Jurnalist 2020

Press note > Africa Region > Nigeria

IHRC Condemn Impunity Against Journalists: Int'l Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2020.

...Call for End of all forms of Impunity and Reiterate the Need for Human Rights and Rule of Law

There is an urgent need to implement definite measures to countering the present culture of impunity against journalists across the world.

The statement was issued by Fidelis Onakpoma (FIICEP), IHRC SMM Representative in the Niger Delta Nigeria, in commemoration of the 2020 International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

Fidelis said that Journalists are essential in preserving the fundamental right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. News is that part of communication that keeps us informed of the changing events, issues, and characters in the world outside. It is hinged on the responsibility of journalists to provide citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments.

Contrary, journalists are faced with gross violations of fundamental human rights across the world.

Beyond fatal attacks, journalists endured other violations such as a physical attack, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, imprisonment, and torture.

Harassment and other harmful acts are increasingly prevalent in the online sphere and are especially dire for women journalists.

According to Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, “When journalists are attacked with impunity, there is a breakdown in security and judicial systems for all."

It's a truism according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, that “if we do not protect journalists, our ability to remain informed and make evidence-based decisions is severely hampered. When journalists cannot do their defense safety, we lose an important defense against the pandemic of misinformation and disinformation that has spread online.”

In a statement issued by the Secretary-General International Human Rights Commission, Sir Rafał Marcin Wasik said, “Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights...Freedom of expression and information are the Pillars of a healthy democratic society and for social and economic growth, allowing for the free flow of ideas necessary for innovation and bolstering accountability and transparency".

We use this medium to charge Journalists to remain free and ethical, as a source of pure chronic and resolved to higher responsibility towards people that overlaps any other concept than the one of truth. Remain focus on transmitting facts and rich information in a way that it empowers people to make their mind about it as we enjoin the governments, civil society groups, and other relevant stakeholders for the urgent need to implement definite measures in protecting journalists and punishing offenders.

Reported:

Fidelis Onakpoma FIICEP

IHRC ZVC, Niger Delta.