Threats to media safety and freedom are real and alarming. How these threats impact on the nation’s democracy is what makes them truly dangerous. It is high time to put at the center of discussions concrete ways on how we can secure a functioning and safe space for journalists to allow them to fully perform their duty as watchdogs and truth-tellers.

At this critical time when journalists continue to face an increasingly hostile environment, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds the recent launching of the Philippine Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists (PPASJ) by a broad coalition of media organisations.

The PPASJ, a first of its kind in the world, is a national plan based on the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the issue of Impunity that intends to address five flagship areas: integrity and professionalism; conducive working conditions; safety and protection mechanisms; criminal justice system and public information, journalism education and research.

Since 1986, no less than 165 journalists have been killed according to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and only 14 cases have resulted in conviction. This is a clear illustration of impunity.

The Commission underscores the duty of the government to have strong political will in addressing cases of media killings and harassments. Impunity is deeply embedded within the criminal justice system which systemically fails to punish perpetrators. To effect real reforms in the legal system, strong political will must be sustained for a long period of time to ensure full and speedy administration of justice for victims and their families.

As partners of media, National Human Rights Institutions, such as the CHR, have the mandate to conduct independent investigation of cases of attacks against them. We consistently take a strong position condemning these killings through various policy and media issuances. Similarly, the PPASJ could serve as a guide and a working framework for the CHR in crafting its policies and programs supporting press freedom and addressing media attacks.

The Commission joins media organisations in bringing together various stakeholders from the government and civil society in establishing mechanisms to ensure journalist protection and safety. The PPASJ could also pave the way for more opportunities of engagement between media and the government to identify common synergies in the promotion and protection of the freedom of expression.

But defending a free press is a shared public interest. A public that truly understands and values the indispensable role of media in providing fair and accurate information is crucial in a genuine democracy that we all deserve and aspire for. ###