Important for the entire country

Recently, the Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists started a network of media practitioners who work to advocate and defend human rights, which brings together reporters and media personnel to “uncover infringements committed against people and stand for their rights as an instrument to hold authorities to account”.

According to a declaration by the Journalists for Human Rights Network, it was launched because “Jordanian media professionals practise their work in a restrictive environment where legislation has become a tool for punishment and control, while the public authorities do not proactively disclose information or make it available for journalists when required”.

This, and the increase in detention and gag orders, makes journalists, according to CDFJ, exercise self-censorship in order to avoid punishment and liability.

While no one will pretend that working conditions for the media personnel in the country are the best or that freedom of the press has reached new heights, the fact remains that freedom of thought and expression in Jordan is among the best in region.

Restrictions or controls of the mass media are exercised when absolutely necessary to protect stability and security in the country.

Beyond that, freedom of expression in Jordan is most often guaranteed, with criticism of some government policies and practices appearing almost daily in the mass media.

Still, CDFJ preserves the right to keep tab on the freedom of the press, in a balanced and fair manner.

Striving to protect the human rights of ordinary citizens or the rights of media professionals is one and the same thing.

CDFJ should work closely with the many institutions and NGOs, led by the National Centre for Human Rights, to protect and promote human rights for all.

These existing human rights mechanisms and institutions can be used by CDFJ to get its message across whenever it feels there is a violation.

Journalists have the sacred duty to monitor the performance of the branches of government fairly and constructively. Their input is valuable, so knowing this, they must exercise utmost professionalism and impartiality.