Singapore’s press freedom index drops 14 positions to 149th
>Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, or RSF) has just released its annual press freedom ranking – “World Press Freedom Index 2013″ last month [Link].
Singapore’s ranking has dropped 14 positions from 135 last year to 149 now. Singapore’s ranking has been getting worse over the years:
- 2009 – 133
- 2010 – 136
- 2011/12 – 135
- 2013 – 149
At 149, Singapore’s ranking is worse than countries like Cambodia (143), Congo (142), Ethiopia (137), Zimbabwe (133), Libya (131), Angola (130), Algeria (125).
Singapore is only slightly better than Myanmar (151). And of course, compared to China (173) where new citizen Li Yeming came from, Singapore is a lot better.
The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by RSF based upon the organization’s assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year. It reflects the degree of freedom that journalists, news organizations, and citizens enjoy in each country, and the efforts made by the authorities to respect and ensure respect for this freedom. The index only deals with press freedom and does not measure the quality of journalism nor does it look at human rights violations in general.
RSF is a French-based international non-governmental organization that advocates freedom of the press and freedom of information. This organization, which has consultant status at the United Nations, was founded in 1985.
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RSF’s stated missions are:
- To continuously monitor attacks on freedom of information worldwide;
- To denounce any such attacks in the media;
- To act in cooperation with governments to fight censorship and laws aimed at restricting freedom of information;
- To morally and financially assist persecuted journalists, as well as their families.
- To offer material assistance to war correspondents in order to enhance their safety.
In another press freedom ranking by another international organization, Freedom House, Singapore was ranked 150th (‘Singapore ranks 150th in 2012 Freedom of the Press World Ranking‘). The report classified Singapore’s level of press freedom as “Not Free”.
Ref: TRemeritus
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About Freedom House
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world.
Today, as more than two billion people live under oppressive rule, Freedom House speaks out against the main threats to democracy and empowers citizens to exercise their fundamental rights. We analyze the challenges to freedom; advocate for greater political and civil liberties; and support frontline activists to defend human rights and promote democratic change. Founded in 1941, Freedom House was the first American organization to champion the advancement of freedom globally.
Our Mission
Freedom is possible only in democratic political environments where governments are accountable to their own people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of minorities and women, are guaranteed. Freedom ultimately depends on the actions of committed and courageous men and women. We support non-violent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and promote the right of all people to be free.
Our Work
Freedom House acts as a catalyst for freedom through a combination of analysis, advocacy, and action. Our research and analysis frames the policy debate in the United States and abroad on the progress and decline of freedom. Leading experts on democracy have called our flagship publication, Freedom in the World, an “essential source” and “indispensable guide” to democracy’s development.
We advocate for U.S. leadership and collaboration with like-minded governments to vigorously oppose dictators and oppression. We amplify the voices of those struggling for freedom in repressive societies and counter authoritarian efforts to weaken international scrutiny of their regimes.
We also empower frontline human rights defenders and civic activists to uphold fundamental rights and to advance democratic change. With Freedom House’s support, these activists expand the boundaries of freedom in repressive societies and hold their governments to account.
Ref;freedomhouse,org
Today, as more than two billion people live under oppressive rule, Freedom House speaks out against the main threats to democracy and empowers citizens to exercise their fundamental rights. We analyze the challenges to freedom; advocate for greater political and civil liberties; and support frontline activists to defend human rights and promote democratic change. Founded in 1941, Freedom House was the first American organization to champion the advancement of freedom globally.
Our Mission
Freedom is possible only in democratic political environments where governments are accountable to their own people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms of expression, association, and belief, as well as respect for the rights of minorities and women, are guaranteed. Freedom ultimately depends on the actions of committed and courageous men and women. We support non-violent civic initiatives in societies where freedom is denied or under threat and promote the right of all people to be free.
Our Work
Freedom House acts as a catalyst for freedom through a combination of analysis, advocacy, and action. Our research and analysis frames the policy debate in the United States and abroad on the progress and decline of freedom. Leading experts on democracy have called our flagship publication, Freedom in the World, an “essential source” and “indispensable guide” to democracy’s development.
We advocate for U.S. leadership and collaboration with like-minded governments to vigorously oppose dictators and oppression. We amplify the voices of those struggling for freedom in repressive societies and counter authoritarian efforts to weaken international scrutiny of their regimes.
We also empower frontline human rights defenders and civic activists to uphold fundamental rights and to advance democratic change. With Freedom House’s support, these activists expand the boundaries of freedom in repressive societies and hold their governments to account.
Ref;freedomhouse,org
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