Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has stated that there is much to be done to perfect the press freedom in the Maldives.
The HRCM made this remark in the commission’s speech to commemorate World Press Freedom Day.
The commission noted that adequate freedom of press exists in the Maldives, and called on relevant institutions to guide and monitor the activities of the press more than they do today.
HRCM stated that there exists many obstructions to press freedom including death threats against journalists.
In the statement, HRCM urged journalists to practice constructive journalism, to increase the level of peacefulness in the society.
The commission stated that media groups need to instigate responsible journalism.
HRCM further called on the relevant state institutions to ensure security and establish a safe environment for those working in journalism, in order to encourage journalists and establish freedom of press in the Maldives.
The commission also highlighted the importance of the freedom of press for a Democracy.
Index of Maldives had dropped in the past year. The Press Freedom Index annually published by Reporters without Borders (RSF) show Maldives in the 112th position with a score of 34.32, which is equal to that of 2008.
RSF said that the freedom of information is deteriorating in the world, even for countries that are at the top of the Press Freedom Index, including European countries and the United States.
There is much to be done to establish press freedom- HRCM
