Jakarta Declaration to be Implemented in Every Countries: UNESCO

Jakarta, InfoPublik – UNESCO’s Assistant Director General Communication and Information  Frank La Rue called on all parties to end World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) ) 2017 with optimism over press freedom.

"We should end this event  with optimism, not with fear that may arise after hearing  stories told on discussion forums," said Frank La Rue at closing ceremony of WPFD 2017 at  Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Thursday (5/4).

According to him, this is a challenge for all of us, press and journalists, to uphold  press freedom wherever we go and to adopt the Jakarta Declaration exercising journalistic profession in our respective countries. 

"This is a challenge for us, as violence in the world  is increasing and seriously threatening the press freedom ," he said.

Responding to the issue mentioned above, Deputy Director, Intern. Relations, Ministry of Education and Culture/Secretary-General, Finnish NatCom for UNESCO Zabrina Holmstrom explained, all countries should adopt Jakarta Declaration because it is the gate way for information access and to maintain diversity and press freedom.

"Let us adopt Jakarta Declaration, we need the assurance of journalists rights and obligations," said Zabrina Holmstrom.

Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development Guy Berger especially asked attending journalists to give input related to  Jakarta Declaration. So that every point can be implemented by journalists in their respective countries.

"Since our time is limited, if there is something improper about this declaration, please let us know," Guy said. (Reporter: Eko Budiono/Translator: Sugiarti)