Urgent Global Action Needed as Press Freedom Space Shrinks, CJA President Chris Cobb Tells RMNP

Marking World Press Freedom Day, the Commonwealth Journalists Association President praises RMNP’s 25-year commitment and warns of intensifying economic and repressive pressures on independent media worldwide.

President RMNP, Ehsan Ahmed Sehar and all distinguished participants. It is my privilege and honour to send these greetings to you on the occasion of this most important initiative on World Press Freedom Day. The topic of shrinking space for press freedom is one of global importance. Economic pressure, or oppressive and repressive acts on the part of those in authority, are felt across the world. I congratulate the Rural Media Network Pakistan and your partners for all your work in bringing this event to fruition, and the RMNP itself for producing yet another insightful annual report on press freedom. On a personal note, may I say that I have watched for many years, from distant Canada, the admirable activities of The Rural Media Network Pakistan. Ehsan and several of his colleagues I have met in person but I regret not having the opportunity to meet more of you to discuss the important concerns we all share.I wish you a successful World Press Freedom Day event. Good health and good fortune to all of you.