United Nations issues statement condemning assault of Lae journalist

Joint Media Statement

FOR RELEASE

 UN in PNG Condemns Acts of Violence against Journalists

Port Moresby, 21 February 2018: The United Nations System in Papua New Guinea is concerned by the alleged attacks on journalists in Lae, Morobe province, last Friday and call upon authorities to undertake prompt and effective investigations into the matter.

“A free, uncensored, and unhindered media is the cornerstone of a democratic society, and we stand against violence against the media, in any form,” said UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, Gianluca Rampolla.

“The media should be able to operate without fear or favour, and enjoy media freedom as a basic human right as enshrined in the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and the International Human Rights Conventions which PNG has ratified,” said Mr Rampolla.

As an important enabler for civic participation and empowerment, the media plays a central role in advancing development and human rights.

The attack on the journalists in Lae occurs three months before World Media Freedom Day. World Media Freedom day is annually observed on 3 May, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

<<Ends>>