World Press Freedom Day: Editors Salute Journalists Working Under Harsh Conditions

 

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has saluted Journalists for working under harsh economic conditions and reaffirmed that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to public information are crucial to democracy, which must be at the heart of Nigerian government’s values and actions.

The professional body of editors and media executives in Nigeria also said that it recognized the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free/ independent media in protecting the country democracy and advised them not to give up, in spite of the prevailing economic challenges.

In a statement issued on Thursday to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day and signed by its President, Mr. Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Guild also requested the National Assembly to initiate and adopt a law to protect journalists.

The organization particularly referred to journalists who speak out on matters of public interest, especially against abusive and strategic lawsuits, which are regularly initiated to silence them.

This year, the World Press Freedom Day, is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of good journalism amidst the current global environmental crisis”, the NGE noted.

World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3rd, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world.

It also to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists, who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day also acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

It highlights the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in fostering transparency, accountability and democracy.

The Editors further explained.’In line with the theme of this year celebration, we believe that journalism and freedom of expression are crucial in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

‘’Journalism and freedom of expression help in raising public awareness about environmental issues; holding power accountable; amplifying marginalized voices; promoting transparency and accountability; fostering public debate/engagement, and providing a platform for solutions.’

More importantly, the NGE said that this year’s World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for every stakeholder in the media community to continue to drum it to the hearing of both state and non-state actors – about the importance of press freedom and the challenges being faced by journalists.

These challenges NGE added include; censorship, harassment, imprisonment and violence.

The editors stressed the urgent need by the government to take deliberate and sustained action to promote press freedom and good journalism in the country.

their lives or faced persecution, and we stand in solidarity with those under threat or attack and those who continue to work under very harsh economic conditions.’’

The editors said that they would continue to advocate for press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, adding that they are crucial to good governance, democratic societies and fundamental human rights.

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