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From Dialogue to Action: UNESCO Firms Commitment to Journalists’ Safety in Tanzania
Journalists play a pivotal role in informing the public yet, the challenges they face—from physical threats to digital harassment underscore the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures. Recognizing this, UNESCO organized a meeting in collaboration with the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) together with International Media Support (IMS) and JamiiAfrica as cooperating partners within the framework of the ‘Empowering Journalists for an Informed Society’ initiative, the Media Council of Tanzania as a key actor and the current Chair of the Coalition on the Right to Information (CoRI), and the Directorate of information Services of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports on 16 May 2025 in Dar es Salaam, to deliberate on key actions to accelerate multi-stakeholder action for the safety and protection of journalists in Tanzania.
This meeting is a crucial step forward, translating the commitments made during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Arusha into concrete actions. By implementing the recommendations to enhance journalist safety in Tanzania, we are moving from words to impactful measures, ensuring that our dedication to press freedom is realized in practice.
This meeting developed a comprehensive roadmap focusing on four key areas: strengthening coordination, institutional engagement, policy and training development, and public messaging, in line with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, aiming to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers.
Key strategic actions are under four main areas of intervention:
Strengthening Coordination on Journalists’ Safety
Recognizing the need for a unified approach, stakeholders have emphasized the importance of establishing a national coordination mechanism. Regular meetings and information-sharing platforms are proposed to ensure timely responses to threats against journalists.
Institutional Perspectives – Insights and Feedback
Engagement with key institutions, notably the Tanzania Police Force, is important. Discussions centered on integrating journalist safety protocols into existing frameworks, such as the General Orders of the Police Force. This institutional commitment is crucial for fostering a culture of respect and protection for media professionals.
Policy and Training Development
To address gaps in knowledge and practice, the roadmap outlines the development of comprehensive training programs. These programs aim to sensitize law enforcement officers, judicial actors, and journalists on issues related to press freedom, legal protections, and safety measures. Additionally, policy reforms are suggested to strengthen legal frameworks safeguarding journalists' rights.
Public Messaging and Institutional Commitment
Public awareness campaigns are integral to the roadmap, aiming to highlight the role of journalists in society and the importance of their safety. Collaborations with media houses are planned to disseminate key messages, while institutions are encouraged to publicly affirm their commitment to protecting journalists.
A significant focus of the Roadmap developed addresses the escalating challenge of online violence, especially targeting women journalists. Participants emphasized the necessity for gender-sensitive strategies to combat online harassment, including strengthened cooperation on cybersecurity and improving legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable.
Freedom of expression cannot be realized without the safety of journalists. This roadmap is a tangible and collaborative outcome that will guide national efforts to ensure journalists can work free from threats, violence, or intimidation.
Participants agreed on the importance of institutionalizing the safety mechanism and called for continued joint engagement to accelerate implementation, strengthen accountability, and promote a safe and enabling environment for all media professionals in Tanzania. The finalized roadmap will be shared with key stakeholders for joint implementation.
UNESCO remains committed to supporting Tanzania's efforts through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. By aligning with the UN Plan of Action, UNESCO aims to foster an environment where journalists can operate freely and safely, contributing to the broader goals of peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
