Global Press Freedom Suffers Sharpest Fall in 50 Years, Report Finds
A landmark report by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has revealed that press freedom around the world has suffered its sharpest decline in 50 years. The survey of democratic markers found that democracy has declined in 94 countries over the last five years, with only a third making progress.
According to IDEA's secretary-general, Kevin Casas-Zamora, "Democracy faces a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty due to massive social and economic changes." He attributed this decline to the rise of populist leaders who are increasingly using authoritarian tactics to consolidate power. The report found that the United States is among those countries offering encouragement to these leaders.
The survey also highlighted the growing trend of governments cracking down on free speech, with many countries restricting online freedom and censoring media outlets. In some cases, journalists have been targeted for their reporting, as seen in the recent killing of journalists in Gaza. Demonstrations were held outside the EFE news agency offices in Bogotá, Colombia, to denounce these killings.
The report's findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of democratic markers, including press freedom, electoral integrity, and civil society participation. The survey found that only 22 countries have made significant progress in strengthening democracy over the last five years. In contrast, 94 countries have experienced a decline, with some experiencing severe backsliding.
Casas-Zamora emphasized the need for democracies to protect key elements of democracy, such as free and fair elections. "Democracies must prioritize the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression," he said. "This requires a concerted effort from governments, civil society, and international organizations to promote democratic values and practices."
The report's findings have significant implications for global governance and human rights. As democracy weakens, authoritarian regimes are increasingly asserting their influence, posing a threat to regional stability and global security.
In response to the report's findings, the United Nations has called on governments to prioritize press freedom and protect journalists from harassment and intimidation. The European Union has also expressed concern over the decline in democratic values and is considering measures to strengthen democracy and human rights.
The IDEA report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing global democracy. As Casas-Zamora noted, "Democracy is not a given; it requires constant effort and vigilance to protect and strengthen." The international community must come together to address these challenges and promote democratic values and practices around the world.
Background:
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has been monitoring democratic trends globally since 1995. Its annual survey of democratic markers provides a comprehensive assessment of democracy's strengths and weaknesses in over 160 countries. The report is widely regarded as a leading indicator of global democratic health.
Additional perspectives:
"This report highlights the urgent need for governments to prioritize press freedom and protect journalists from harassment and intimidation," said Maria Repnikova, a media scholar at Georgia State University.
"The decline in democracy is not just a concern for individual countries; it has significant implications for regional stability and global security," said Dr. Thomas Carothers, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Current status:
The report's findings have sparked widespread concern among governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions. The United Nations has called on governments to prioritize press freedom and protect journalists from harassment and intimidation. The European Union is considering measures to strengthen democracy and human rights.
Next developments:
IDEA will continue to monitor democratic trends globally and provide regular updates on the state of democracy worldwide. The organization is also working with governments, civil society organizations, and international institutions to promote democratic values and practices.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
