Independent media has long been understood to be an essential component of healthy democracies. This view, however, is being increasingly challenged by leaders that frame free press as an opponent. A rapidly changing global media landscape has complicated the matter further. Media outlets that have traditionally performed investigative journalism are losing their voice, along with advertising and subscription revenue, to social media platforms. As such, weakened independent media outlets struggle with an increasingly challenging business environment at a time when hostility towards their profession has increased.

Venezuela and Myanmar provide clear examples of how media environments are subject to manipulation by governments and of the critical role free press plays as a counterweight to repression. Independent press in both countries has been subjugated by government in a systematic manner and for a significant period. The result in both cases is, despite their most creative and bravest efforts, an independent media corps that cannot play the challenge function that it is meant to.

The closure of media outlets by government in Venezuela has been paired with intimidation and arrest of journalists that have been critical of the ruling party. Nearly the entire media infrastructure has been commandeered by the state, allowing government to block internet, television and radio at strategic times and to use these mediums to promote its own messages. This monopolization of media has compromised the ability of Venezuelans to access timely and relevant information about important events occurring in their country, leading them to seek alternative sources.

Despite recent promises of democratization, Myanmar’s government along with its army have continued their crackdown on independent press. Journalists have been charged under vague defamation laws and for reporting on conflict areas within the country, among other reasons. They also face hostility from radicalized groups that fiercely support the ruling party and who benefit from the indifference or tacit backing of government. The social media network Facebook is the primary method of exchanging information online in Myanmar. Some argued that, through its algorithms and aggregation feed, Facebook obscures the line between journalism and inflammatory reporting. Furthermore, some argued that Facebook was an essential tool in spreading hate speech that has fuelled genocide of the Rohingya community.

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (the Subcommittee) undertook a study on the Global State of the Free Press between 27 November 2018 and 28 February 2019, hearing from witnesses knowledgeable on the media environments in Venezuela and Myanmar. The witnesses consisted of journalists, members of non‑governmental organizations, and the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

As a result of the witness testimony, the following report sets out six recommendations. First, the Subcommittee urges Global Affairs Canada to continue to speak out against violations of human rights defenders’ right to free expression in Venezuela, Myanmar and elsewhere. Second, the Subcommittee recommends that the Government of Canada offer practical assistance to states that are considering adopting, amending or repealing laws related to free expression, internet usage, privacy or the practice of journalism, with a view to ensuring that laws are not overly broad or easily abused. The Subcommittee also recommends that Global Affairs Canada instruct its embassies to play a greater role in promoting press freedom, including by protecting journalists whose personal security is threatened, for example by highlighting specific cases or offering sanctuary. The Subcommittee’s fourth recommendation calls for the Government of Canada to support journalists working in hostile media environments through programs offering training, practical support, or networking opportunities. The Subcommittee also recommends that the Government of Canada identify and use opportunities to support media literacy programming in its international development funding. Finally, the Subcommittee recommends supporting the creation of a position of Special Advisor on the Protection of Journalists at the United Nations.