CHR to gov't, educational institutions: Heed students' voices, ensure freedom of expression

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday urged the government and educational institutions to listen to students and ensure that their freedom of expression is protected.

The commission issued the call on National Campus Press Freedom Day.

The CHR said campuses have also experienced intimidation and harassments.

"Campuses, which are meant to be safe spaces for intellectual discussion and tackling of social issues, have not been spared from intimidation and harassments," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

"Given these realities and current challenges, we enjoin the government and educational institutions to make the first celebration of the National Campus Press Freedom Day an opportunity to heed to the voice of the students and ensure protection and promotion of their freedom of expression," the statement read.

"Campus journalism captures the pulse of the youth on social issues and conveys the response of students to the call of the times. Press freedom in campuses cultivate future leaders that promote truth, accountability, and social good. To truly commemorate this day, let us listen to the clamor of the youth as expressed in student publications and campus activities," the CHR said.

The National Campus Press Freedom Day was first declared in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11440, setting July 25 every year for its observance.

However, the CHR said a year after the law was signed, "the state of press freedom, including campus journalism, continues to regress."

"Individual attacks and/or harassment faced by journalist and media workers also continue to grow. Impunity, red-tagging, and policies that curtail fundamental freedoms further contribute to the declining state of press freedom," it said.

The CHR asked the government and educational institutions "to continue to empower students, make their voice be heard, and ensure their safe participation and inclusion on all matters that impact them and their future."

"Throughout our history, the idealism, vigor, and principled convictions of student journalists and leaders have fueled the pursuit of fundamental freedoms through free press and free expression. Let us harness the courage of the youth as they continue to remain hopeful in building a future where they can thrive," it added. —KG, GMA News