HRCM calls for constructive journalism

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has called on journalists to practice constructive journalism, to increase the level of peacefulness in the society.

In a statement issued on the occasion of Press Freedom Day 2013, HRCM said that media groups need to instigate responsible journalism. HRCM highlighted 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 also said that laws must exist in order to ensure press freedom, and called on the parliament to pass the bill on press freedom and the bill on providing and collecting information immediately.

HRCM noted in its statement that some laws passed by the parliament obstruct press freedom in the Maldives, and called to revise those laws as soon as possible.

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.