own responsibility to uphold professional integrity."
"In the news and information industry, it's impossible to get it right, all the time. Standard practice is that we say'sorry' when we get it wrong, run a correction, and learn from it," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa.
"We hope the regime who replaced the former Public Emergency Regulations with the new Media Decree will be open to ensuring their own officials understand that the PER is over -- and that a media-led process for raising concerns and running corrections already exists."--ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Media freedom threatened in Tonga as elections loom
Any plans for removing Tonga's constitutional protection of a free media must be exposed and fully discussed in public, says the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF.
The regional media freedom online network says the historical and political back-story to comments on TV Tonga last week by Information and Communications Minister 'Eseta Fusitu'a must be fully reported to Tonga's people as they gear up for historical elections later this year.
"The Minister's mention of plans to legislate controls of Tonga's print media industry to match a government-regulated broadcast environment must be fully exposed and debated by the people of Tonga in a free and open media environment," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Making these plans in the context of impending elections in Tonga directly contradicts the spirit of democratic freedom for voters in the Kingdom because it takes away press freedom, which is an essential indicator of thriving democracies," says Laumaea.
"The Justice Minister has reportedly denied that media controls through Constitutional amendment are being looked at. We urge the Tongan authorities to clarify which position is being acted on and engage directly with the Tonga Media Association for an open and honest dialogue to address concerns from both sides of the debate."
Under current legislation in Tonga, the government controls the broadcast environment including content. Attempts to enforce similar controls over the print media with similar laws introduced in 2003 were tested when media publishers took their case to the Supreme Court -- and won.
"The lessons from that experience surely resonate for Tonga and other Pacific nations. Any attempts to tamper with the Constitutional protection for a free press, which the Supreme court based its decision upon, should be worrying for all media outlets and the audiences who depend on them," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
"On the positive side, the current situation allows Tonga's government to initiate and prepare to listen to public discussion and debate on what media freedom and free speech means to Tongan journalists and their audiences. We all need to know more could all benefit from more understanding about media ethics and laws that already govern slander and defamation. In Tonga's case, with the elections coming up, it's important that political and media leaders get to the same page where a free media reporting without fear or favour means the voices of Tonga's people can better feed into the dream of democracy they are working towards."--ENDS
Note: Read Clause 7 of the Tonga Constitution guaranteeing media freedom and free speech in Tonga
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
The regional media freedom online network says the historical and political back-story to comments on TV Tonga last week by Information and Communications Minister 'Eseta Fusitu'a must be fully reported to Tonga's people as they gear up for historical elections later this year.
"The Minister's mention of plans to legislate controls of Tonga's print media industry to match a government-regulated broadcast environment must be fully exposed and debated by the people of Tonga in a free and open media environment," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Worldwide, Government control over press freedom in the name of 'sensitivity' and 'responsibility' always translates into shutting down debate on the issues that matter most to citizens -- and restricts them of their universal human right to freedom of expression,"he says.
"Making these plans in the context of impending elections in Tonga directly contradicts the spirit of democratic freedom for voters in the Kingdom because it takes away press freedom, which is an essential indicator of thriving democracies," says Laumaea.
"The Justice Minister has reportedly denied that media controls through Constitutional amendment are being looked at. We urge the Tongan authorities to clarify which position is being acted on and engage directly with the Tonga Media Association for an open and honest dialogue to address concerns from both sides of the debate."
Under current legislation in Tonga, the government controls the broadcast environment including content. Attempts to enforce similar controls over the print media with similar laws introduced in 2003 were tested when media publishers took their case to the Supreme Court -- and won.
"The lessons from that experience surely resonate for Tonga and other Pacific nations. Any attempts to tamper with the Constitutional protection for a free press, which the Supreme court based its decision upon, should be worrying for all media outlets and the audiences who depend on them," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
"On the positive side, the current situation allows Tonga's government to initiate and prepare to listen to public discussion and debate on what media freedom and free speech means to Tongan journalists and their audiences. We all need to know more could all benefit from more understanding about media ethics and laws that already govern slander and defamation. In Tonga's case, with the elections coming up, it's important that political and media leaders get to the same page where a free media reporting without fear or favour means the voices of Tonga's people can better feed into the dream of democracy they are working towards."--ENDS
Note: Read Clause 7 of the Tonga Constitution guaranteeing media freedom and free speech in Tonga
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Media by decree robs Fiji of the right to free and fearless journalism: PFF
Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS-- Legislation of new and sweeping controls over journalists and the media industry by the military regime governing Fiji deepens the loss of free speech and fearless public debate there, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"Sadly, the new Media Industry Development decree confirms the regime targeting of anyone raising a hand for transparency and the rule of law since Fiji's constitution was replaced by a Public Emergency Regulation and military decree in April 2009," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
The decree legislates registration of all media outlets with a regime-endorsed 'authority' given sweeping powers to protect the national and public interests, including searching premises and seizure of equipment and documents, to court-imposed fines or imprisonment for journalists who fail to divulge sources if required in the 'national' interest to do so.
"While there are exceptions, the punitive language of enforcement against media outlets and journalists who refuse to cooperate takes away from any benefits the decree drafters had in mind. If anything, it will grow a pervasive atmosphere of self-censorship where misinformation and rumour will thrive," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
Restrictions on foreign investment in media mean the Fiji Times, one of the oldest media operators in the world, now has 90 days to turn a business that has existed for some 90 years over to 90 percent local ownership, or close down. Media convergence; the buzzword for industry development especially with digital and online news media, will also be an issue in Fiji affecting newer cross media operators who want to make the most of new media technologies to grow audience reach.
"Applying the 10% or less shareholding restriction on foreign ownership would collapse the Fiji investment industry if applied as a national policy and raises questions on the industry development label in the decree."
"We acknowledge our Fiji media and other colleagues who continue to uphold the founding principle to journalism: the universal human right to free speech and expression of ideas. We stand in solidarity with them at this time and continue to be part of the global watch on the continued stifling of democracy and a free media there."
ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
"Sadly, the new Media Industry Development decree confirms the regime targeting of anyone raising a hand for transparency and the rule of law since Fiji's constitution was replaced by a Public Emergency Regulation and military decree in April 2009," says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"Clauses on inclusion of women and children, conduct and media standards, are window dressing. These critical issues are already a central core of journalism training and media council work. Most of the decree reveals it is really about doing away with watchdogs. It will now monitor and control who says what in Fiji's media through a new structure that is going to cost money, even as the decree will take its toll on media sector investment," he says.
The decree legislates registration of all media outlets with a regime-endorsed 'authority' given sweeping powers to protect the national and public interests, including searching premises and seizure of equipment and documents, to court-imposed fines or imprisonment for journalists who fail to divulge sources if required in the 'national' interest to do so.
"While there are exceptions, the punitive language of enforcement against media outlets and journalists who refuse to cooperate takes away from any benefits the decree drafters had in mind. If anything, it will grow a pervasive atmosphere of self-censorship where misinformation and rumour will thrive," says PFF co-chair Monica Miller, of American Samoa.
Restrictions on foreign investment in media mean the Fiji Times, one of the oldest media operators in the world, now has 90 days to turn a business that has existed for some 90 years over to 90 percent local ownership, or close down. Media convergence; the buzzword for industry development especially with digital and online news media, will also be an issue in Fiji affecting newer cross media operators who want to make the most of new media technologies to grow audience reach.
"Applying the 10% or less shareholding restriction on foreign ownership would collapse the Fiji investment industry if applied as a national policy and raises questions on the industry development label in the decree."
"We acknowledge our Fiji media and other colleagues who continue to uphold the founding principle to journalism: the universal human right to free speech and expression of ideas. We stand in solidarity with them at this time and continue to be part of the global watch on the continued stifling of democracy and a free media there."
ENDS
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Sunday 2 May 2010
WPFD 2010 statement: Pacific Freedom Forum
PFF applauds ex-Tonga Attorney-General, calls on stronger Pacific governance through action on Freedom of Information
PACIFIC FREEDOM FORUM
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY MAY 3 2010
Brisbane, WPFD 2010: As Chilean journalist Monica Gonzalez Mujica is officially recognised as the 2010 recipient of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize today, the Pacific Freedom Forum applaud and honour the integrity of the former Tonga Attorney General John Cauchi, who this week publicly resigned his post in protest at the interference of Tonga's government in the judiciary.
"In resigning and stating his reasons for doing so, the Tonga AG has effectively blown the whistle on Pacific leaders who say one thing to their people and try to subvert a process which must be above political interfence and control. We commend him for using his right to go public on the shameful lack of good governance and transparency which this has uncovered," says PFF Chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"This year's global theme of Freedom of Information is timely for Pacific governments, not just media colleagues and our audiences. PFF remains committed to advocacy work to build bridges of understanding with our Pacific leaders on the positive impact of FOI legislation," says Laumaea.
Laumaea and other members of the PFF are in Brisbane at the University of Queensland this week joining the global commemorations of World Press Freedom Day 2010.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova will formally present the 2010 award to Gonzalez Mujica in a special ceremony this evening. Assistant Director-General Abdul Waheed Khan, who leads UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector, head of the UNESCO office for the Pacific Visesio Pongi and the office's Communications and Information Adviser Paul Hector are also among those attending the meeting.
Pacific representation to panel events organised by the hosts at the University of Queensland has highlighted threats to free speech and freedom of information across the Pacific.
Continued media censorship in Fiji, anti-transparency legislation cutting back Ombudsman powers to implement the Leadership Code of ethical practice in Papua New Guinea, and legislation aimed at hampering free media in Samoa were among the issues which Pacific journalists have heard from regional speakers.
Transparency International head Marie Noelle Ferriux-Patterson described the chilling implications of the lack of accountability and culture of impunity over attacks on media in Vanuatu.
"These kinds of actions by leaders directly contradict commitments made under national, regional and global agreements, including signed support for freedom of information", says PFF co-chair Monica Miller.
PFF urges all governments to:
i. Step up legislative commitments to and implementation of FOI in the Pacific
ii.Independently review all media, defamation and accountability legislation in Pacific nations so that the aims of good governance are met.
iii. Foster bridges of understanding on the role of the media in assisting FOI work as a critical part of thriving democracies in our Pacific world. --ENDS.
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
PACIFIC FREEDOM FORUM
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY MAY 3 2010
Brisbane, WPFD 2010: As Chilean journalist Monica Gonzalez Mujica is officially recognised as the 2010 recipient of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize today, the Pacific Freedom Forum applaud and honour the integrity of the former Tonga Attorney General John Cauchi, who this week publicly resigned his post in protest at the interference of Tonga's government in the judiciary.
"In resigning and stating his reasons for doing so, the Tonga AG has effectively blown the whistle on Pacific leaders who say one thing to their people and try to subvert a process which must be above political interfence and control. We commend him for using his right to go public on the shameful lack of good governance and transparency which this has uncovered," says PFF Chair Susuve Laumaea of Papua New Guinea.
"This year's global theme of Freedom of Information is timely for Pacific governments, not just media colleagues and our audiences. PFF remains committed to advocacy work to build bridges of understanding with our Pacific leaders on the positive impact of FOI legislation," says Laumaea.
Laumaea and other members of the PFF are in Brisbane at the University of Queensland this week joining the global commemorations of World Press Freedom Day 2010.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova will formally present the 2010 award to Gonzalez Mujica in a special ceremony this evening. Assistant Director-General Abdul Waheed Khan, who leads UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector, head of the UNESCO office for the Pacific Visesio Pongi and the office's Communications and Information Adviser Paul Hector are also among those attending the meeting.
Pacific representation to panel events organised by the hosts at the University of Queensland has highlighted threats to free speech and freedom of information across the Pacific.
Continued media censorship in Fiji, anti-transparency legislation cutting back Ombudsman powers to implement the Leadership Code of ethical practice in Papua New Guinea, and legislation aimed at hampering free media in Samoa were among the issues which Pacific journalists have heard from regional speakers.
Transparency International head Marie Noelle Ferriux-Patterson described the chilling implications of the lack of accountability and culture of impunity over attacks on media in Vanuatu.
"These kinds of actions by leaders directly contradict commitments made under national, regional and global agreements, including signed support for freedom of information", says PFF co-chair Monica Miller.
PFF urges all governments to:
i. Step up legislative commitments to and implementation of FOI in the Pacific
ii.Independently review all media, defamation and accountability legislation in Pacific nations so that the aims of good governance are met.
iii. Foster bridges of understanding on the role of the media in assisting FOI work as a critical part of thriving democracies in our Pacific world. --ENDS.
CONTACT: PFF interim Chair Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com PFF interim co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Pacific media freedom soup: HIV/AIDS, media regionalism, and the right to know
Below is the text of a statement given on Sunday 2 May in Brisbane at the University of Queensland by Lisa Williams-Lahari, founding member and Projects leader of Pacific WAVE (Women Advancing a Vision of Empowerment) Media Network. Her presentation followed that of PNG’s Susuve Laumaea, Chair of the Pacific Freedom Forum. Fiji's Sophie Foster, of the Fiji Times, Samoa’s Savea Sano Malifa of the SONG (Samoa Observer Newspaper Group) and Vanuatu’s Marie-Noelle Ferrieux-Patterson, former Ombuds and President for TI (Transparency International) in Vanuatu also featured on the afternoon panel.
***
Kia Orana tatou katoatoa it e aroa maata o to tatou Atua, Talofa lava, I bid you warm Pacific greetings. This week last year, the inaugural meeting of a regional media freedom watchdog group, the Pacific Freedom Forum, was happening in Samoa. 12 months later, to the exact week, we are witnessing the inaugural meeting of a regional network of women in Pacific media, called WAVE. We have delegates from both groups here at this event, one a regional media freedom monitoring and advocacy body – the other a newly confirmed network of women working in news and media in the Pacific region. Together, both groups form a constituency of almost 400 online members spread across the Oceania region’s 22 countries and 9million people – not forgetting many millions of square kilometres of saltwater in all that. So we are excited to affirm our place at this key event.
I’m going to dive in to the overall theme of this session with an invitation to have some media freedom soup with me.
***
Kia Orana tatou katoatoa it e aroa maata o to tatou Atua, Talofa lava, I bid you warm Pacific greetings. This week last year, the inaugural meeting of a regional media freedom watchdog group, the Pacific Freedom Forum, was happening in Samoa. 12 months later, to the exact week, we are witnessing the inaugural meeting of a regional network of women in Pacific media, called WAVE. We have delegates from both groups here at this event, one a regional media freedom monitoring and advocacy body – the other a newly confirmed network of women working in news and media in the Pacific region. Together, both groups form a constituency of almost 400 online members spread across the Oceania region’s 22 countries and 9million people – not forgetting many millions of square kilometres of saltwater in all that. So we are excited to affirm our place at this key event.
I’m going to dive in to the overall theme of this session with an invitation to have some media freedom soup with me.
Thursday 8 April 2010
Death by decree for media freedom in Fiji, says PFF
Rarotonga, Cook Islands -- A decree aimed at replacing censorship and human rights restrictions in Fiji will deal a death-blow to freedoms of speech if not changed, says regional watchdog PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum.
“The draft decree replaces newsroom censorship with something far more obvious and dangerous,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
“Our only hope is that media feedback into the so-called 'consultations' this week is seriously taken into account and impacts on the final form of the decree,” he says.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller says regional agencies and development partners involved in human rights and media development must not stay silent on the repression in Fiji.
“Fiji is a hub for regional agencies involved in human rights and freedom of information work. They can all do their part to leave the regime and other Pacific nations in no doubt about the massive impacts on human rights and governance of this media decree.”
“Openly or not, development partners must support all parts of Fiji media and other elements of society who believe free speech and freedom of expression are essential conditions of progressive governance.”
“As well, concerns from the Fiji Times on economic impacts of the media decree can hardly be surprising,” says Miller.
“It’s not rocket science. Restrictions on investment potential via foreign ownership, coupled with exhorbitant fines for those who upset the regime-controlled media authority, puts the livelihoods of working journalists and their families at risk.”--ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
“The draft decree replaces newsroom censorship with something far more obvious and dangerous,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
“Saying censorship will no longer exist is misleading, because with this decree there isn’t a need for newsroom censors. Overly heavy fines and punishments thrown at those who don’t tow an arbitrary line will mean no independent newsrooms to censor.“The entire media system will only say what the regime wants to hear,” says Laumaea.
“Our only hope is that media feedback into the so-called 'consultations' this week is seriously taken into account and impacts on the final form of the decree,” he says.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller says regional agencies and development partners involved in human rights and media development must not stay silent on the repression in Fiji.
“Fiji is a hub for regional agencies involved in human rights and freedom of information work. They can all do their part to leave the regime and other Pacific nations in no doubt about the massive impacts on human rights and governance of this media decree.”
“Openly or not, development partners must support all parts of Fiji media and other elements of society who believe free speech and freedom of expression are essential conditions of progressive governance.”
“As well, concerns from the Fiji Times on economic impacts of the media decree can hardly be surprising,” says Miller.
“It’s not rocket science. Restrictions on investment potential via foreign ownership, coupled with exhorbitant fines for those who upset the regime-controlled media authority, puts the livelihoods of working journalists and their families at risk.”--ENDS
CONTACT:
PFF interim Chair
Susuve Laumaea | Sunday Chronicle Newspaper | Papua New Guinea
Mobile: 675-684 5168 | Office: 675-321-7040 | Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
PFF interim co-Chair
Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa
Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media.
We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
FIJI: Regime must open up time window on draft media decree -- PFF
Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS, --A two and a half hour time window for Fiji's media to have their say on their industry's future threatens the credibility of today's draft media decree 'consultations'. Regional media freedom watchdog, the Pacific Freedom Forum says it's not too late for those behind the decree to allow more time for feedback.
“We had seen a sign of hope when the regime lifted its ban on allowing the Fiji Times and Fiji TV to participate,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of PNG.
The draft media decree is planned to replace regime controls on freedom of speech , expression and the right to assembly in Fiji since the abrogation of the Constitution a year ago this month.
Interim Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told journalists the decree draft establishes a Media Industry Development Authority , an ‘independent’ Media Tribunal with the power to rule on breaches, a Television Programme Classification Code , provisions pertaining to cross-media ownership, a media code of standards including a Code of Ethics and Practice, and a General code of practice for Advertisements including advertising to children.
“We had seen a sign of hope when the regime lifted its ban on allowing the Fiji Times and Fiji TV to participate,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea of PNG.
“But a two and a half hour time frame shoots your own process in the foot. It blocks off any meaningful input and raises the question of whether Fiji media houses should even bother to turn up. If you cannot truly participate and belong to a meeting to discuss your future, who really benefits from you being there?”“We strongly urge the leadership to open up the time window for feedback and salvage the process from ridicule.”
The draft media decree is planned to replace regime controls on freedom of speech , expression and the right to assembly in Fiji since the abrogation of the Constitution a year ago this month.
Interim Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told journalists the decree draft establishes a Media Industry Development Authority , an ‘independent’ Media Tribunal with the power to rule on breaches, a Television Programme Classification Code , provisions pertaining to cross-media ownership, a media code of standards including a Code of Ethics and Practice, and a General code of practice for Advertisements including advertising to children.
Monday 5 April 2010
Tonga’s leaders must step up on disclosure over Ashika report: PFF
Rarotonga, Cook Islands— Tonga’s Minister of Information and Communications Eseta Fusitua should consider a sincere apology to grieving families over her botched handling of the release of the official report into the Ashika Tragedy. 74 passengers, including all the women and children passengers, died when the ferry sank off the coast of Tongatapu on August 5, 2009.
According to news reports, Fusitua called a pre-Easter Press Conference to discuss the much awaited findings. Instead she used the time to talk about a set of ‘protocols’ which means Tongans won’t get the report via official channels until after Easter, late this week or early next. Ironically, as she was holding back her copy from Tongan journalists, they had already joined the rest of the world downloading the report from the internet.
“Any high-level Pacific leader holding the communications and information portfolio should have sought advice on how to best proceed with a report of this magnitude, and the overwhelming level of public interest in the results.
“This was a preventable maritime tragedy, and has repercussions for Tonga’s elected and appointed leadership. A process which leaves itself open to failure because everyone with an interest and an internet connection already has the report is hardly effective. It fosters a perception that government is acting in its own self-interest and delaying its own response and public discussion.”
According to news reports, Fusitua called a pre-Easter Press Conference to discuss the much awaited findings. Instead she used the time to talk about a set of ‘protocols’ which means Tongans won’t get the report via official channels until after Easter, late this week or early next. Ironically, as she was holding back her copy from Tongan journalists, they had already joined the rest of the world downloading the report from the internet.
“Any high-level Pacific leader holding the communications and information portfolio should have sought advice on how to best proceed with a report of this magnitude, and the overwhelming level of public interest in the results.
Sadly, we’ve just witnessed another avoidable sadness for the families of those who died. These people have just spent their first Easter without their loved ones, their lives still on hold despite the closure this report now offers them,”says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea.
“This was a preventable maritime tragedy, and has repercussions for Tonga’s elected and appointed leadership. A process which leaves itself open to failure because everyone with an interest and an internet connection already has the report is hardly effective. It fosters a perception that government is acting in its own self-interest and delaying its own response and public discussion.”
Thursday 1 April 2010
Fiji: PFF welcomes regime lifting of media ban, calls for open dialogue
Removal of a ban on the two biggest media organisations in Fiji from taking part in regime-led consultations affecting the future of media and censorship there is welcome news, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
It is almost a year since the abrogation of the Fiji Constitution last April in a move which undermined free speech, free expression and the right to freedom of assembly. Interim attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, told Fiji's media it has been decided to drop a ban involving key media outlets the Fiji Times and Fiji TV in discussions over a proposed media decree. The lifting of the ban now gives the two outlets just over a week to read the proposed decree and prepare their inputs for tabling during the consultations.
"It's early days yet, but removal of the ban is the first sign of progress towards direct conversations between the regime and all media organisations in Fiji,"says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea, of Papua New Guinea.
It is almost a year since the abrogation of the Fiji Constitution last April in a move which undermined free speech, free expression and the right to freedom of assembly. Interim attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, told Fiji's media it has been decided to drop a ban involving key media outlets the Fiji Times and Fiji TV in discussions over a proposed media decree. The lifting of the ban now gives the two outlets just over a week to read the proposed decree and prepare their inputs for tabling during the consultations.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
NZ: State Radio and TV funding cuts threaten regional security
New Zealand needs to review strategic importance of public broadcasting before forcing further cuts to already depleted news services, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
"Failure to support state radio and television threatens New Zealand's ability to help maintain regional security."
State-owned TVNZ this week announced plans to sack 75 newsroom workers for a planned savings of NZ$5 million.
"Losing more than six dozen news room workers from a single organisation will see New Zealand fall further behind other developed countries."
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Fiji Government misrepresents human rights record to UN: Amnesty International
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE , ISSUED UNDER STRICT EMBARGO 00:01 GMT Wednesday 10 February 2010--The Fiji Government has misrepresented its human rights record in a report to the United Nations, Amnesty International said today.
The government has submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of a formal review of the state of the country’s human rights scheduled for Thursday 11 February in Geneva.
Amnesty International disputes many of the claims made in the Fiji Government’s National Report, including assertions that religious freedom is enjoyed in Fiji; that the right to free speech is respected; and that the censorship of the media is a necessary security measure.
“Government assertions that human rights are protected in Fiji are an insult to its citizens, who have had to endure surveillance, intimidation and threats by the military,” said Apolosi Bose, Amnesty International’s Pacific Researcher.
The government has submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of a formal review of the state of the country’s human rights scheduled for Thursday 11 February in Geneva.
Amnesty International disputes many of the claims made in the Fiji Government’s National Report, including assertions that religious freedom is enjoyed in Fiji; that the right to free speech is respected; and that the censorship of the media is a necessary security measure.
“Government assertions that human rights are protected in Fiji are an insult to its citizens, who have had to endure surveillance, intimidation and threats by the military,” said Apolosi Bose, Amnesty International’s Pacific Researcher.
Tuesday 26 January 2010
PFF on Fiji: Free speech, expression clampdown continues with Jalal case
Wednesday 27 January:
The court appearance this week of a leading Pacific human rights lawyer and trainer continues the clampdown against free speech advocates in Fiji, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Leading Pacific human rights trainer Imrana Jalal (left) is due to reappear in court tomorrow Thursday 28 January to continue hearings on the case brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Jalal told Australia and New Zealand media earlier this month (links at end ) the court proceedings are a 'trumped up' attempt to silence her and other regime critics.
She has spoken out in support of human rights and democracy in Fiji since the current regime staged its coup at the end of 2006.
The initial hearing in early January, on similar charges against her husband Sakiusa Tuisolia, had been adjourned after the magistrate involved had questioned why FICAC wanted to pursue the issue of a minor city council infringement.
The magistrate, Mary Muir, was sacked two days later.
No explanation has been given as to why she and two other magistrates were terminated.
“Every Pacific nation with a news outlet boasts a journalist who has heard of, interviewed, or been trained in media, governance and human rights by Imrana Jalal,”says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea. “Her dedication and hard work has inspired and informed many of the founding members of the Pacific Freedom Forum and indeed, our regional umbrella, the Pacific Islands News Association, PINA.”
The court appearance this week of a leading Pacific human rights lawyer and trainer continues the clampdown against free speech advocates in Fiji, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.
Leading Pacific human rights trainer Imrana Jalal (left) is due to reappear in court tomorrow Thursday 28 January to continue hearings on the case brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Jalal told Australia and New Zealand media earlier this month (links at end ) the court proceedings are a 'trumped up' attempt to silence her and other regime critics.
She has spoken out in support of human rights and democracy in Fiji since the current regime staged its coup at the end of 2006.
The initial hearing in early January, on similar charges against her husband Sakiusa Tuisolia, had been adjourned after the magistrate involved had questioned why FICAC wanted to pursue the issue of a minor city council infringement.
The magistrate, Mary Muir, was sacked two days later.
No explanation has been given as to why she and two other magistrates were terminated.
“Every Pacific nation with a news outlet boasts a journalist who has heard of, interviewed, or been trained in media, governance and human rights by Imrana Jalal,”says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea. “Her dedication and hard work has inspired and informed many of the founding members of the Pacific Freedom Forum and indeed, our regional umbrella, the Pacific Islands News Association, PINA.”
Jalal, a regional public servant who travels the Pacific and worldwide as the Human Rights Adviser for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, had her passport seized on January 11.
A global outcry from Amnesty International and other human rights defender networks (see links below) has called on the Fiji authorities to stop the harassment of Jalal and other human rights defenders in Fiji.
PFF co-chair Monica Miller of American Samoa says it is “ironic that a Pacific light for freedom of expression and the rule of law is now proving to all of us through her own life what happens when these universal human rights go out the window. We honour her courage, her determination to denounce her oppressors in public, and her refusal to be silenced; and will continue to condemn the campaign of harassment, intimidation and fear being waged by a regime against citizens whose work is so important to an entire region, not just to Fiji.”
The Pacific Freedom Forum calls on the regime to:
Return the focus of FICAC to corruption in public office and prosecute within its mandate
Stop the harassment of human rights defenders in Fiji and return freedom of expression, movement and assembly for all
Revoke the media decree, remove military censors and give control of news content back to editors.Background | links
Fiji lawyer says prosecution meant to shut her up
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201001/2788431.htm?desktop
Fiji court orders ICJ lawyer to surrender passport
www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51335
Human rights lawyer charged, magistrate sacked
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51234
Amnesty International statement:
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/01/amnesty-condemns-downward-spiral-with-persecution-of-fiji-human-rights-lawyer/
Joint AWID/APWLD/WLUML statement:
http://www.awid.org/eng/Women-in-Action/Announcements2/Fiji-End-harassment-of-women-human-rights-defenders
PHOTOCREDIT: http://www.greenpeace.org/
. . .
Regional media watchdog repeat call on Fiji regime to drop the decree 'sham'.
January 25th, 2010-- Fiji’s military regime can save time, money and credibility by dropping plans to rehash a ‘media’ decree and doing away with the whole thing, says the Pacific Freedom Forum. Leading mainstream media outlets Fiji Times and Fiji Television have been banned from a “consultations” process on a new media decree expected to take effect next month, a move which renders the whole process “meaningless”, according to the Pacific Freedom Forum. “Let newsrooms do their own editing, not military censors,” says PFF chair Susuve Laumaea. “It is a new year, the chance for a new page. We say to the regime leaders: give your people back their right to free speech and freedom of assembly; and ditch the punitive decree agenda. It does your credibility no favours.”
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