The United Nations in Albania has reaffirmed its pledge to support Albanian media against any initiatives that advance other rights, to the expense of limiting media freedom.
Speaking exclusively to Exit, the United Nations office in Tirana Resident Coordinator Brian J.Williams said he recognises the many challenges that the local media sector faces, and is working with various stakeholders to promote human rights, including that of the right to a free and impartial media.
“We need Albanian media to promote human rights, equality, justice, and partnership to achieve sustainable development goals. Through several programmes we support capacity building for journalists at a national and sub-regional level,” Williams said.
In terms of the challenges facing journalists in the country, the Williams notes that while there are many, they are not all unique to Albania.
“Media works best when it is independent. Journalists need secure, predictable, long-term contracts so that they don’t self-censor out of fear for their jobs. Journalists need resources so that they can do in-depth stories, and have the time to do research. Simply reporting what leaders of various institutions say is not journalism. Editorial independence needs to be guaranteed, which is harder when media organizations are part of large conglomerates. Of course, many of these challenges are not unique to Albania.”
On the topic of accessing information, Williams was clear that people have a right to access impartial information.
“A free media is a fundamental building block for a functioning democracy. The 19th Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights points to the UNs pledge to promote free and independent media around the world.
In November, Williams addressed the audience at the Albanian Ombudsman’s annual conference. He was clear that by limiting freedom of expression, societies will end up being less democratic, not more.
He added that in terms of journalism ;
“There are three key principles here: self-regulation is best; the punishment should be proportionate, and judgements should be made by independent courts — precisely because of this delicate balance between freedom of expression and the concerns of hate speech.”
Through various local UN programmes, issues such as hate speech, violence against women, harassment, and other matters are all addressed. Williams is confident that through the continuation and strengthening of these programmes, as well as additional support for human rights and freedoms, change can be attained.
In a video released for World Press Freedom Day, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recognised the work of the media in providing fact and analysis, holding leaders accountable, speaking the truth, and playing a “life-saving role in public health.”
He called on governments to increase protection for media workers and to strengthen and maintain press freedom. This, he said, is essential for a future of peace, justice, and human rights for all.
