5 October 2005
ARTICLE 19 STUDY ANALYSES MEDIA AND CONFLICT
In conflict-ridden countries, freedom of expression is commonly assumed to be one of the first casualties as opposing sides seek to control or manipulate information to meet their political goals.
But the difficult questions of how the media should balance "national security concerns" with the need to report critically, and how governments should respect international free expression standards while combating terrorism, has not been given much in-depth analysis.
A new study by ARTICLE 19, however, may help to shed some light.
In partnership with the Centre for Policy Alternatives in Sri Lanka and the South Asia Forum for Human Rights, the IFEX member has published a new study that analyses three countries - India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
It finds that media reporting in these countries is often polarised along political, ethnic or religious lines, and that media ownership is seen by opposing sides as a key element in gaining control of information flows.
It also finds that restrictions on free expression during conflict have a disproportionately adverse effect on women.
The study, entitled "War of Words: Conflict and Freedom of Expression in South Asia", can be viewed here: http://www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/asia-war-of-words.pdf
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