Mizzima News:Belgrades - International Press Institute , a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, on its 57th general assembly urged the government of Burma to respect and protect the rights of journalists, particularly those who are now covering the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.
 Boris Tadic, President of the Republic of Serbia, delivering the keynote speech at the opening of IPI World Congress and the 57th General Assembly held in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia on June 15, 2008. Mizzima's Assistant Editor Mungpi is joining the assembly. Photo:Mizzima |
"Even after the disaster and the consequent need for food, water, shelter and medical assistance, which put more than one million persons at risk, the Burmese junta chose censorship over information," the IPI said in a resolution released on Monday.
The call was part of the IPI's appeal to all governments around the world to respect the rights of journalists, who are particularly covering natural catastrophes and their aftermath, by allowing them to collect and disseminate information.
"When earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and other disasters strike, media coverage serves many essential purposes. In their immediate aftermath, it can save lives by helping in proper coordination of rescue and relief efforts," the IPI said.
Meanwhile, Burma's military junta has detained several domestic volunteers including a former editor of a weekly journal Zaw Thet Htwe, who have been helping in relief work for cyclone victims in the country's delta region in Irrawaddy division.
The IPI World Congress and 57th General Assembly held at the Belgrade, was attended by over 300 editors, media executives and leading journalists from over 60 countries.
The IPI is a global institute that seeks to promote freedom of speech and expression and look to the safety of journalists while carrying out their work.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment