World Association of News Publishers


Press Freedom

Press Freedom

In countless countries, journalists, editors and publishers are physically attacked, imprisoned, censored, suspended or harassed for their work. WAN-IFRA is committed to defending freedom of expression by promoting a free and independent press around the world.

More Articles

  • 2014-06-02 00:00
    As Ukrainians headed to the polls on 25 May in snap elections that were commended by international observers for largely upholding democratic commitments, turmoil in eastern Ukraine saw an increase in violence against journalists. A day before the elections, Italian photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli and his Russian interpreter Andrey Mironov were killed while covering the fighting in Slavyansk, while on 25 May, separatists took two journalists hostage – Viacheslav Bondarenko and Maksym Osovsky – as they covered the elections in Luhansk region. The pair was released several days later. Read more ...
  • 2014-05-23 16:01
    The killing of a radio broadcaster in the Philippines has dealt another blow to wavering press freedom in the country. Samuel Oliverio was attacked on 23 May while driving his motorcycle with his wife in Digos city in the south of the country. Read more ...
  • 2014-05-20 12:04
    In the wake of intense global pressure, the Turkish government has released several of its imprisoned journalists in recent weeks. Among those freed is Füsun Erdoğan, arrested in 2006 and condemned to a life sentence + 300 years. Erdoğan was featured in WAN-IFRA’s “30 Days for Freedom” campaign, and her son spoke to WAN-IFRA’s Alexandra Waldhorn after his mother’s release. Read more ...
  • 2014-05-19 10:51
    As Azerbaijan took up its chairmanship of the Council on Europe on Wednesday, WAN-IFRA raised concerns that this prominent position would be seen as tacit approval of the country’s appalling human rights and press freedom record. Following publication, Council of Europe spokesman Daniel Höltgen spoke to Douglas Grant to explain the organisation’s position. Read more ...
  • 2014-05-16 17:20
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  • 2014-05-14 13:20
    Today Azerbaijan takes up the chairmanship of the Council of Europe, the self-described “leading human rights organisation” on the continent. Meanwhile in Baku, the ruthless crackdown on so many of the freedoms protected in the European Convention on Human Rights continues unabated. Read more ...
  • 2014-05-02 13:04
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  • 2014-04-27 12:52
    Syria is the world’s deadliest beat for journalists, with at least 52 confirmed killings since fighting began in 2011. But as the country continues to fracture, journalists are increasingly caught between warring factions, becoming targets for an unprecedented rise in kidnappings and abductions. Read more ...
  • 2014-04-26 11:32
    On the eve of World Press Freedom Day 2014, the press freedom situation in Azerbaijan is worse than perhaps ever before. Journalists and bloggers who dare to criticize the authorities or cover risky topics such as human rights abuses and corruption face a range of pressures, including harassment, intimidation, threats, blackmail, violent attack, and imprisonment. Read more ...
  • 2014-04-24 19:04
    When highlighting violence against journalists and impunity in the Americas, countries like Mexico, Honduras, Colombia and Brazil come to mind. But impunity remains a serious problem in Peru as well. Read more ...

Related Microsites

  • APN
    The Arab Press Network (APN) is a digital network that supports a strong independent press in the Arab world by sharing, distributing and exchanging information between newspaper publishers, editors, journalists and human rights advocates.
  • Declaration of Table Mountain
    WAN-IFRA’s Declaration of Table Mountain is an earnest appeal to all Africans, particularly those in power, to recognise that political and economic progress flourishes in a climate where the press is free and independent of governmental, political or economic control.
  • The Golden Pen of Freedom is WAN-IFRA's annual award recognising individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom.
  • Media employees worldwide face physical violence and persecution of all kinds, whether from public officials, criminals or terrorists. Assaults are daily - and often deadly - for those who challenge governments, report on conflicts or investigate corruption and crime.
  • Media Development
    In its media development work, the WAN-IFRA strategy focuses on bringing a new way of thinking to the sector. WAN-IFRA has become a key player in the field of financial independence and management capacity building, conducting groundbreaking research and developing subsequent media development policies.
  • RAP21
    The African Press Network (RAP21) is a digital network that supports a strong independent press throughout Africa by sharing, distributing and exchanging information between newspaper publishers, editors, journalists and human rights advocates.
  • Mexico City
    WAN-IFRA's activities in Latin America focus in promoting innovation amongst the region's news media industry, in helping media companies lead a successful digital transition and in advocating for a free and independent press.

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Author

Nicole Leiß's picture

Nicole Leiß

Date

2016-08-24 19:30

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Promoted Articles

  • Media Freedom Committees are positioned across the globe to assist WAN-IFRA's partners in fighting challenges to press freedom and help place the media at the heart of society.
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