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South Sudan Celebrates World Press Freedom Day 2024
Journalists in Malakal, Upper Nile State, joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Press Freedom Day this year under the theme: 'Protect citizen’s rights to freedom of expression and media freedom before, during and after elections'. The national event was celebrated at the Upper Nile University campus in Malakal, hosted by the State Government and the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the State’s union branch office with support from UNESCO.
On the sidelines, a football match took place between the state journalists and the state youth as part of the effort to create awareness on the role of the press in democratic societies.
Ayak Ajak Ater, the deputy Chairperson for Union of Journalists in South Sudan, thanked the State Government and the State Union branch for hosting the event and called for continued cooperation between the state authorities and the UJOSS.
In his remarks, Julius Banda, UNESCO Country Representative to South Sudan, emphasized that May 3, is a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. "It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics," he said and further stressed the importance of access to information and its fundamental role in the electoral process, serving as the cornerstone of modern democracy.
Voters must have access to accurate, diverse, and unbiased information to make informed decisions during elections. Media, political debates, and online platforms are crucial channels that provide information about candidates, their positions, and societal issues.
Jeremia Deng Akol, Upper Nile State Minister for Peace Building encouraged the journalists to adhere to their ethics and code of conduct while doing their work. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the journalist, especially those working for the state-owned radio and TV. Since the outbreak of violent conflicts in 2013, Upper Nile region was heavily affected with major infrastructures reduced to rubbles.
The state government is working hard to bring peace to Upper Nile and resettle citizens who are still in the UNMISS protection camps. As we celebrate the important day of Press Freedom, the role of journalists is key to air out messages of peace, to return hope in the hearts of the citizens.
The national event brought together stakeholders drawn from the media fraternity, government, CSOs, and the public. The event was organized by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the South Sudan Media fraternity with support from the UNESCO’s Multi Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.
