Statement No. (10/2024) Statement on Deadly Floods in Myanmar September 14, 2024

1. The most fundamental responsibility of the media is to collect information regarding current events and incidents and to disseminate it to the public. Additionally, another crucial task is to investigate and expose injustices to promote fairness and equality.
2. Among these two primary responsibilities, the first -- gathering and reporting information in the public interest -- requires press freedom and access to information, which is an indispensable necessity.
3. In the current situation of ongoing deadly floods across Mandalay Region, Southern and Eastern Shan State, Bago Region, Karenni State, Karen State, Mon State, and the Naypyidaw region, the importance of press freedom has become more crucial than ever.
4. However, the lack of sufficient early warning systems about the flood situation in Myanmar's regions, including cities and villages, has caused sudden dangers to the population, leading to increased loss of so many lives. In such a situation – before, during, and after floods and landslides – the role of journalists play a crucial role in preventing the loss of life, property as well as can help smoothen the rescue efforts, therefore they must be allowed to cover on the ground.
5. Since the military coup, the junta has shut down media outlets, raided newsrooms including the journalists' homes. In addition, they have arrested many journalists and confiscated their equipment, while punishing them for their work under irrelevant laws. These actions have made it almost impossible for media outlets to operate inside Myanmar, as a result the media cannot function fully in times of natural disasters.
6. Therefore, the military council must immediately cease any type of oppressive actions against press freedom – closing media outlets and arresting the journalists. They immediately must release all the journalists in prison and allow them to responsibly gather information for the sake of the public. Furthermore, the journalists must be granted the freedom to gather information in areas affected by natural disasters.
7. Additionally, the practice of cutting off internet and phone lines in areas affected by natural disasters must also come to an end, as it prevents those in danger from seeking help, leading to unnecessary loss of life. The Independent Press Council of Myanmar (IPCM) urgently calls for an end to internet shutdown in those areas affected by natural disasters. The Independent Press Council Myanmar (IPCM) IPCM’s Contact Person Nan Paw Gay (Chairperson) – 0926067631 Toe Zaw Latt (Secretary) – 0806834240