(IPI/IFEX) – The following is a resolution made by delegates who participated in the Ethiopian Media in Development conference, being distributed by IPI: Ethiopian Media in Development Organised by the International Press Institute in cooperation with the Ethiopian Mass Media Training Institute Addis Ababa, 24/25 September 1999 Recommendations: We, the delegates participating at the Ethiopian […]
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is a resolution made by delegates who
participated in the Ethiopian Media in Development conference, being
distributed by IPI:
Ethiopian Media in Development
Organised by the International Press Institute
in cooperation with the
Ethiopian Mass Media Training Institute
Addis Ababa, 24/25 September 1999
Recommendations:
We, the delegates participating at the Ethiopian Media in Development
conference, being members of the Ethiopian state and non-state media, and
the international media community;
Reaffirm our commitment to everyone’s right to freedom of expression and
access to information as guaranteed in the Constitution of 1994 and
international covenants to which Ethiopia is a signatory.
Commit ourselves to improving relations between the state and the non-state
media and to co-operate in areas of common concern. The working relationship
between the state and non-state media should be enhanced to facilitate the
development of the profession of journalism in Ethiopia.
Appeal to the Government and public officials to accept the role of the
press as a public watchdog and accept that the press, be it privately or
government owned, has the right to access to information as stipulated in
the Constitution. The government should promote a better understanding of
the role of the independent press and uphold and promote press freedom as
one of the most important ingredients of the democratisation process.
Furthermore, we appeal to the Government to discuss all revisions to the
press law, in the spirit of mutual respect, with media representatives and
practising media lawyers and take their opinions into account. All laws
relating to the media should be considered in light of the Constitution.
Taxation levels should encourage the free flow of information. Due process
of law in relation to the prosecution of journalists must be respected.
Appeal to politicians and public figures to accept more criticism and
scrutiny than private individuals. Public figures must accept a greater
degree of tolerance in this regard.
Appeal to the judiciary to accept restrictions and limitations to freedom of
expression only if there is a pressing social need; to keep in mind that
bail amounts and punishments handed out must be proportionate to the offence
committed and ensure that they do not present a chilling effect on society
by discouraging members of the media from freely expressing their opinion;
to bear in mind that detention for the peaceful expression of an opinion is
a grave violation of human rights. We further believe that setting
exorbitant levels of bail is tantamount to the denial of the right to bail.
Appeal to the members of the Ethiopian media to enhance their professional
standards and ensure their reporting is accurate and impartial; to establish
codes of conduct, and monitor and supervise the implementation of these
codes by institutions of self-regulation.
Appeal to the international community to financially support the development
of Ethiopia’s state and non-state media. Journalistic training and material
assistance is needed at all levels.
