Declaration of WAPC annual general assembly held in Nairobi

KATHMANDU: The World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) held its annual general meeting and celebrations of World Press Freedom Day at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 3-8, 2022.

At the end of the four day meeting, WAPC, an umbrella organization of Press Councils and similar bodies committed to championing the cause of free speech and freedom of a responsible press, unanimously adopted the following declarations, among others.

WAPC delegates declared to extend the office term of incumbent WAPC Executive Council by a year and unanimously further decided to extend it for two more years i.e. till the end of this term.

It reiterated its concern over continuous suffering of the media as the pandemic seems to be receding.

It also urged all Governments and the Councils to ensure that media should not continue to suffer even while the pandemic is subsiding.

WAPC agreed to issue general statement condemning killings and assaults of journalists happening around the world, especially in the countries where there is war/conflicts.

WAPC Members agreed that WAPC should continue to stand for freedom of press and improvement in standard of media all over the globe.

The Members also endorsed a resolution to continue strengthen WAPC and create digital presence of the Association. Most importantly, WAPC expressed its utmost concern on uncontrolled spread of fake news and misinformation on social media and other digital platforms.

Bloggers and influencers with ulterior motives continued to take advantage of the anonymity in digital platforms and create falsehood and lies without having any accountability or legal implications. These fake news endanger the lives of millions, ignite hatred and fuel intensity of wars.

WAPC would strive to explore ways to mitigate the negative impacts of this shift towards anonymity based digital media and provide recommendations in the near future.

Members also agreed on the need to develop online media rules/guidelines framework to guide conduct of the online media around the globe, and thereafter advocate for adoption in the members countries.