‘Dhaka Declaration’ on defending media freedom launched

The Dhaka Declaration on Defending Media Freedom, Journalists' Protection and Citizen's Rights was launched yesterday, containing signatures of over 140 rights activists, rights organisations, journalists, legal experts and professors.

The declaration pledges to take a stand against "laws, policies, and government directions that directly and indirectly limit press freedom." Signatories of the declaration pledged to abolish such legislation.

The signatories also formed a platform that will ensure journalists get a safe environment to work in, and that female journalists get harassment-free workplaces.

The Dhaka declaration will also work to increase youth participation in civic-engagement.

The pledges were formulated based on recommendations made at a conference organised by Article 19 early this month, funded by the Canadian high commission and the British high commission.

The Dhaka declaration will be presented at the Second Global Conference for Media Freedom-2020 on November 16.