![]() “The preservation of free, independent and pluralistic media is vital for a resilient and healthy democracy. ![]() The index observed that Africa has seen “a few significant improvements, but journalism overall has become more difficult on this continent”. Attainment of Press freedom, safety of journalists, access to information and media viability is important in relieving the world from all these challenges,” Brito saidĪccording to the latest World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters without Borders,the environment for journalism is “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42, “problematic” in 55, and “good” or “satisfactory” in only 52 countries. “On this occasion, I call upon our member states to renew their commitments to support freedom expression, safety of journalists and media workers, and the right to access to information. “In response to these alarming figures, and building on years of fruitful collaboration with African media stakeholders, UNESCO helped launch in 2021 a continental online monitoring mechanism, the “Digital platform for safety of journalists in Africa. ![]() The continent was also the third deadliest region for journalists, according to the 2022 Director-General Report on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. “The media and journalists play an essential role: they help verify and disseminate facts, they create spaces for ideas to be debated and for the voiceless to be heard,” he said.īrito lamented that attacks on journalists and media workers are on the increase, with about nine out of 10 cases going unpunished.Ĭiting the 2021/2022 global edition of UNESCO’s World Trends Report on Freedom of Expression and Media Development, he said 37 journalists were killed in Africa between 20. Lidia Brito, maintained that freedom of expression and press freedom are preconditions for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that without them, it would be difficult to eliminate poverty and hunger, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development, or build transparent institutions. The UNESCO Regional Director for Southern Africa, Prof. “In this regard, the Union is encouraging journalists to use their platforms, voices and pens, to inform, educate and engage with citizens,” she added. Musabayana said to mark 60 years of the AU establishment and service to Africa, the union would launch a communication campaign with the hashtag #OurAfricaOurFuture, to track the key achievements, as well as the challenges and plans for the way forward. “The long standing plight of women journalists was highlighted as needing special attention, as studies have shown they continue to suffer harassment, threats, and lack of upward mobility in the work place,” she said. There were recommendations made, to improve safety for journalists in humanitarian and health crises, such as the recent COVID19 pandemic, where the media fraternity lost many colleagues to the disease. ![]() “Reports were also given, of cases where media laws and practices fall short of African and international standards. In her remarks, Head of Communication AU Commission, Mrs Wynne Musabayana, acknowledged that there are countries and institutions that have made some progress in promoting media freedoms in accordance with AU instruments such as the Declaration of Principles on Access to Information and Freedom of Expression in Africa, citing Zambia as an example. ![]() World Press Freedom Day: Nigerian journalists decry worsening conditions World Press Freedom Day: Media stakeholders demand constitution amendment ![]()
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