Wednesday 9 September 2015

PNG media detention a diplomatic insult - PFF

 

. . .

10th September 2015
ARCHIVE UPDATE

. . .

 

Pacific press at the Forum meeting –passports returned after some were detained, including Islands Business Editor-in-Chief Samisoni Pareti, and PacNews Editor Makareta Komai, right. Photo / @PNGLoop


Rarotonga, Cook Islands
10th September 2015


Detention of seven Pacific journalists in Papua New Guinea is yet another diplomatic insult to the 4th Estate and needs urgent attention, says PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum.

"Members of the Pacific Islands Forum are notorious for hosting events that detain, sideline and obstruct news media from doing their jobs," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"This latest incident here in PNG sends an especially bad signal when the region is demanding open access to West Papua."

West Papua campaigner Benny Wenda was refused a visa and not allowed entry, despite earlier promises from Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

"This is a direct denial of freedom of access, movement, and speech on an issue that is the region's most urgent human rights concern," says Gabi. 

Pacific journalists arriving in Port Moresby for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting were detained by immigration authorities, had their passports taken, and were forced to pay $1,000 kina (US$360) visa fees before entry.

Gabi says the one good thing that came out of the latest incident was the quick action taken by PNG Foreign Affairs minister 

"We commend his decision to stage an inquiry into this incident and call on him to raise this issue with his regional counterparts."

Among those detained was senior Fiji journalist, Islands Business Editor Samisoni Pareti, who posted news of his detention on Facebook.

"Their treatment compares with colleagues from New Zealand and Australia who, as members of official parties to PNG, enjoy visa-free entry," says Gabi.

Treatment of the journalists in PNG raised deeper concerns for those coming from countries under the Melanesian Spearhead Group, which claims to allow visa free travel between members.

PFF Co-Chair Monica Miller says that Pacific journalists have also long raised the point that Australia and New Zealand also charge steep fees, for even transit visas.

"Oceania states cannot hope to benefit from regionalism if they keep denying media access to borders and sources," she says.

"Oceania governments need to encourage Pacific news media to take greater interest in regional affairs, not punish them," says Miller.

"Journalism is not a crime."

Detention of the seven Pacific journalists was headlined by island-focused media including Fiji Times, ABC in Australia, and New Zealand's second biggest news site, Stuff. 

The detention was also informally criticised by members of New Zealand's biggest journalism group, the unregistered Kiwi Journalists Association, just over 2,000 strong.

PFF is repeating an earlier call for Pacific governments to host a meeting with regional media to address these and other issues, following up on the successful 1990 convention in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. 

HEADLINES

Held Pacific journos freed

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=320917

PNG minister to investigate visa saga

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/283520/png-minister-to-investigate-visa-saga

Foreign journalists detained on arrival in Papua New Guinea; released without passports

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-05/foreign-journalists-detained-on-arrival-in-papua-new-guinea/6751886

Pacific journalists have passports confiscated on arrival in PNG for forum

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/71813749/pacific-journalists-have-passports-confiscated-on-arrival-in-png-for-forum

PNG blocks Benny Wenda’s visa bid again – open Pacific plea for West Papua

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/09/png-blocks-benny-wendas-visa-bid-again-open-pacific-protest-letter/

Forum chairs: West Papua will be given serious thought

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/283621/forum-chairs-west-papua-will-be-given-serious-thought

PNG Gavman ino laikim West Papua Lida long go long kantri

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/tokpisin/2015-09-07/png-gavman-ino-laikim-west-papua-lida-long-go-long-kantri/1490228

BACKGROUND

Permits still needed for Papua reporters

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/273387/permits-still-needed-for-papua-reporters

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.com

Thursday 16 July 2015

Fiji fine removal welcome step - PFF

For immediate release
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Thursday 16th July 2015:


Fiji journalists are no longer under threat of fines - but what about publishers, editors and the media companies they represent? Photo / Republika magazine



NEWS

Publishers, editors and media companies should be added to law amendments lifting criminal fines from journalists, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

“We welcome the law amendment removing fines from journalists as a sign that Fiji is finally turning back towards a free media environment,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

“This lives up to a 2010 roadmap to democracy outlining the need for legal reforms to build media freedoms.”

The law amendment to lift fines on journalists – but not publishers and editors – is a rare step in the right direction for Fiji, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

PFF joins the Fiji Media Association in welcoming the amendment and calling for more law changes.

PFF Co Chair Monica Miller says that media colleagues outside of Fiji are all too used to bad news from the regional centre.

“This marks a great change from decades of disappointment under a persistent coup culture.”

“The government is obviously treating its strong mandate as encouragement to allow greater freedoms, and we support more law reform in that direction.”

Miller said there was still a long way to go before the Fiji government lived up to expectations for a free and independent news media.

Publishers and editors decided what went into print and on the airwaves, not journalists, she says.

Retention of criminal fines for publishers and editors means there may be little change from a coup culture of self-censorship, says Miller.

A lack of accountability leaves Fiji vulnerable to continued corruption and instability.

As well as lift fines from journalists, the act also opens up pay TV to foreign ownership, provided it does not show ads from foreign governments, or non-governmental organisations and other agencies.



LINKS

A Bill For An Act To Amend The Media Industry Development Decree 2010 
http://www.parliament.gov.fj/getattachment/Parliament-Business/Bills/Bill-No-15-Media-Industry-Development-(Amendment)-(1).pdf.aspx

MIDA expects changes in reporting
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/31212/mida-expects-changes-in-reporting

Restrictive media practices
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=313717

Fiji media decree amendment may mean more freedom
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/278601/fiji-media-decree-amendment-may-mean-more-freedom

FMA welcomes lifting of fines on journalists
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/31073/fma-welcomes-lifting-of-fines-on-journalists

Fijian Media Association welcomes lifting of fines for journalists
http://www.loopfiji.com/content/fijian-media-association-welcomes-lifting-fines-journalists

Fiji 2010 roadmap to democracy
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/getattachment/Govt--Publications/Peoples-Charter/RSSED.pdf.aspx



CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com 

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com 

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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. 

. . .

Saturday 11 July 2015

Vanuatu needs more consultation on new media law - PFF


Immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Saturday, 11 July 2015

More control? After gaining power in a vote of no confidence last month, new Prime Minister Sato Kilman has identified new media laws as a priority, raising concerns about freedoms of speech.


NEWS

Vanuatu government leaders must consider giving more time for consultation on a proposed media law, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

“One week is nowhere near enough for proper consultation to take place on such important legislation,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

“Vanuatu should consider following the example set by countries like Samoa, where new media laws have been under consideration for more than two years.”

The new government of Sato Kilman has publicly stated that the new media law could be introduced as early as next week.

“Gaining power through a vote of no confidence does not give government the mandate from voters to potentially threaten their freedoms of speech.”

In his statement, Kilman attacked public comments on radio talkback shows and social media, accusing them of “inciting social anarchy, instability and disorder in the community”.

He also called on journalists to ensure that they had both sides of the story when reporting, including comment from government.

PFF Co Chair Monica Miller said that government could help achieve that goal by ensuring state broadcasters had proper funding.

“Pacific governments all too often cut back resources for national broadcasters while insisting on better standards.

“They also use advertising cut backs to try and control what is said in private media.”

This lack of consistency helped create the very instability that governments complain of, says Miller.

She says governments could help achieve consistency through building the independence of news media, including through editorial charters.


LINKS

Kilman plans media law to curb 'excessive liberty'

Media Association Blong Vanuatu on new media law

The Challenges To Media Freedom In Vanuatu

Opposition against mainstream media limits

Vanuatu media reacts to PM's comments on control

Transparency Vanuatu deny promoting political instability

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com 

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com 

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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 26 June 2015

PNG courts must reject order against protest - PFF

Immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Friday, 26 June 2015


A US$95 million loan from China to the government of Papua New Guinea has led to legal dispute over an interim court ban on public criticism. Photo via PNG Loop.

NEWS

Courts in Papua New Guinea must reject an order restraining public comment on a factory planned for Madang, says PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum.

“The courts have a constitutional duty to protect human rights,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

“A restraining order against public comment fails to recognise strong constitutional protection for freedoms of assembly and expression.”

The case involves action involving a US$95 million loan from China, for a factory promoted by the PNG government and subject to a restraining order against the 11 people visiting the site, organising meetings or speaking publicly against the project.

Gabi said it was highly unusual for media to comment directly on an interim court decision.

“Usually, media stand back and wait for the courts to make a decision.”

But the restraining order strays way outside the law, says Gabi.

PFF Co Chair Monica Miller says the restraining order could set a dangerous precedent for Pacific law if allowed to stand.

“Gagging citizens from speaking out about a project strikes to the heart of democratic rights.”

“Government in Papua New Guinea needs to urgently address this issue and promote public opinion, not suppress human rights.”

The 11 people under the restraining order have successfully applied for their case to be heard on July 21st next month.

The motion was agreed to by Judge David Canning, who issued the initial restraining order.

HEADLINES

Critics gagged as mega Madang tuna hub opposition heats up
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/png-critics-gagged-huge-madang-tuna-hub-local-opposition-hots-9321

Government Trying To Silence Critics Of Fish Processing Zone
http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/June/06-26-cm.htm

Umbrella companies anger over project
http://www.looppng.com/content/umbrella-companies-anger-over-project

Petition: Stop PMIZ
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/sites/default/files/file_bin/201506/Madang%20'fishy%20deal'%20petition%20June%202015.pdf

Facebook group: No PMIZ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/noPMIZ/

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com 

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com 

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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. 

. . .


Saturday 30 May 2015

Global coverage for Nauru letter


Headline in the Daily Mail newspaper. 
























For immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
30 May 2015

A letter cosigned by Pacific Freedom Forum has gone global.

Coverage of the letter against the partial internet lockdown in Nauru featured in media in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, as well as across the Pacific.

THE LETTER

His Excellency President Baron Waqa
Government of Nauru
cc: Hon. David Adeang, Minister for Justice
Hon. Lionel Aingimea, Secretary
Her Excellency Marlene Moses, Permanent Representative to the United Nations


Letter to the government of Nauru on internet blocking and free expression
26 May 2015

We, the undersigned, are members of free expression and human rights organizations based in the Pacific region and around the globe. We are writing in response to the government of Nauru’s decision to block certain services on the internet and to amend the criminal code to impose new penalties on expression.

On May 13, President Baron Waqa explained that the government had imposed a permanent block on sites that distribute "explicit, obscene and pornographic contents", and issued a temporary block on "other sites", including Facebook, in order to protect against abuse by malicious users. [1] The government ordered Digicel and other internet service providers on April 30 to impose the block.

However, the government did not state when the temporary block would end, and the government did not claim to be responding to any immediate threats to public safety or public order.

Internet blocking and filtering is a form of censorship. Indeed, earlier this month, UN and global human rights experts reiterated that shutting down entire parts of communications systems, including the filtering of content on the internet to silence certain perspectives or voices, can never be justified under international human rights law. [2], [3] Such restrictions affect the ability of all users on Nauru to seek, receive, and impart information.

We are also deeply troubled by the amendment of the Nauru criminal code under section 244A to include a new offense for anyone who makes a statement that “coerces, intimidates, harasses, or causes emotional distress to a person” if the statement is “likely to threaten national defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health.” [4] In penalizing such a wide variety of expression, the statute confers overbroad authority to impose jail sentences for speech without notice, chilling reporting by journalists or the media and public protest. This point was underscored by UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye in his statement on Nauru on 22 May 2015. [5]

Due to this blocking, Nauru is in danger of losing valuable opportunities for economic development.

The internet fosters innovation and access to knowledge, facilitates the transfer of funds, goods, and services, and provides robust social, economic, and cultural opportunities. In censoring content and obstructing the free flow of information, the government will deprive its citizens of the benefits that the internet offers.

The government of Nauru’s operation of a major immigration detention center brings an additional responsibility to uphold human rights — especially given that some of the detained asylum seekers are children.

Asylum seekers are a vulnerable group that receive protections under international law. Because asylum seekers are physically detained, the internet may serve as their primary means of communication. Internet services, including Facebook and other social media, help them communicate with family in other locations, a critical issue for resettlement and for providing evidence to receive refugee status. Restrictions on access may prevent detained asylum seekers from communicating with advocates and legal representatives who are trying to help them. Asylum seekers also must have the ability to speak about the conditions of their asylum, which could be penalized under section 244A.

We therefore urge the government of Nauru to:
● Repeal the new offense related to speech under section 244A of the Criminal Code
● Restore full access to the open, global internet
● Provide an adequate remedy for the blocking of internet services, in a form of compensation to be determined in consultation with those affected
● Acknowledge the benefits of access to the open internet and explore alternative ways to promote community values

We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter and we would like to arrange a meeting at your convenience.

We can be reached at deji@accessnow.org or by phone at +1 888 414 0100 x 708.

Signed,

Access, Electronic Frontiers Australia, Engage Media, GetUp!, Human Rights Watch, International Service For Human Rights, Pacific Freedom Forum, PEN International, PEN Melbourne, PEN Sydney, and Refugee Council of Australia.




[1] “Nauru President says Govt will protect women and children through internet blocks”, available at:
http://www.naurugov.nr/government­information­office/media­release/nauru­president­says­go
vt­will­protect­women­and­children­through­internet­blocks.aspx

[2] “Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue”, A/HRC/17/27, 16 May 2011, available at:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/17session/A.HRC.17.27_en.pdf, at paras
29­32.

[3] Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Responses to Conflict Situation, 4 May 2015, available at:
http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/37951/en/joint­declaration­on­freedom­of­exp
ression­and­responses­to­conflict­situation. For further explanation, see also
https://www.accessnow.org/blog/2015/05/04/internet­kill­switches­are­a­violation­of­human­rig
hts­law­declare­major­un.

[4] “Nauru asylum seekers could face jail for protesting conditions under new law”, The Guardian, 13 May 2015, available at:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/13/nauru­asylum­seekers­could­face­jail­for­prot
esting­conditions­under­new­law

[5] “UN rights expert urges Nauru to withdraw norms threatening freedom of expression”, 22 May 2015, available at:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=15995&LangID=E

MORE

Human rights groups condemn Nauru's criminalisation of political protest
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/28/human-rights-groups-condemn-naurus-criminalisation-of-political-protest

NGOs condemn Nauru's censorship
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/274770/ngos-condemn-nauru's-censorship

Rights groups submit open letter to Nauru over degrading freedom of speech
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/rights-groups-submit-open-letter-to-nauru-over-degrading-freedom-of-speech/1452284

UN slams Nauru for Facebook ban, stifling dissent
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3095705/UN-slams-Nauru-Facebook-ban-stifling-dissent.html

Nauru: PEN joins call for authorities to restore access to open, global internet
http://www.pen-international.org/newsitems/nauru-pen-joins-call-for-authorities-to-internet-blocking-and-free-expression/

Foreign policy compromised by asylum seeker solution
http://www.theage.com.au/comment/foreign-policy-compromised-by-asylum-seeker-solution-20150523-gh785s.html

Nauru: Restore internet freedom and respect freedom of expression and the rule of law 
http://www.ishr.ch/news/nauru-restore-internet-freedom-and-respect-freedom-expression-and-rule-law

Calls for greater internet access on Nauru
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/05/26/calls-greater-internet-access-nauru

Joint Letter to the government of Nauru on internet blocking and free expression
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/05/26/joint-letter-government-nauru-internet-blocking-and-free-expression

NGOs condemn Nauru censorship
http://www.cookislandsnews.com/regional/item/52014-pacific-briefs

Rights coalition to island nation of Nauru: the world is watching
https://www.accessnow.org/blog/2015/05/26/rights-coalition-to-island-nation-of-nauru-the-world-is-watching

CONTACTS 

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com 

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com 

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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 10 May 2015

Papua promise a win for press freedom - PFF



Indonesian President Joko Widodo shakes hands with one of five political prisoners freed this week, along with a promise to free access to West Papua for foreign media. Photo / Romeo Gacad/AFP/Getty Images

For immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Sun, 10th May 2015



Freeing political prisoners and foreign press access to West Papua will be the biggest regional story this year - and the next, predicts the Pacific Freedom Forum.

"Years of pressure are finally starting to pay off," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"The announcement from Indonesian President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo represents a solid step forward for media, civil society and diplomacy - within Indonesia and around the world."

President Jokowi's free press promise followed global controversy over the execution of drug smugglers, and what media groups described as deteriorating press freedoms in Indonesia.

Gabi says it was now a matter of urgency to see the Jakarta decisions turned into enduring freedoms for West Papua.

"There are still deep doubts that Jokowi has the political power to enforce this promise, but the announcement alone represents a historic moment in centuries of foreign oppression in Papua.

"Attention must now turn from the government of Indonesia to the corruption behind the scenes that causes so many human rights abuses in West Papua."

On Wednesday, PFF had been close to releasing a review of events and statements from World Press Freedom Day 2015 when Al Jazeera broadcast an interview with President Jokowi, during which the promise was made to free up access to foreign press "from tomorrow."

Until that moment, the best news of the press year was another promise: of a review of the Fiji media decree.

"Fiji freedoms have long been important to the region," says Gabi.

"It is great to see the Fiji Media Industry Development Authority actually talk about being open to more people having a say on the future of the media decree."

PFF is also welcoming a statement from Fiji-based media body PINA, the Pacific Islands News Association.

"Their commitment to work hand-in-hand with government shows transparency about their agenda," says Gabi.

"We encourage PINA to advocate effectively behind the scenes for a confident and well-informed news media, as called for ten years ago in the 2005 regional report, Informing Citizens."

In other regional news, PFF joins PINA in welcoming the formation of the Fijian Media Association (FMA) last year and revival and election of the Media Council of PNG.

PFF also welcomes the reformation of the Cook Islands Media Association last year.

PFF Co-Chair Monica Miller says forum members were pleased at the lack of attack year on news media workers in the region's most dangerous area, West Papua.

"It seems that the word has finally gone out from Jakarta to the military thugs in Jayapura and beyond - leave the media alone."
"However we cannot say the same for human rights activists and ordinary citizens expressing their freedoms of speech.

"The shooting of citizens gathering to fund-raise funds for victims of the cyclone in Vanuatu was an astonishing new low, apalling even for Indonesia."

PFF says that the last year saw strong growth of support among citizen groups advocating greater freedoms for West Papua, along with increased press coverage and high level statements, including from the United Nations.

At that regional level, PFF also welcomed strong support in New Zealand for news media, after more than 60,000 people signed a petition calling on private channel TV3 to not drop its popular current affairs programme, Campbell Live.

"News media in New Zealand have long been a backstop for press freedoms in the Pacific, as has those of Australia," says Miller.

"However governments and most political parties in both countries have taken an increasingly hostile stance towards media."

A recent debate called by the Fabian Society in Auckland shows deepening concern about journalism and the future of democracy in New Zealand. 

Massive cutbacks to public media in Australia, and continuing funding freezes in New Zealand, continues to undermine development efforts across the region, says Miller.

"Less scrutiny means less stability, and that can lead to less security for the entire region," she says.

PFF recognises the continuing efforts of press freedom monitors such as UNESCO, IFJ, RSF, PINA and recent attention from internet freedom body Access Now.

* An online review did not reveal any #wpfd news for American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Niue, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Tuvalu or Wallis and Futuna.


MORE

Indonesia lifts ban on foreign journalists in West Papua
http://www.9news.com.au/world/2015/05/11/01/08/indonesia-lifts-ban-on-foreign-journalists

Promise of Papua media access welcomed
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/273356/promise-of-papua-media-access-welcomed

West Papua is still dangerous for journalism: Urgent reminder to all foreign journalists applying to report in West Papua
http://westpapuamedia.info/2015/05/11/west-papua-is-still-dangerous-for-journalism-urgent-reminder-to-all-foreign-journalists-applying-to-report-in-west-papua/

Jokowi looks to lift stigma of conflict from Papua
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/273278/jokowi-looks-to-lift-stigma-of-conflict-from-papua

Indonesia releases five West Papuan political prisoners as president pledges reforms
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/joko-widodo-releases-five-west-papuan-political-prisoners-and-pledges-reforms

5 West Papuan prisoners granted clemency/media bans lifted
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/05/5-west-papuan-prisoners-granted-clemencymedia-bans-lifted/

In Papua, Jokowi frees 5
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/05/10/in-papua-jokowi-frees-5.html

End media restriction on Papua, Indonesia: Human Rights Watch
http://www.theoslotimes.com/end-media-restriction-on-papua-indonesia-watch/

Padre - We're against torture
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=304671

Fiji MIDA open to review of Media Decree
http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=12136055335546e97cee92e7aad298

PINA boss appeals for fair treatment
http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=2064731550554694f6f154a6cd191f

USP Wansolwara marks #wpfd2015
https://www.facebook.com/wansolwaranews/media_set?set=a.469052669918808.1073741830.100004422368620&type=1

USP Journalism Students Celebrate World Press Freedom Day
http://www.usp.ac.fj/news/story.php?id=1800

Samoa celebrates World Press Freedom Day
https://www.facebook.com/NusMediaAndJournalismSchool/posts/702056133249717

Dear Journalists, Media Practitioners and Communicators - WACC Pacific
https://www.facebook.com/fijianmedia/posts/1573851722883672

Tonga ranks above United States in 2015 release of World Press Freedom Index
http://www.nzkanivapacific.co.nz/2015/05/tonga-ranks-above-united-states-in-2015-release-of-world-press-freedom-index/#.VU6c846qqD8

Tonga: Let Journalism Thrive!
http://matangitonga.to/2015/05/01/let-journalism-thrive

WPFD Solomon Islands
http://www.sibconline.com.sb/world-press-freedom-day-celebrated-today/

Challenges beyond the Press Law - SEAPA – Southeast Asian Press Alliance
http://www.seapa.org/?p=10925

Laws suppressing media freedom in Southeast Asia - IFEX
https://www.ifex.org/asia_pacific/2015/05/05/press_freedom_wpfd/?utm_source=whatcounts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=itw_6may2015

Australian government funding to The Conversation 'to be axed'
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/australia-government-funding-conversation-be-axed-9262

Rights advocate condemns Nauru Facebook ban as 'stifling'
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/nauru-rights-advocate-condemns-facebook-ban-stifling-9259

Press freedom deteriorates in the region, says RSF report
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/indonesia-press-freedom-deteriorates-region-says-rsf-report-9257

Vanuatu government attacks Independent newspaper
https://vanuatudaily.wordpress.com/2015/05/02/vanuatu-daily-news-digest-2-may-2015/

PINA: World Press Freedom Day
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/29112/world-press-freedom-day

Fiji’s media still struggling to regain ‘free and fair’
http://eveningreport.nz/2015/05/03/world-press-freedom-day-fijis-media-still-struggling-to-regain-free-and-fair-space/

New Caledonia: Kanak concerns over press freedom
http://partitravaillistekanaky.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/quand-le-gouvernement-nous-explique-la.html (in French)

New Caledonia: WPFD marked at Taher
http://www.ahdouche.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=367&Itemid=250

WPFD marked by NZ media union
http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201752809 (audio, see brief text at http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/20150503)

Fiji editor praises role of free press students
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/05/fiji-wansolwara-editor-praises-role-of-free-student-press/


CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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 5 May 2015

Nauru Facebook ban dangerous–PFF

 


A 2012 file photo shows asylum seekers protesting at the Nauru detention centre. Now they have lost access to Facebook as well.  Photo / Clint Deidenang

 

For immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tue, 5th May 2015

 

The ban on Facebook in Nauru should be lifted immediately, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

“Banning social networks presents a dangerous threat to human rights,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

“As a centre for processing refugees, the government of Nauru should ensure it protects human rights while benefiting from Australian aid dollars,” she says.

Access to Facebook on Nauru was cut after the government faced growing criticism about human rights abuses at its refugee camps, including child abuse.

An independent review found cases of rape, assault and drugs for favours at the detention centre.

The ban also follows government censorship of state media and a new $8,000 fee for foreign media to enter the country, according to opposition critics.

Government said it asked the country’s only internet provider, Digicel, to cut access to some sites, without mentioning Facebook, claiming there was a problem with child porn.

Facebook is heavily monitored for pornography.

PFF Co Chair Monica Miller says the ban shows how desperate the government must be.

“The ban is a direct attack on freedoms of speech,” says Miller.

“Instead of answering critics, the government has chosen to cut off access to one of the region’s most popular social networks.

“Instead of a ban, the governments of Nauru and Australia should be looking at getting assistance to resolve this issue from neutral bodies, such as the United Nations.”

The ban has attracted wide coverage globally.

 

LINKS

Nauru block on Facebook stirs protest
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11443227

Nauru Facebook ban came 'at request of Australian Government', refugee advocates say
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-05/refugee-advocates-claim-nauru-facebook-ban-requested-australia/6444506

Advocate says Nauru Facebook ban stifling
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/272890/advocate-says-nauru-facebook-ban-stifling

Facebook blocked on Nauru due to 'paranoia' about media scrutiny, says former president
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/04/facebook-blocked-on-nauru-due-to-paranoia-about-media-scrutiny-says-former-president

Nauru's ban on Facebook angers opposition and refugee advocates
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-02/nauru-ban-on-facebook-to-diffuse-dissent-critics-say/6439146

Facebook banned as 'dictatorial' Pacific island nation of Nauru cracks down on porn
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/nauru/11581262/Facebook-banned-as-dictatorial-Pacific-island-nation-of-Nauru-cracks-down-on-porn.html

Asylum seekers distressed as Facebook blocked in Nauru
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/asylum-seekers-distressed-as-facebook-blocked-in-nauru-20150503-1myopr.html

Nauru bans Facebook in 'outrageous' move
http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/nauru-bans-facebook-in-outrageous-move/story-e6frfku9-1227336888635

Nauru cancelled visa of Digicel's general manager before blocking Facebook
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/05/nauru-deported-digicels-general-manager-before-blocking-facebook

Background: Rapes, sexual assault, drugs for favours in Australia's detention centre on Nauru: independent Moss review
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/rapes-sexual-assault-drugs-for-favours-in-australias-detention-centre-on-nauru-independent-moss-review-20150320-1m46za.html

 

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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 3 May 2015

Pacific press needs funds for freedom –PFF

Pacific media face the same problems as world press – shrinking numbers and declining support as the world marks 100 years since the onset of global conflict. Photo / Deutsche Welle Akademie 

 

For immediate release:
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Sunday 3rd March 2015

 

Fighting for press freedom is one of the best way of honouring sacrifice from the first of two world wars, 100 years ago.

"One hundred years after the war to end all wars, there are still wars all around the world," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"One of the longest running wars is still going on right in our own region, in West Papua, where there are few freedoms, especially for the press."

Press freedom must include all parts of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, not just some, says Gabi, as PFF marks World Press Freedom Day 2015.

"Papuans have fought and died for freedom, as have islanders from all across our vast Pacific.

"Full sacrifice has not guaranteed full freedom of expression."

PFF welcomes the call from Human Rights Watch for Indonesia to end media restrictions on Papua.

But PFF says that while problems are by far the greatest in Papua, there is also growing concern for the survival of media in the rest of the region, and around the world.

PFF is backing a challenge from IFEX, the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, to support press freedom and "let journalism thrive" globally.

PFF shares IFEX concerns about freedom of the world press under threat from autocratic governments, endemic corruption, and financial vulnerability.

PFF joins IFEX in calling "for the kind of strong, supportive systems that allow a free press to flourish" worldwide.

Those systems must include new funding models to replace failing business models, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

PFF Co Chair Monica Miller says that the new funding models are urgently needed to make up for decades of losses.

"The United Nations identifies better reporting, gender equality and media safety in the digital age as leading issues," says Miller.

"Better reporting is possible with better funding, and gender equality is essential to ethical reporting, ensuring all voice are heard."

"However corporate and political pressure is threatening not just news media safety but also news media survival."

Miller warns that the Fourth Estate is fighting its own losing war with impunity for those who suppress the press.

"Stop shooting messengers," she says.

"Where the press dies, liberty dies with it, along with democracy, stability and security."

For that reason, PFF welcomes criticism from UNESCO about news media being "sewn up" by governments, corporate monopolies and media barons.

Communications industry figures show that there are five times as many employed in public relations as news media.

"Journalism needs similar resources if it is to communicate effectively against war, poverty, inequality and environmental disaster."

Years of talk about a journalism crisis must now turn to solutions within post-2015 agendas, says Miller.

For the Pacific, that includes the continued need to develop media accountability systems such as the Pacific Media Ombudsman office suggested by PFF.

LINKS

HRW: End Media Restrictions on Papua
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/05/01/indonesia-end-media-restrictions-papua

IFEX: Let Journalism Thrive: On courage, resilience, and finding a way
http://www.ifex.org/international/2015/04/29/wpfd_ifex_statement/

UN: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/wpfd

UNESCO: #keepspeechfree
http://allafrica.com/stories/201504301361.html

New lows for press freedom, but the fight goes on
http://www.mediasupport.org/new-lows-press-freedom-fight-goes/

Letter of 50: calls to protect freedom of expression from attacks and spying
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/may/01/world-press-freedom-day-call-to-protect-freedom-of-expression

Charlie Hebdo attack just one chapter in global tale of murder and intimidation
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/world-press-freedom-day-charlie-hebdo-attack-just-one-chapter-global-tale-murder-intimidation-1499195

Live Q&A: How can NGOs support an independent press?
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/may/01/live-qa-how-can-ngos-support-an-independent-press

USP Journalism Students Celebrate World Press Freedom Day
http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=37161149155430dc3ef6a4f27617e3

“What Does Freedom of Expression Mean to You?”
http://globalvoicesonline.org/2015/04/30/what-does-freedom-of-expression-mean-to-you/

Should Europe boldly go into the media battleground?
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/should-europe-boldly-go-media-battleground-312785

Global protests in 22 countries call for end to media blackout in Papua
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/05/global-protests-in-22-countries-call-for-end-to-west-papua-media-blackout/

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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.

. . .

Saturday 18 April 2015

Facts not threats for Fiji says PFF

losana mcgowan

The death in Fiji of media and communications worker Losana McGowan are among concerns raised in Fiji this month.
Photo / Twitter

Saturday, 18th April 2015
For immediate release
Rarotonga, Cook Islands:

. . .

Violence and threats against media - at home or at work - are tragic and inexcusable, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

"The death this month of a regionally reknown media worker in her own home is tragic," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi, about the death of Losana McGowan.

"A second incident, the assault this week of a student newspaper editor, also in Fiji, is inexcusable."

Finally, there was the a veiled threat by Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama against the Fiji Times for reporting comments from the Leader of the Opposition.

“In terms of balance, the report actually favoured the government, seeking a government response, to an opposition response to a government statement.”

Bainimarama accused the Fiji Times of “yet another grossly irresponsible piece of journalism.”

He went further in his media attack, while responding to accusations of racial bias in the country’s top boarding schools:

“Rather than report dispassionately and in the interests of national stability, the Fiji Times is controlled by a cabal that manipulates the news agenda and uses inflammatory language to create disunity, division and instability and to advance its own political interests.”

Those accusations were rejected by Fiji Times Editor Fred Wesley, who pointed out that freedoms of speech are protected under the constitution. 

Gabi called on authorities in Fiji and their counterparts around the region to answer critics with “facts, not veiled threats.”

While the three incidents were unrelated, Gabi says they highlight the need for more attention on violence and threats against media workers, with the alleged USP assault particularly disturbing.

"The allegations against the head of the University of the South Pacific Student Association reflect not just on Fiji but the whole region," says Gabi.

"If proven, the USPSA president should resign."

PFF says that the USP authorities should treat the assault as a potential test case against a growing culture of impunity around the region.

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller is also calling on the university to get involved if the student association fails to take appropriate action.

"USP must send a strong signal to our future leaders – constitutionally protected freedoms of speech reign supreme."

"The message must be that politicians of all ages should keep their hands off the media."

“It is time for Fiji authorities to step out of the long shadow of their coup culture and lead the region in human rights, instead of the region again showing them the right way to go.”

PFF joined the Fiji Media Association and the International Federation of Journalists in expressing deep sadness at the death of Ms. McGowan.

She died after an attack at her home not thought to be linked to her work, with her partner handing himself into police for prosecution.

PFF is also calling on regional organisations to work with counterparts such as Pacific WAVE Media Network to continue identifying key areas needing attention ahead of World Press Freedom Day.

LINKS

Losana's death a 'great loss to youth movement'
http://fijilive.com/news/2015/04/losanas-death-a-great-loss-to-youth-movement/60734.Fijilive

FIJI: IFJ 'saddened' by death of journalist, women's advocate
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/fiji-ifj-saddened-death-journalist-womens-advocate-9210

FIJI: 'Shocked' SPC offers condolences to McGowan family
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/fiji-shocked-spc-offers-condolences-mcgowan-family-9196

FIJI: Media association laments loss of journalist, industry mentor
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/fiji-media-association-laments-loss-late-journalist-industry-mentor-9194

‘Heart Of Gold’ Snuffed Out
http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/04/05/heart-of-gold-snuffed-out/

Death Of Losana McGowan Opens Door For Wider Talks On Domestic Abuse
http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/04/19/death-of-losana-mcgowan-opens-door-for-wider-talks-on-domestic-abuse/

EDITORIAL: Tribute To Losana McGowan
http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/04/09/editorial-tribute-to-losana-mcgowan/

USPSA Federal chair attacks student editor
http://wansolwara.com/uspsa-federal-chair-attacks-wansol-editor/

Five years, zero audits
http://wansolwara.com/five-years-zero-audits/

Editorial: A call to action
http://wansolwara.com/time-for-action/

Fiji Times defends reporting of Opposition
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20174983/fiji-times-defends-reporting-of-opposition-comments

Wesley: There's no political agenda
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=302063

Attack on Fiji Times is unfortunate: Wesley
http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/28563/attack-on-fiji-times-is-unfortunate-wesley

Fiji govt attack on newspaper 'overreaction' – PFF
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/271277/fiji-govt-attack-on-newspaper-'overreaction'-pff

Pacific WAVE Media Network
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-WAVE-Media-Network/121163034585771

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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.

. . .

Saturday 11 April 2015

Say no to PNG social media law - PFF

png users

There are more than a quarter of a million active social media users in Papua New Guinea. Graphic / We Are Social

 

Saturday 11th April 2015
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
– for immediate release :

. . .

Don't censor the (social) media.

Punishing social media use could remove an essential check and balance on abuse of power in Papua New Guinea, warns the Pacific Freedom Forum.

"Long talked about plans for a new social media law could have a chilling effect on freedoms of speech," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"Social media are an effective control on political systems including corruption."

Facebook and Twitter are hugely popular in Papua New Guinea, with hundreds of thousands using pages, groups and profiles.

That popularity has alarmed government and others concerned at free-flowing and often very critical debate.

One proposal talked about since 2012 is to introduce new laws forcing social media users to use only their real names.

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller says this would be a mistake for Papua New Guinea and other Pacific countries to consider.

"In our small to tiny communities, the risks of speaking out are high."

"Assumed names allow citizens to comment freely on the issues of the day when they are concerned about losing job, business, scholarship or other opportunities."

"Yes, there are some users who go too far, but their impact is nothing compared to governments who do not listen to their own citizens," says Miller.

"Governments should be focused on the far greater problem of reducing corruption, not reducing what citizens say about corruption."

Concerns about plans for the new law were again raised after one of two daily newspapers, The National, wrote an editorial this month claiming such a law was "necessary."

Miller says that news media need to be careful any other interests of their owners do not conflict with their responsibility as a public watchdog.

The National was established by Malaysian logging interests in 1993.

There has been widespread criticism of environmental damage by foreign and local companies in Papua New Guinea. 

LINKS

Jan 2015: PNG web, social and mobile user
http://was-sg.wascdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Slide158.png (at)
http://wearesocial.net/tag/statistics/

Apr 2015: Control of social media ‘necessary’, says The National
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/04/png-control-of-social-media-necessary-says-the-national/

2014: New 'cyber crime' policy will stifle social media, says Namah
http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/pacific-media-watch/png-new-cyber-crime-policy-will-stifle-social-media-says-namah-8559

2013: PNG MPs want new laws to control media industry
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/papua-new-guinea/3659/png-mps-want-new-laws-to-control-media-industry/

2012: Can social media transform Papua New Guinea? Reflections and questions
http://devpolicy.org/can-social-media-transform-papua-new-guinea-reflections-and-questions20120731/

CONTACTS

PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email:titi.gabipng@gmail.com

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com

PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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 6 April 2015

West Papua must be given regional voice - PFF

 

West Papua groups in PNG join forces

Dancers perform at a unification event between three West Papua freedom groups based in Papua New Guinea Photo / PNG Loop

Monday 6th April 2015
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
– for immediate release :

. . .

 

West Papua must be given full membership at the Melanesian Spearhead Group, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

"The people of West Papua have long been denied basic human rights by their own government," says PFF Chair Titi Gabi.

"They are therefore justified in seeking support and assistance for those rights from outside their own borders."

The Melanesian Spearhead Group will decide on an application for full membership from West Papua groups in June.

PFF is calling on the Melanesian Spearhead Group to support internationally recognised West Papua organisations, rather than a recent initiative from Indonesia.

"Indonesia already has observer status at the Melanesian Spearhead Group," says Gabi.

"They need to step back and allow West Papua to establish full and proper relations with their Melanesian brothers and sisters."

A recently established coalition of freedom groups called the United Liberation Movement for West Papua is now competing with an initiative from the Indonesian government to gain recognition for its own grouping.

PFF has previously joined international concerns about human rights abuses by Indonesian security forces in West Papua, including against freedoms of speech, along with assault, arbitrary arrest, torture, rape and murder.

PFF co-Chair Monica Miller says there is growing recognition for West Papua to have a voice at the regional level.

However she says there are mixed signals from within the Melanesian Spearhead Group, about which group to support.

"It makes absolutely no sense for MSG to give priority to Indonesian voices when Indonesia denies those same rights to its own citizens."

Indonesia was given observer status at the MSG in 2011, after support from Fiji.

Miller notes that support for West Papua has grown significantly since then, especially in Fiji.
 
A Facebook group called Fiji West Papua Friends has more than 10,000 members.

This compares with some 4,000 members in an Australian group, and 2,000 in New Zealand.

Support groups for West Papua have appeared in multiple locations across the region, including Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands.

LINKS

Indonesia lobbies MSG members as membership bid looms
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20169948/indonesia-lobbies-msg-members-as-membership-bid-looms

CPJ | Media restrictions in Papua underscore Indonesia's wider problems
http://www.cpj.org/blog/2015/03/media-restrictions-in-papua-underscore-indonesias-.php

The price of protest in West Papua
http://media.wix.com/ugd/6daf1c_730a7855f6f4429793e61e402ff2592a.pdf

Young social media users engaging more in Pacific issues, say campaigners
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/03/young-social-media-users-engaging-more-in-pacific-issues-say-campaigners/

Tony Abbott has an Indonesian problem he doesn’t want to talk about
http://www.news.com.au/national/politics/tony-abbott-has-an-indonesian-problem-he-doesnt-want-to-talk-about/story-fns0jze1-1227286229621

West Papua: Papua New Guinea PM Calls for Autonomy
http://unpo.org/article/18085

Deported Benny Wenda was on ‘thank you’ mission to PNG for West Papuans
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/03/deported-benny-wenda-was-on-thank-you-mission-to-png/

Youth in West Papua 'frightened' after shooting
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/269633/youth-in-west-papua-'frightened'-after-shooting

Reports journalists were banned from asking about West Papua condemned
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/04/reports-journalists-were-banned-from-asking-about-west-papua-condemned

Fiji West Papua friends
10,438 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/578136272205151/?ref=br_rs

Solomon Islands for Free West Papua
2,032 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/578136272205151/?ref=br_rs

West Papua News
6,363 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/578136272205151/?ref=br_rs

Australia West Papua Association
4,113 members
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AustraliaWestPapuaAssociation/?ref=br_rs

PFF ON WEST PAPUA

Questions on West Papua must be allowed - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2015/03/questions-on-west-papua-must-be-allowed.html

Governments must act against impunity - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2015/01/governments-must-act-against-impunity.html

Full investigation needed into Papua protest deaths - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2014/12/full-investigation-needed-into-papua.html

Journalists arrest in West Papua defies presidential promise - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2014/09/journalists-arrest-in-west-papua-defies.html

Papua police ban on new mag illegal – PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/07/papua-police-ban-on-new-mag-illegal-pff.html

Indonesia should release West Papua journalist immediately - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/05/indonesia-should-release-west-papua.html

West Papua: shootings and arrests attack on human rights
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/05/west-papua-shootings-and-arrests-attack.html

Indonesia brutality towards West Papua "medieval" - PFF
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2013/01/indonesia-brutality-towards-west-papua.html

PFF joins call for action over plane attack in Papua
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2012/04/pff-joins-call-for-action-over-plane.html

PFF supports no-treason call for West Papua
http://www.pacificfreedomforum.org/2012/03/pff-supports-no-treason-call-for-west.html

CONTACTS

CONTACTS
PFF Chair Titi Gabi | GM PNG Loop | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email:titi.gabipng@gmail.com
PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob (684) 258-4197 | Office (684) 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com
PFF Editor Jason Brown | Aotearoa New Zealand | Mob: +(64) 224340831 | Email jasonbrown1965@live.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.

. . .