Workshop discusses impunity for crimes against journalists

[Juba, South Sudan, TCT, By Francis Mading]The Union of Journalists, in cooperation with the Association for the Development of Media in south Sudan (AMDISS), organized a media symposium on Wednesday, November 6 on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists at the Juba Regency Hotel under the slogan "Building trust in the media and confronting disinformation".

The workshop which was organized with the support of UNESCO and the British Embassy in Juba was attended by reporters and editors from several media houses whose common interest was defending the rights of journalists. The workshop discussed the protection of Journalists in the performance of their duties, the need to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable, take serious steps to defend and support freedom of expression among other issues.

The workshop was addressed by the President of the Union of Journalists (UJOSS), Oliver Modi, the chairperson of the Association for Media Development (AMDISS) Mary Ajith, a representative of UNESCO, a representative of the British Embassy and the Director General of the Ministry of Information Mr. Paul Jacob.

According to this year UN's report, approximately, 1010 journalists died between 2006 - 2017 globally while carrying out their mandate of transmitting news and information to people. In 9 out of 10 cases, the perpetrator remains unpunished.

Impunity leads to more murders and is a sign of worsening conflict and a breakdown of law and judicial systems. UNESCO, therefore fears that impunity will destabilize entire societies by concealing serious human rights violations, corruption and crimes. The United Nations General Assembly declared November 2 the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in its resolution A / RES / 68/163. It urged Member States to implement specific measures to counter the current culture of impunity. French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.

This historic resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. It also urges Member States to make every effort to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, ensure accountability, bring perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers to justice and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

It also calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without interference.

“When journalists are targeted, whole communities pay the price. In a world of confusion and misinformation," an official from the UN said.