The IFJ is visiting Kosovo to strengthen efforts by the Association of Kosovo journalists to establish systems of self-regulation and to underline objections to a new press code that has been passed into law by the international community in Kosovo. We believe the international community is wrong to try to regulate press ethics by using the law. A new press code will be in force until the end of the year, but the IFJ wants that to be repealed and for a new press council administration run by media professionals themselves to take over the work. This press law is well intentioned, but badly drafted and will not work. The IFJ says that events in Yugoslavia and Kosovo are moving fast, but that they offer opportunities for the media to play an important role in building democratic and inclusive structures for peace and stability in the region.
Journalists are at the heart of the movement for change.
The IFJ represents more than 450,000 journalists in 100 countries.