Independent Press Council Myanmar calls for safe access to information and protection of journalists

Amid armed conflict in Myanmar, the Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) issued a statement on Jan. 19 calling for journalists working in conflict affected communities to be guaranteed safe access to information and effective protection.

“The junta does not allow press freedom at all. It often pressures media agencies to write only content that favors it. In resistance-controlled areas, press freedom has also not yet reached the level people expect,” Toe Zaw Latt, the IPCM secretary and spokesperson told the Karen Information Center (KIC).

:There are still problems in some places, and these issues still need to be resolved through continued dialogue. Press freedom is not only important for us as journalists. It is also important for people to know the truth about what is happening in conflict areas,” he added.

The junta in Myanmar that seized power during the 2021 military coup, which overturned the results of the 2020 elections, is now holding a three-phased election that will end on Jan. 25. But journalists inside Myanmar are unable to report on it and must operate without any press freedom.