New Delhi, 16 July 2022: Making a note of the 10th India-EU Human Rights Dialogue held in Delhi reiterating commitment to protecting and promoting all human rights, the Indian Journalists Union hoped the commitments made are not on paper and that the Modi government would act upon these, particularly safeguarding the freedom and independence of journalists.

As open and democratic societies, the dialogue emphasised the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of all human rights. Both sides exchanged views and concerns on civil and political rights, the rights of persons belonging to minorities and vulnerable groups, freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and opinion online and offline, the use of technology in area of democracy and human rights, among others. They also concurred on the ‘importance of safeguarding the freedom, independence and diversity of civil society actors, including human rights defenders and journalists, and respecting freedom of association and peaceful assembly.’

In a statement, IJU President and former Member, Press Council of India Geetartha Pathak and Secretary General and Vice President of International Federation of Journalists Sabina Inderjit said it’s no secret that freedom of press is under threat in the country with cases of intimidation and harassment of journalists by both State and non-State actors on the rise. The Union hoped the Centre having ‘recognised the importance of strengthening national and international human rights mechanisms for protection and promotion of human rights and the important role of national human rights institutions, civil society actors and journalists,’ as declared would honour the commitment.