Maldives Media Council (MMC) has stated the progress in the World Press Freedom Index shows the future of the press is brighter for the Maldives.
The Maldives is registered 19 ranks higher in the World Press Freedom Index compared to last year and is the second-highest in South Asia. Malaysia in 101st place and the Maldives in 79th registered the biggest rises in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, due to the beneficial effects of changes of governments through the polls.
Commemorating the World Press Freedom Day, MMC congratulated journalists across the country for the rise in the World Press Freedom Index. MMC noted journalists must work without fear and hesitation and acknowledged the importance of ensuring an environment where journalists can work without fear for the benefit of the citizens.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 1993, following the recommendation from the General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
The World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The theme for Press Freedom Day 2020 is Journalism without Fear or Favour.