UN in PNG condemns violence against journalists

The United Nations System in Papua New Guinea is concerned by the alleged attack on a journalist in Lae, Morobe province, last Friday.

It is calling on authorities to undertake prompt and effective investigations into the matter.

“A free, uncensored and unhindered media is the cornerstone of a democratic society, and we stand against violence against the media, in any form,” said UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, Gianluca Rampolla.

“The media should be able to operate without fear or favour, and enjoy media freedom as a basic human right as enshrined in the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and the International Human Rights Conventions which PNG has ratified.”

As an important enabler for civic participation and empowerment, the media plays a central role in advancing development and human rights.

The attack on the journalist in Lae occurs three months before World Media Freedom Day.

World Media Freedom day is annually observed on 3 May, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

Meantime, four men who were allegedly involved in the attack will be facing the Lae District Court following their arrests.

Lae metropolitan superintendent, Commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr, confirmed recently that the journalist had laid complaints for unlawful assault by these men.

Author: 
Press release