Ukraine Rises by 18 Positions in Press Freedom Ranking by Reporters Without Borders
Ukraine has made significant strides in press freedom in the past year, according to the latest ranking by international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The country has climbed 18 places in the 2024 ranking and now stands at 61st place. This is great news for the Ukrainian media as well as for democracy and human rights in the country.
The RSF ranking, also known as the World Press Freedom Index, measures the level of freedom and independence of the press in 180 countries around the world. It takes into account various factors such as media pluralism, independence, self-censorship, and the legal framework for the media. The higher the position in the ranking, the better the state of press freedom in the country.
Ukraine has been steadily improving its position in the RSF ranking in recent years. In 2023, the country was ranked at 79th place, which was already a significant improvement from the previous year’s ranking of 102nd place. This year’s jump to 61st place is a clear indication of the positive developments in the Ukrainian media landscape.
One of the main reasons for this improvement is the political will of the current government to promote and protect press freedom. Since coming into power in 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made press freedom a priority, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of a free and independent media in a democratic society. In January 2024, the President signed a law on media ownership transparency, which aims to prevent media monopolization and promote diversity in the media market.
Another key factor contributing to Ukraine’s rise in the press freedom ranking is the decrease in attacks and violence against journalists. In the past, Ukraine has been known for its high number of journalist killings and attacks, particularly during the Euromaidan protests in 2022. However, in recent years, there has been a significant decrease in such incidents, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists.
The RSF ranking also notes improvements in the legal framework for media in Ukraine. In the past, there have been concerns about censorship and pressure on journalists from the government. However, in recent years, there have been positive developments, such as the decriminalization of defamation and increased access to public information.
There is still room for improvement in press freedom in Ukraine, and the government must continue its efforts to create a more favorable environment for the media. However, the significant climb in the RSF ranking is a clear indication that Ukraine is on the right track to achieve this goal.
The rise in Ukraine’s position in the press freedom ranking is not only a cause for celebration for the country but also for the region as a whole. Ukraine is now ahead of its neighboring countries such as Russia and Belarus, which are ranked at 149th and 153rd place, respectively. This shows that Ukraine is setting an example for other countries in the region and can serve as a model for press freedom in Eastern Europe.
The media plays a crucial role in the development of any society. A free and independent media is essential for holding governments accountable, promoting transparency, and giving a voice to marginalized groups. Therefore, Ukraine’s improvement in press freedom should be celebrated not only by the media but by all citizens who value democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, Ukraine’s rise in the press freedom ranking is a positive development that reflects the efforts of the government and the media in promoting a more open and transparent society. While there is still work to be done, this achievement is a testament to the progress Ukraine has made in the past year. Let us hope that this trend continues, and Ukraine’s press freedom ranking will continue to improve in the years to come.
