Burma: Shackling press freedom, Reform will be futile

While the Printers and Publishers Regulation Law made by the MOI is a controversial, there are more attempts to enforce restrictions indirectly on the freedom of the press by means of other laws which are now being drafted by the government including procedures of writing additional draft laws for the media, with regulations for broadcasting, film, and the use of libraries as the new laws could add additional controls on the media.

While the country is at a crossroads of political reform, journalists are looking forward to have more understanding and realistic backing from both internal and external media organizations regarding freedom of the press.

The main challenge in Burma on this World Press Freedom Day is issue of nationwide ceasefire between the ethnic armed groups and the government. Each citizen has suffered from the impact of armed conflicts. Free media can serve as a good channel between the ethnic armed groups, the government and civilian population to create durable peace in the country.

The role of the 'Free Media' is very important in time of peacemaking in a country. If the government and all stakeholders failed to free the press, the democratic reform will be completely futile. ///

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