African Union calls for journalists to be protected
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Jornal F8
The African Union and the Federation of African Journalists are calling for media professionals to be able to work without violence or reprisals. They pay tribute to journalists killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile and call for crimes against them to be investigated, according to Folha 8.
The African Union and the Federation of African Journalists have called on states across the continent to protect journalists from violence and reprisals in a joint statement issued for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Jornal F8 reports. The statement was signed by Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Omar Faruk Osman, president of the Federation of African Journalists.
The two organisations called on states to ensure the safety of media professionals, investigate attacks, prosecute those responsible and provide redress for victims. They also paid tribute to journalists killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile because of their work.
The statement notes that women journalists are particularly exposed to gender-based threats, harassment and online violence. Its signatories say new technologies and changing weaponry are altering the risks journalists face, particularly in conflict zones, while those responsible for crimes often escape justice.
The appeal follows a call by UNESCO, which warned on 2 November about the persistent impunity for crimes against journalists. On 2 November, the UJCA also reported threats against Central African journalists.
