UN envoy calls for FOI laws in Iraq
Ad Melkert, UN envoy to Iraq, has called on the Iraqi government to pass freedom of information legislation.
In a video address to the 2010 World Press Freedom Day conference, Mr Melkert said that in all societies it was important that news was available, that secrets were disclosed and that people had a voice, through the media, to ensure checks and balances in society.
But in Iraq this was not evident and may journalist had died for their efforts.
"The future of any country and the future of Iraq depends on the freedom in society for people to express themselves."
He said freedom of information laws were important for journalist and media companies to do their work.
"This would be a very strong signal against all enemies of freedom of information wherever they are."
Watch his full address on the WPFD2010 Livestream channel.
Expelled journalist tells his tale
Investigative journalist Robert Mukombozi has been arrested, kidnapped and shot at. In April 2008 he was deemed persona non grata and given five minutes to leave Rwandan soil. He has not seen his family since. Hear his tale of press freedom in our interactive timeline.
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