The Arab world continues to be among the most dangerous regions for journalists across the globe, the Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) said in its Annual Report 2013 released yesterday.
In its second Annual Report, the DCMF highlights the contributions it has made to monitoring press freedom violations around the world. The report reflects the centre’s commitment to promoting the safety of journalists and to protecting press freedom through documentation and communication.
The DCMF has reaffirmed, through the report, its commitment to advocating for media freedom as part of international efforts striving for a better world, where free media and the safety of journalists prevail.
While concerns over media freedom and safety of journalists are not limited to any specific racial group or geographic region, the Arab World remains DCMF’s heart of focus and its principle centre of business.
This option is motivated by DCMF’s desire to promote a common strategy for self-improvement, through deepening dialogue within Arab media communities, in order to set professional norms in accordance with international standards.
Through the report, which was the culmination of a collective effort which took place from December 2013 to March 2014, DCMF hopes to offer a methodical assessment that combines monitoring and a multi-faceted advocacy operation, based on the centre’s database and a two-day workshop hosted in January.
The report has pointed out that “press freedom and journalists around the world experienced significant setbacks and difficulties throughout 2013, the second deadliest year on record for media workers”.
“Members of the media were consistently targeted, and their work was increasingly restricted by governments who continue to develop new means of controlling the free flow of information.
“So far, all evidence suggests that 2014 will continue in the same vein, and indeed, early indications point to a worsening situation for journalists. Unfortunately, the double standards and selective approach adopted when monitoring press freedom violations, as well as the worsening conditions facing journalists, have combined to pose major hurdles for any institution or initiative aiming to address the situation.”
Stating that the Arab world continues to be among the most dangerous regions for journalists across the globe, the DCMF report has pointed out that “in 2013, more journalists died in Arab countries such as Syria, Iraq and Egypt, than anywhere else, raising serious concerns over the safety and security of media workers”.
“DCMF’s proximity to events occurring in the region provides it with a unique platform by which to communicate with and work alongside Arab journalists and media institutions.
“Because of its location, the centre’s activities do not end with documentation of cases on a reactionary basis, but allow it to be a key player in conducting comprehensive analysis of data from the region, which in turn enables DCMF to provide practical recommendations based on observable trends, and contribute towards advocacy and other efforts.”