At the outset, I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration of Botswana and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom for hosting this timely meeting.
Excellencies,
A free and independent media is one of the cornerstones of a democratic and just society. It keeps people informed and contributes to human progression. It gives a voice to the most disadvantaged.
Most importantly, it holds us politicians to account, making sure we keep our promises to the people. Our commitment to these ideals is why we are honoured and proud to be a member of the Media Freedom Coalition and its Executive Group.
It was exactly 2 years ago, that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the bill that repealed the Anti-Defamation Act, ending a dark chapter in our history where journalists had to report in an environment surrounded by fear. The Act had been widely used by the previous government to harass independent media outlets, and imposed hefty fines on media outlets. I am happy to note that proposing to repeal this Act was the last contribution I made as I closed my 25-year chapter as a parliamentarian.
Now, under the current administration, the Maldives has undertaken several measures to safeguard the independence of journalists. We have also enabled measures to bring justice for those journalists who have had their lives brutally cut short. A Commission to investigate Murders and Enforced Disappearances was convened by President Solih in his first day in office, conducting inquiries into unresolved cases of murders and enforced disappearances, upholding the State’s responsibility to deliver justice for all.
Excellencies,
Sadly, worldwide threats to freedom and media continues. This year, the threats to media freedom have taken a sinister turn in the face of the ongoing pandemic. We must redouble our efforts to protect journalists around the world. They are in the front lines, risking their lives to keep our societies well informed. It is our duty to guarantee that they are able to report without the fear and reprisal. However, too many journalists have lost their lives and livelihoods for simply doing their jobs. This cannot go on. This must not go on.
Excellencies,
Freedom of expression is a right, not a privilege. I would like to echo what President Solih said at the event to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Maldivian journalism – “To ensure the rights of the people, it is better to have a free press without a government than to have a government without a free press”. We commit to working to protect the media, advocate for media freedom and ensure justice for crimes against journalists.
I thank you.