CJFE is an independent organization which promotes freedom of expression worldwide according to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to our information, the cost of printing an eight-page newspaper has increased by more than 100 percent since the printing of free private press publications began in Ethiopia. We understand that most publications in your country are printed by one of two printing press enterprises, both of which are government-owned. It has come to our attention that these two printing enterprises further increased the cost of printing by 30.5 percent in late July. Private press publications in Ethiopia have reached a stage where they are unable to cover the cost of printing and other production expenses through the sale of newspapers.
Circulation is limited, and advertising revenue is unreliable.
The spiraling cost of printing has already contributed to the disappearance of fully three-quarters of the new private newspapers and magazines which have appeared on the Ethiopian market since 1991. The remaining private press now faces a state of crisis just at a time when many publications have been attempting to carry on their important work with renewed vigour. The current threat to their continued existence poses a real danger not only to the rights of journalists, but to the democratic rights of the Ethiopian people. Freedom and diversity of the press, and the diversity of opinion it promotes throughout society, is essential to any process of democratization. CJFE urges Your Excellency to ensure that the 30.5 percent increase in printing costs is rescinded, so that costs in Ethiopia are restored to previous levels as soon as possible.