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Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has said press freedom is fundamental to institutionalization of democracy.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the United Nations House, the Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Regional Office Abuja, Mr Philippe Delange, in his speech to commemorate the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day organised by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Information Centre (UNIC), commemoration of the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day organised by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Abuja, said that “without press freedom, democracy was a shadow of itself.”
The day which had the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all Other Human Rights,” also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Conference Programme of Action on Human Rights.
World Press Freedom Day was established by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Delange said: “Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democratic society,” adding that: “Without a debate of ideas, without verified facts, without diversity of perspectives, democracy is a shadow of itself and World Press Freedom Day was established to remind us of this.”
He said: “For the international community, it is first and foremost a question of combating the impunity that still surround crimes of which journalists are victims, with nearly nine out of ten murders of journalists going unpunished.”
Delange also said the UN had the Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which UNESCO had been leading for ten years.
He explained that the action plan ensured that independent media can continue to exist, noting that: “With the digital revolution, the information landscape and its modes of production and distribution have been radically disrupted, jeopardizing the viability of independent professional media.”
He however decried that 30 years after the first World Press Freedom Day, a lot had happened and lots more needed to be done as well.
He said it was an opportunity to renew commitment within international organisations to defending journalists and ensuring press freedom.
On his part, the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigerian, Mr Matthias Schmale said having freedom of expression and seeking information fostered intellectual growth and contribute to social and political progress.
He said: “A free press is essential, if we want truth, justice, and accountability to flourish,” while regretting that press freedom remained under threat in many parts of the world, lamenting that speech was being repressed both online and offline.
He said truth is undermined by disinformation and hate speech, while media workers face mounting threats, including women journalists living in fear of violence in many parts of the world.
He said World Press Freedom Day reminds all that freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a prerequisite for the enjoyment of all other rights.
He said: “We all have a responsibility to support and protect those who risk their lives speaking truth to power.
“UNESCO will continue to lead UN efforts to keep media professionals safe and help them seek justice.
“I call on government, CSOs and citizens to promote and protect press freedom.
“Together, we can shape a future of rights where journalists can tell the stories that need to be told.”
Executive Secretary,National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Anthony Ojukwu, said the commission was aware of several bills proposed at the National Assembly for the purpose of gagging the media.
Ojukwu, who was represented by the Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mrs Agharese Arese, said NHRC would continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and the press was exercised within the ambit of the law.
He said: “Whereas, the social and digital media has been criticised for encroaching on privacy rights and fuelled hate statements. We believe in the sufficiency of our laws for individuals affected to seek civil legal remedies.
“The NHRC is passionate about the protection of the rights of Nigerians which includes journalists.”
Deputy Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Baze University Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, said freedom was priceless while it could be denied in diverse ways.
He said freedom can be denied through regulations, intimidation, harassment, denial of rights which can be politically motivated or otherwise.
He said people could engage in peaceful protests, advocacies, dialogues to fight efforts targeted at gagging the media.
Adeniyi added that freedom of expression was an integral part of human rights and a viable democracy.
Mr John Attah, Programme Director, Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, called on stakeholders to protect journalists while they do their jobs.
Press Freedom is Fundamental to Democracy- UNESCO
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
Venezuela Solidarity Group Urges U.S. to Lift Sanctions After Deadly Earthquakes
By: Michael Mike
The Venezuela Solidarity Campaign in Nigeria (VSCN) has called for the immediate and unconditional lifting of United States sanctions on Venezuela, arguing that the restrictions are hampering humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts following devastating twin earthquakes that reportedly killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over 50,000 others.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its coordinator, Comrade Dimeji Macaulay, the group expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and the Bolivarian Government, describing the earthquakes as a humanitarian tragedy that has left widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, roads and other critical infrastructure.
The organisation extended condolences to families of the victims and praised what it described as the resilience of the Venezuelan people in confronting the disaster despite years of economic hardship.
According to the VSCN, the U.S. sanctions have weakened Venezuela’s capacity to respond effectively to the emergency by limiting access to financial resources and restricting the importation of medicines, equipment, technology and other essential materials.
The group maintained that maintaining the sanctions during a humanitarian crisis amounts to collective punishment against ordinary citizens and called for their permanent removal to facilitate relief operations and long-term reconstruction.
“There can be no moral or legal justification for maintaining an economic blockade against a country struggling to save lives and rebuild after a devastating natural disaster,” the statement said, adding that every day the sanctions remain in force prolongs the suffering of the Venezuelan people.
The campaign also urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to publicly support the removal of the sanctions, strengthen diplomatic relations with Venezuela and contribute to international humanitarian efforts for victims of the disaster.
It further appealed to the African Union to reject unilateral coercive measures, describing them as violations of international law, while calling on African countries to support Venezuela’s recovery.
The group equally called on the United Nations to intensify humanitarian assistance and ensure that sanctions do not obstruct emergency relief operations or reconstruction programmes.
Beyond governments and international organisations, the VSCN appealed to trade unions, youth organisations, civil society groups and progressive political movements across Africa and the wider international community to demonstrate solidarity with Venezuela by opposing what it described as economic warfare and supporting the country’s right to determine its future without external interference.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Venezuelan cause, the organisation said it would continue campaigning until the sanctions are lifted, insisting that Venezuela’s recovery should not be hindered by external political considerations
Venezuela Solidarity Group Urges U.S. to Lift Sanctions After Deadly Earthquakes
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Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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