World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3, to raise awareness about the importance of a free and independent press and to remind governments of their duty to upholdand respect press freedom.
The theme for 2023 is Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression As a Driver for Other Human Rights”. Journalists play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens have access to reliable, accurate, and timely information, which is essential for informed decision-making and the proper functioning of a democratic society.
Journalists have the right to seek, receive, and impart information without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation. This is not just a fundamental right, but also a necessary condition for a healthy democracy.
The importance of upholding the rights of journalists cannot be overstated. Without a free and independent press, governments can act with impunity, corruption can go unchecked, and human rights abuses can remain hidden from public view. Journalists need to be able to do their job without fear of retaliation or persecution, and it is up to governments and the international community to ensure that their rights are protected.
Here are some reasons why journalists’ rights should be upheld: Hold the powerful accountable: Journalists play a crucial role in holding the powerful accountable, whether they are governments, corporations, or other institutions. By reporting on issues of public interest, journalists can expose corruption, abuse of power, and other wrongdoing, which helps to ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
Protect human rights: Journalists often report on human rights abuses, including issues such as discrimination, torture, and extrajudicial killings. By shining a light on these issues, journalists can help to bring about positive change and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals and communities.
Ensure transparency: A free and independent press is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in government and other institutions. Journalists play a key role in uncovering information that may be hidden from the public, and in ensuring that citizens have access to the information they need to make informed decisions.
Promote diversity: A diverse and pluralistic media is essential for promoting diverse voices and perspectives. Journalists from different backgrounds can bring unique insights and experiences to their reporting, which can help to promote understanding and empathy across different communities.
Strengthen democracy: A free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy. By providing citizens with accurate and reliable information, journalists help to ensure that citizens can make informed decisions about their lives and their communities.
In conclusion, journalists’ rights should be upheld because they play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of press freedom, and that journalists are able to work without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence. Again, World Press Freedom Day is a reminder that journalists play a vital role in ensuring that the public is informed, and the powerful are held accountable.
Upholding their rights is crucial to the health of our protection of human rights.
Hajara Abdullahi,
Department of Mass Communication,
Bayero University, Kano
