Media Freedom Week in Papua New Guinea

Overview

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea will be implementing a cluster of events to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and advocate for media freedom in PNG from May 3-9.

The events will comprise theme movies, media breakfast, media freedom music festival, media sector and community engagements through forums and concerts, and formal dinner with national leaders and international guests.

Events will also be hosted in Port Moresby and Lae. 

Goal

Advocate for Media Freedom in PNG by 2020 by addressing the inadequate support and action for media freedom in PNG by the State, civil society and the media profession in terms of newsroom decisions and self-censorship. 

Objectives

            • Promote freedom of expression and freedom of the press (media) as a basic human right as enshrined in Article 19 (XIX) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

            • Promote Freedom of media as qualified under section 46 of PNG Constitution, and Freedom of information as a qualified right under Section 51, Right to Freedom of Information. 

            • Promote liberation of media from State restrictions, internal restraints by the management of media outlets, and inadequate support from the civil society for a free and responsible media.

            • Promote interaction and interdependence of the media; civil society, private sector and the State.

Events

            • Movie marathon

            • Media breakfast

            • Music for Media Freedom Festival

            • Media freedom dinner

            • Civil society engagement ( concerts/ speeches)