Increasing move to silence and prosecute journalists are becoming more apparent - CCF

The increasing move to silence and prosecute journalists in Fiji is becoming more apparent and this undermines the very essence of a free media and true democracy.

This has been highlighted by Citizens Constitutional Forum Chief Executive Officer, Loucrisha Hussain on the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy.

Hussain says when media freedom is under threat, the flow of crucial information to citizens becomes suppressed.

She says it is important to focus on the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The CCF CEO says an important aspect of true democracy is a free, independent, pluralistic media that keeps the public informed on matters of national public interest.

Hussain says it is important government enacts laws that protect media freedoms as this is an avenue that enables the public to stay informed, make informed decisions and hold the government accountable.

She says as Fiji anticipates its next National General Elections, it is important for the media to be granted the freedom to carry out its important role of providing the public with credible information on matters of national public interest, they must be allowed to do so freely without duress, fear of prosecution or legal harassment.

Hussain says according to the UN General Secretary António Guterres, without a free press, democracy cannot survive, without freedom of expression, there is no freedom, and such dark paths inevitably lead to instability, injustice, and worse, and we agree.

She says citizens should be provided with information in formats they can understand to engage in democratic processes as well as make informed decisions.

Hussain says public participation and consultation in policy-making processes have always been a key message they and other like-minded civil society organisations have emphasized over the years.

She says the lack of public participation and consultation in the recent passing of laws in Fiji is a grave concern, and they through its advocacy emphasize the protection of citizens' civil and political rights in all democratic processes.

She also says there needs to be more priority placed on advocating for free, independent, and pluralistic media in Fiji, as well as the creation of such an environment, to encourage media freedoms.

Hussain says journalists around the world including Fiji, face limitations that affect their capacity to operate freely.

CCF emphasizes that government must honour its responsibility to keep citizens informed about democratic mechanisms available to them, and one way this can be achieved is through the passing of laws that enable and encourage the media to operate freely.

Hussain reiterates Guterres's message for us to join forces to secure freedom and protect the rights of all people, everywhere. She says true democracy is one founded on people-driven policies, and they encourage citizens to stay informed and actively engage in democratic processes.

The CEO says they are calling on the Government to improve laws that support the flow of credible and insightful information from the media to citizens so they can take up the opportunities available to engage in various levels of democratic processes.

Hussain says this will help build a stronger democracy, which will contribute further to ensuring peace, development, and respect for human rights.