Organisation adopts a declaration condemning killings, assaults on journalists around the world
DELEGATES from the TRNC took part in the annual general meeting of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC), held at the Safari Hotel in Kenya, from May 3 to May 8.
WAPC and Cyprus Turkish Press Council President Prof Dr Şule Aker and Neriman Nur Nadir, CEO of Cyprus Today’s parent company Kıbrıs Media Group, were among those who attended.
The WAPC held its annual general meeting as it joined celebrations for World Press Freedom Day in Nairobi.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the WAPC unanimously adopted the following declaration:
“The WAPC reiterated its concerns over continuing suffering of the members of the media all over the world even when the pandemic seems to be receding.
“The WAPC urges all governments and all press councils and organisations and institutions with responsibilities for the preservation of press freedom and the safeguard of the members of the media to ensure that members of the media should receive the same degree of protection, even as the pandemic seems to subside.
“The WAPC agreed to issue a general statement condemning killings and assaults on journalists happening around the world especially in countries where there is war/conflict.
“Members agreed that the WAPC should continue to stand for the freedom of the press and for the improvement in media standards all over the globe. The Members also expressed their sincere commitment and resolute stand to continue to strengthen the WAPC and create a digital presence of the Association.
“Most importantly, the WAPC expresses its utmost concern on the uncontrolled spread of fake news and misinformation on social media and other digital platforms.
“Bloggers and influencers with ulterior motives continue to take advantage of the anonymity in digital platforms and create falsehood and lies without having any accountability or legal responsibility. This fake news endangers the lives of millions, ignites hatred among people and fuels intensity of wars.
“The WAPC will strive to explore ways to mitigate the negative impacts of this shift towards anonymity-based digital media and provide recommendations to all governments and responsible bodies.
“The Members agreed on the need to develop an online media rules/guidelines framework to guide the conduct of the online media around the globe to strongly recommend their adoption by all governments and responsible authorities around the world.”
The declaration was signed by: Prof Dr Şule Aker (President), TRNC; Aflatun Amashov (1st Vice President), Azerbaijan; David Omwoyo (2nd Vice President), Kenya; Kishor