The World Association of Press Councils is an umbrella organization of Press Councils and similar bodies committed to championing the cause of free speech and freedom of a responsible press. It is a universal acknowledgement of the need for a free and unrestricted flow of information beyond the boundaries with the media embracing the role of a public trust that is subjected to only one restriction— the internal or self regulation.
It was initiated in 1989 at the First International Conference of Press Councils and Similar Bodies at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, organized by Mr. R. Gunasingam, President of UNESCO National Association, Malaysia. The prime mover of the proposal was the then Chairman of the Press Council of India (late) Justice A N Grover. This conference adopted a Declaration that is now known as the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration 1989'.
The preamble to the WAPC Constitution provides raison d'etre for the establishment of the body. It records :-
WHEREAS in all democratic State freedom of expression is recognized as an inviolable human right,
AND WHEREAS the States of the world has on several occasions solemnly declared their sup-port for freedom of expression,
AND WHEREAS under international law freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press, have emerged as a right of all humanity,
AND WHEREAS freedom of the press is recognized not simply as a freedom for journalists, editors or proprietors - but rather as a right of all citizens to be informed on all matters of public interest,
AND WHEREAS it is implicit and inherent in the institution of a free press that the press exercise its powers and duties in a responsible manner,
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that the free press must be accountable to the public, but not to government,
AND WHEREAS the creation of such organs as independent Press Councils and the institution of the office of press ombudsman are recognized as methods whereby the freedom, the responsibility and the accountability of the press may be maintained and enhanced,
AND WHEREAS independent Press Council provide, inter alia, a democratic, efficient and inexpensive forum for the hearing of complaints against and by the press, and for maintaining and assisting in the enhancement of its freedom, responsibility and accountability,
AND WHEREAS a number of independent Press Councils and Similar Bodies have been created in various- countries and regions through out the world,
AND WHEREAS at the first International Conference of Press Councils and Similar Bodies held in Kuala Lumpur in November 1989 a Declaration (hereinafter called the Kuala Lumpur Declaration) was adopted which codifies the principles under which Press Councils operate.
AND WHEREAS it has been agreed at the Second International Conference of Press, Councils and Similar Bodies held in Kuala Lumpur from 19 to 20 November, 1989 (the "Second International Conference") that would be expedient for there-to be a Association permitting liaison and the advancement of matters of common interest between those Councils.
AND WHEREAS at the Second International, Conference, it was decided to establish a Protem Committee to examine and to develop Constitution to be submitted to Press Council and Similar Bodies for discussion with a view to the approval and ratification of the Constitution of a World Association of Pre' Councils.
AND WHEREAS the Protem Committee has developed this Constitution for such discussion and with a view to its approval.
AND WHEREAS IT WAS AGREED at the Third International Conference of Press Councils and Similar Bodies held in New Delhi in October 1992 that an Association be formed to permit such liaison and cooperation and the advancement of matters of common interest.
The WAPC has members all across the globe with the smallest effort at championing the cause of self-regulatory mechanism getting its appreciation. The first President of the Association was late Lord McGregor of Durris, the then Chairman of the British Press Complaints Commission. In 1996, he had been succeeded by Mr. Justice P B Sawant, the then Chairman of the Press Council of India for a six year term.
Since its inception, the WAPC has encouraged global cooperation at addressing the issues that have plagued the media. The Association has been holding intermittent regional and international conferences to encourage exchange of information on media related issues and provide update on media developments around the globe.
The WAPC conferences lay emphasis on greater co-operation and exchange of ideas among Press Councils and similar organizations to promote freedom of the press and maintain its standards.
The permanent headquarter of WAPC is Turkey.