The Declaration On Media

The Declaration on “Media and its Evolving Role” by the Global Youth Symposium 2008, the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “KUALA LUMPUR ’08, DECLARATION III”

The delegates of the Global Youth Symposium 2008 gathered in the University of Malaya from 19th to 23rd August 2008 under the theme of “Empowering Youth – Meeting Global Challenges” to discuss

Australia Chinese Taipei Hong Kong, China India Indonesia Kenya Malaysia Nepal Pakistan Singapore Thailand The Philippines Vietnam

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Preamble In recognizing that the right to information and the freedom of expression is fundamental towards a progressive society;

AND that the disregard for the freedom of press has resulted in social stagnation due to the suppression of public voice and misled masses;

AND that accountable and responsible depiction of events done without fear and favour is the core duty of all media in enabling the public to make informed decisions in contribution to society’s welfare;

AND that a common understanding of the above mentioned rights and duties is of great importance for the full realization of a truly dynamic and evolving society

FURTHER that absolute freedom of media is subject to the readiness of state and civil society

Now, therefore the Global Youth Symposium 2008, proclaims this declaration as a common standard for all peoples and all nation-states to the end that every individual would strive for true freedom of expression. The above participating nations of this symposium hereby declare as follows:

Article 1 We urge the youth to practice responsibility and accountability in blogging.

Article 2 The media should provide the public with unbiased and neutral information, presenting all aspects of an issue, without forming a pre-determined result.

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Article 3 (1) We propose for the registration of bloggers in encouraging responsible blogging culture and practice provided sufficient safeguards are put in place. (2) The foregoing safeguards shall include and not be limited to the bloggers’ registration information being confidentially stored with an independent body such as the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing clause, we further propose that any individual who attains the age of 18 or 21 (whichever is applicable to each nation state) shall be held criminally accountable for practicing irresponsible blogging culture. (4) Provided further the foresaid blogger shall only be prosecuted by an independent body before an independent tribunal.

Article 4 The media shall be an independent entity and shall be free from political influences in reiterating the stand of the IFJ that there can be no press freedom if journalists exist in conditions of corruption, poverty or fear.

Article 5 Journalists must substantiate their publishing with evidence and be able to identify their sources, checks and balances have to be in place to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the info provided.

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Article 6 Media has to be respectful towards political, social, economic, religious, culture and gender issues and be cautious with provocative expressions.

Article 7 (1) The government should provide awareness to facilitate the exchange of ideas in an open yet protected manner. (2) Government should create opportunities for greater number of private media corporations so as to promote the independence of media.

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