Taiwanese reporters are calling on the United Nations (UN) to respect their right to cover the upcoming meeting of the World Health Assembly (WHA).

The WHA is the governing body of the World Health Organization. Since 2004, the WHA has refused to give Taiwanese reporters clearance due to pressure from China. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory, and blocks Taiwan from joining international organizations and meetings.

The Association of Taiwan Journalists staged a protest against the discrimination on May 3, which is World Press Freedom Day. Association President Chen Hsiao-yi commented on the situation:

"The United Nations itself designated World Press Freedom Day, but the UN violates the same press freedom it upholds. This is extremely ironic. We demand that the UN issue us clearance for this year's WHA."

International organizations have expressed support for the Taiwanese media. The Society for Threatened Peoples, based in Germany, on Wednesday also sent a letter to the UN secretary-general. It calls on the UN to allow Taiwanese reporters to cover the upcoming WHA meeting.

The Association of Taiwan Journalists has launched a signature drive to fight for the rights of Taiwan's media. The petition will be sent to the UN and the World Health Assembly.