Looking back at World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day
Celebrated every 3rd of May, this year’s theme for the Day was “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights” (working title), signifying the enabling element of freedom of expression to enjoy and protect all other human rights. World Press Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This day also marks the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek in 1991.
World Press Freedom Day 2023 was also the occasion to award the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, which recognizes and honours the contributions of journalists, particularly those who risk their lives to provide essential information to the public. (see full article here)
PEN International joins PEN Centres in submission to UN committee on women writers in China
11 May: On 12 May, China will undergo a review in Geneva by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), assessing the PRC government’s implementation of an international treaty on women’s rights that it ratified in 1980.
As part of the review process, PEN International has joined PEN America and the Independent Chinese PEN Center (ICPC) in submitting evidence to the Committee focused on three issues: the treatment of women writers and scholars in detention; ethnic minority women and girls’ right to education and to use and learn their mother tongue; and women’s right to free expression in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that the government has failed to adequately protect women’s rights in each area, including by failing to implement CEDAW treaty provisions. (see full article here)
PEN International and PEN America denounce the removal of books from Hong Kong’s public libraries
17 May: In response to the statement by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee defending the removal of books from Hong Kong’s public libraries – “if they spread any kinds of messages that are not in the interests of Hong Kong” – PEN International and PEN America issued the following joint statement:
PEN International and PEN America have been following with alarm the ongoing removal of books from Hong Kong’s public library system. The right to access literature with a diversity of thought and opinion are fundamental rights that must be respected by Hong Kong authorities. The reported removal of books related to the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre ahead of the 34th anniversary on 4 June, exemplifies how Hong Kong is being reshaped in Beijing’s authoritarian image. The use of the National Security Law (NSL) which several UN bodies have called to be repealed, as a hammer to suppress expression that is critical or contrary to the Chinese or Hong Kong government policies, is a violation of Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the internationally-protected right to free expression. The removal of these books is also a breach of the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, which the Hong Kong Public Libraries claim adherence to, and which proclaims the ‘public library as a living force for education, culture and information’. We call on Hong Kong authorities to end its removal of books on the unjustifiable grounds that their content or authors have violated the NSL and to respect freedom of expression. (see full article here)
Vietnam is Among the Countries at the Bottom of the RSF 2023 Press Freedom Index
Vietnam’s press freedom is considered in “very serious condition” as the country ranks 178 out of 180 measured countries in the World Press Freedom Index. Vietnam fell four places from its 174th position in 2022. The index was released by the press freedom advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on May 3, which marked the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Vietnam’s ranking this year is only above that of China and North Korea.
Vietnam currently imprisons 42 journalists, according to the RSF barometer. Many imprisoned journalists had taken enormous risks covering many pressing issues in modern Vietnam, including the environment and corruption. They were prosecuted using contentious charges, such as “distributing anti-State propaganda” and “abusing democratic freedoms.” Members of independent journalist groups in Vietnam, including Báo Sạch (Clean Newspaper) and the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAVN), have been arrested and received heavy sentences due to their work. (see full article here)
Membership
At PEN Perth, we strive to defend freedom of expression in the field of human rights and support writers who have been persecuted for expressing their views. We aspire to share our message with as many people as possible as well as providing benefits for our members and most importantly: their input!
As a member of PEN Perth, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:
– Opportunities to network with other writers and literary professionals who are interested in human rights
– Access to topical events, workshops, and seminars with prolific writers and journalists such as Peter Greste and Srijato
– Regular updates and analyses on issues relating to freedom of expression across the Asia-Pacific region
We would be thrilled to welcome you to our member community, so you can join us in-person at events like our conversations with Jenny Rowena (wife of jailed Delhi University Professor Hany Babu) and Srijato (leading Bengali Poet).
Please visit our website to find out more and sign up. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we can make a real difference in promoting writers’ freedom of expression.
Thank you for your continued support of PEN Perth.
Best regards,
PEN Perth Team
penperth.com 