CIJ now a member of IFEX
CIJ is accepted as member of the International Freedom of eXpression Exchange (IFEX), an international network of freedom of expression advocates.
OSLO: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) officially joined the global network of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) at its 14th general assembly here, today.
CIJ executive dgirector Gayathry Venkiteswaran said the membership will help raise the profile of freedom of expression practices in Malaysia and where necessary, get international support against violations that take place in the country.
"We are happy to be part of this network that brings together organisations from all the regions as we share a common value and goal – to defend the practices of freedom of expression," she said in a statement issued today.
CIJ started contributing to the IFEX clearing house which collects and distributes alerts and reports on freedom of expression violations, since 2004 through its partnership with the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA).
Nine organisations were accepted this year, among the others were Privacy International, Pacific Freedom Forum (Pacific Islands Region) and the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (West Bank).
The network includes international organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists, Freedom House, Article 19, World Press Freedom Committee and International PEN – Writers in Prison Committee, and national groups such as the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), National Union of Somali Journalists, Media Institute of Southern Africa, the Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility and Thai Journalists Association.
IFEX is an international network of over 80 member organizations defending and promoting freedom of expression and opinion worldwide.
IFEX develops the capacity of free expression organizations based in the South and is active in more than 55 countries. By raising awareness of the dangers faced by individuals and by exposing violations, IFEX helps build the foundations of vigorous democracies.
IFEX and its members have saved lives, pressured governments to abandon oppressive laws, and provided the support and connections that enable isolated individuals and groups to join the fight for free expression.
The two-day IFEX meeting will be followed by a Global Forum on Freedom of Expression where panel sessions, training and networking sessions will be held.
Gayathry will speak at a panel discussion on Wednesday (3 June) on the theme of Law and the Politics of Security, looking at how the pursuit of "security" especially in the wake of the so-called war on terror has cost humanity its rights to free speech. Gayathry will touch on the media and security laws, many that were introduced during and just after the British colonial rule, and how they have curbed freedom of expression even before the global outcry against terrorism.
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.
