By Charles Odongtho
Journalists have warned Commonwealth countries and global development agencies that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) risk failing if freedom of the media and expression is not given a priority by Commonwealth governments.
Over 100 journalists who met to discuss issues they want their heads of state and government to address when they meet in Kampala from tomorrow said they are concerned about the rising incidents of harassment, imprisonment and deaths, especially countries going through war.
The MDGs include eight minimum targets set by the United Nations to be achieved by the year 2015. They range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education.
Their main aim is to address extreme poverty levels in the world.
Nupur Basu, an independent journalist in India referred to the closing down 
of media houses by Pakistani leader, General Pervez Musharraf. She called upon the leaders of the Commonwealth countries to impose more harsh conditions on Musharaf to force him to adhere with full democratic principles.
James Deane, the Head of Policy Development with the BBC World Service Trust said that in a dictatorial environment, no free media can exist.
“We believe that the character of the media determines the character of a country’s democracy”, the final communiqué by the journalists said.
The communiqué is to be discussed by the heads of state and government when they meet from tomorrow.
The journalists said the leaders should take steps aimed at addressing the issue of ownership of the media so that media content is not compromised.
“A free flow of information underpins democratic, social and economic development, and is a principal pillar for the achievement of development progress”, the journalists said in their communiqué.
