Vanuatu

The Pacific Freedom Forum has warned that legislative amendments passed by the Vanuatu Parliament could be used to attack journalists who publish critical reports on politicians and government policies.

A new report published by the “Pacific Journalism Review” highlights threats against media freedom in the Melanesia region, particularly in Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and West Papua.

Journalists, scholars, and media freedom advocates in the Pacific region have criticised the denial of “Vanuatu Daily Post” media director Dan McGarry’s work visa and described it as a “disturbing development that raises concerns over press freedom.”

“The passing of the RTI Act in Vanuatu will ensure that the Vanuatuan media will be able to report more accurately and responsibly on government activities, and that the public will be better equipped to engage in democratic processes,” said the IFJ.

PINA is pleased to learn that Vanuatu’s proposed Right To Information (RTI) is now ready to go before Parliament for debate next week.

This statement was originally published on PFF’s Facebook page on 13 March 2016. Free media need support from all political parties, not just the government of the day, says PFF, the Pacific Freedom Forum. “We welcome moves by the new government of Vanuatu to rebuild the public broadcaster,” says PFF Chair Titi Gabi, commenting on […]

The IFJ’s new report provides an insight into the media landscape and working conditions for media workers in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

“Gaining power through a vote of no confidence does not give government the mandate from voters to potentially threaten their freedoms of speech,” said PFF in reference to Vanuatu’s proposed media law.

It’s no secret that the Pacific Islands will face rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and deadly storms as a result of climate change, a fact reiterated in this week’s report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Unfortunately, few people realize that these island nations are also home to a disappearing press sector. While […]

Charges of terrorism laid and dropped against a journalist in Vanuatu who was held for 30 hours over a Facebook comment need independent investigation, states the Pacific Freedom Forum.

PFF says the opinion expressed this week by the UN’s Pacific Office for Human Rights regional representative Matilda Bogner is a welcome step by a key regional development partner on an issue that’s usually left to journalists to handle.

Minister Don Ken visited the newsroom of the state-owned Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation and demanded that a story covering his recent arrest be censored.

A minimal fine given to a cabinet minister for his part in an assault on publisher Marc Neil-Jones represents a clear victory for “bush justice” over the rule of law, says PFF.

A magistrates court hearing was expected to decide whether charges against Infrastructure and Public Utilities Minister Harry Iauko Iaris over his alleged rold in the assault of “Daily Post” publisher Marc Neil-Jones will proceed.