Experts Renew Calls For Investigation Into Killings, Attacks On Journalists

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

 Journalists protesting the disappearance of a former House of Representatives correspondent with Vanguard newspaper, Mr Tordue Henry Salem before his corpse was uncovered by the police in Abuja. 

Exprts in the media sector have canvassed the need for prompt investigations into the killings, attacks, and ill-treatment of journalists across the country, with a view to unravel and punish the perpetrators of such crimes. 

To this end, they emphasised that establishing a National Response Mechanism (NRM) to address the issue of Safety of Journalists (SOJ) in Nigeria should align with global best practices.

These were contained in a communique issued at the end of a one-day stakeholders roundtable on 'National Response Mechanism on Safety of Journalists (NRM–SOJ)", organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Abuja recently. 

It was funded by Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, Ford Foundation and OSIWA with the theme, “Contextualising and Publicising Real Costs and Mobilising Against Increasing Violation of Media Freedom, Journalists Rights and Freedom of Expression."

The event, which attracted 25 participants from the civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, media, media associations and regulatory bodies. 

It focused on workable solutions towards mitigating the constant threats and harassment faced by journalists, an indication of the violation of freedom of expression and shrinking of the civic space by the government. 

The participants observed that the idea of establishing a NRM–SOJ should capture the four pillars of the United Nations Plan of Action (UNPA) on safety pf journalists such as 'Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships'.

They recommended that in outlining the mandate of the NRM, that the killings and attacks on journalists should be prioritised. 

Experts stated that the NRM–SOJ should be backed by a comprehensive legislative framework on protecting the right to life, freedom of expression and associated rights, adding that it should be reviewed regularly for optimal results. 

The communique added, "There should be wide engagement and consultations with stakeholders such as the federal and state governments, media regulatory bodies, security agencies, civil society groups and relevant professional bodies, judiciary, media professional bodies and associations, as well as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that will play prominent role in  the proposed NRM–SOJ."

Stakeholders also suggested that the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and Ministry of Women Affairs should be specially consulted for their inputs on the dangers and harassment faced by female journalists particularly on the frontline.