UNESCO study on progress of press and communication in Tunisia

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) held, on Wednesday in Tunis, a seminar to present an assessment study on progress of the press and communication organs in Tunisia, since the January 14, 2011 Revolution, with the attendance of representatives of the international organisation and several Tunisian and foreign information and communication experts, as well as journalists. This study revolves around five indicators. The first indicator turns on assessing the constitutional and legal framework of freedom of expression and the latter's contribution to strengthening pluralism and diversity of the press and communication organs. The second one has to do with the level of pluralism and diversity within the media, as well as the issue of the information sector's funding and transparency. The third indicator stresses the need of media's efforts as a platform of democratic debate. The fourth one turns on regulations related to further training and higher education in the press area. The fifth indicator focuses on the issue of infrastructure and information and communication technologies, stressing the need to carry on investment in equipment in public enterprises, in addition to guaranteeing total access to Internet and abidance by the international commitments in this field, including abrogation of censorship. Besides, each indicator includes recommendations to be forwarded to the government, the concerned political sides and authorities, urging them to adopt the international criteria and good practices in force. These recommendations aim to favour democratic transition in Tunisia and boost pluralism of free and independent media in the service of the general interest.