Freedom of the Press 2007: Vanuatu

The Pacific Freedom Forum has warned that legislative amendments passed by the Vanuatu Parliament could be used to attack journalists who publish critical reports on politicians and government policies.

A new report published by the “Pacific Journalism Review” highlights threats against media freedom in the Melanesia region, particularly in Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and West Papua.

Journalists, scholars, and media freedom advocates in the Pacific region have criticised the denial of “Vanuatu Daily Post” media director Dan McGarry’s work visa and described it as a “disturbing development that raises concerns over press freedom.”