Africa Freedom of Information Centre reposted this
Impunity of Crimes Against Journalists Must Stop UNESCO in partnership with Africa Freedom of information Centre (AFIC) has commemorated the International Day to End Impunity of Crimes against Journalists 2024. According to UNESCO funded research by AFIC on Gendered Dimensions of Journalists’ Safety in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania women journalists are suffering at the hands of Online Gender based violence while in line of duty. The research further established that journalists in the region face risks while they work. These include murder, torture, assault arrests, intimidation and confiscation of equipment. It has been proven that even after journalists file cases to the authorities, no one is ever held accountable for their crimes against journalists. This threatens freedom of the press and expression in a number of ways. Journalists avoid reporting issues critical of government affecting the public they are supposed to serve. Journalists especially women journalists drop out of the profession to avoid further public ridicule. Journalists living in constant fear for their lives. What needs to be done? Impunity for crimes committed against journalists has far reaching effects on democracy, human rights, accountability and well-being of society. It undermines press freedom and public access to information. No single person or stakeholder can end impunity for crimes committed against journalists. A multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, civil society, business and journalists is urgently needed in every country to address impunity for crimes committed against journalists. Development partners need to prioritize support for the development and implementation of respective country United Nations Plan of Action on safety and security of journalists prioritizing the prevention of crimes, protection of journalists and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists.
