Oct 31, 2021 — As South Sudan marks this year’s ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ on November 2nd, the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) urge all stakeholders, including security personnel, to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists in the country.
UJOSS and CEPO are concerned about the persistent increase in the assaults, threats, intimidation, arrests and detentions of journalists as well as closure of media houses.
The 2021 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists highlights the instrumental role of a fair judicial system, credible investigation and other police services.
“As we approach the day, we call for an end to all crimes and threats against journalists and urge all relevant stakeholders in the country, including members of the security personnel to respect the work which journalists do.” Said Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of CEPO.
UJOSS and CEPO urge authorities in South Sudan to always investigate cases involving journalists before taking actions.
“The issue if impunity against journalists in South Sudan is real and clear evidence that freedom of expression and the rights to information is still problematic in the country,” Yakani continued.
“The role of journalists in this country remains crucial especially during this time of the peace agreement implementation, constitution making process and elections slated for 2023.” He further stressed.
UJOSS and CEPO urge the Media Authority of South Sudan, Information Commission and the Communication Authority to take the lead towards ending impunity against journalists.
“The development of the code of conduct for journalist by the Media Authority of South Sudan is a great step towards correcting the situation of impunity against journalists. CEPO and UJOSS will partner with the Media Authority to disseminate the journalist’ code of conduct,” noted Yakani.
