SOUTH ASIA: Differing on Right to Information
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By Kalinga Seneviratne DHAKA, May 14 (IPS) - The right to information (RTI), as espoused by the United Nations and international human rights organisations, does not have full endorsement from South Asian media practitioners and scholars. At a meeting here earlier this month, to discuss the value and applicability of RTI, many argued that it is a right to be enjoyed by media in all South Asian countries as an essential ingredient of independent journalism, but others said it needs to be practiced with responsibility. Differences cropped up among Bangaldeshis, the hosts. Prof. Harun-or-Rashid president of the Bangla Academy wanted a full review of the recent RTI Act in his country, saying many of the clauses actually act as barriers to free and timely access to information. Click here for the full report. |
Aung Htun (not his real name) is one of the young video journalists featured in the award-winning feature documentary 'Burma VJ (Reporting from a Closed Country)'. 
