07/09/2020
The MYPOL project took part in a media forum to ensure transparency during the elections
The MYPOL project took part in a media forum to ensure transparency during the elections
The MYPOL delegated cooperation project, which is managed by FIIAPP and funded by the European Union, took part in the 8th Myanmar Media Development Conference (MMDC), a forum that brings together journalists from Myanmar to discuss issues related to the media’s access to information and security in the changing political landscape in the country.
The European project works closely with the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) but its overall approach is geared towards serving the country’s diverse population. The collaboration, therefore, aims to give citizens greater confidence in the police as this is the first step towards guaranteeing positive alliances in the future, thereby contributing to generating greater transparency and benefiting all citizens.
The conference focused on reducing the gap between police officers and journalists and ensuring the latter group are able to carry out their activity during the upcoming elections. The encounter was supported by MYPOL and the director of the MPF Criminal Division, Kyaw Linn, it was also attended by international specialists and members of the Myanmar Press Council.
The conference traditionally aims to bring together journalists from Myanmar to discuss important issues related to the media, to provide them with resources to develop their capacities and to encourage them to network. This year, due to the exceptional situation brought about by Covid-19, the decision was made to carry out the event online.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the importance of the police working together with the media and underlining that coordination between these sectors is essential to guaranteeing greater transparency. Kyaw Linn stated that the security forces are loath to restrict journalists’ access to information. For their part, international specialists emphasised that joint work is essential to guaranteeing free and fair elections.
The conference concluded with a series of recommendations to be referred to by communications professionals during this election year and in the future. Thus, MYPOL ratifies its support for the national security forces and its work together with the MPF and the Myanmar media to help them in their mission to serve the people.
