The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has resolved to be carrying out an annual campaign to shun impunity against journalists.

In a press release issued yesterday, UJOSS called on the world leaders to bring justice to those who harass journalists and overlook freedom of expression.

“As every year, we will be running a campaign to condemn impunity and call on world governments to account for their lack of commitment to bring journalists’ attackers and killers to justice,” read the circular.

The union directed all its members to commit to carrying out interviews with civil society, lawyers, organized forces, and government officials as a tool of reminding them of the importance of the media in democracy.

It announced that on November 2 it would join the marking of the United Nations International Day to end crimes committed against journalists.

 “It is an important day. It is acknowledging that impunity remains a global concern for journalists, their families, and friends across the world, and that freedom of expression and the public’s right to know will never enjoy full protection until all those who are threatening, harassing, and attacking journalists are brought to justice,” the statement read in part.

The incidents

In an earlier interview with the City Review, the President of the Union Oyet Patrick Charles pointed out that six journalists were harassed or arrested in August and September 2021.

He urged authorities that the journalists were not enemies but professionals like others who are skilled at their profession in ensuring that information is communicated clearly and such information will be used in decision-making.

He said that rights to freedom of expression and rights to access to information were universal rights that were in the constitution and thus should not be overlooked.

“These rights to freedom of expression, the right to access to information are universal rights which are in the universal declaration of 1947, and Article 9 of that declaration talks about these rights of freedom of expression and access to information. This is very important because if you have the right to access to information and freedom of expression, you can protect other rights,” he said.

The UJOSS President said that there was an improvement in the relationship of the union with the security and media authority in that arguing that they could now sit down and iron out issues.

“The Media Authority is free, they say we should call them whenever there is a concern about journalists. Even over the weekend, they have been responding, and [we have been visiting the offices of security [officers] any moment.

“We think this continuous engagement is very good. Government officials have also been opening doors including the First Vice President to the Union of Journalists. If we continue in this manner, the media will be stronger and better and will help everybody,” he said.

He called on the national government and state governments to handle journalists as friends other than enemies and as people serving the public interest. He asked for protection and security from journalists from all the security organs.

Oyet admitted that media sometimes go wrong but should always admit their mistakes and apologize so that the case can be handled amicably.

“In case a mistake arises, it is not good to take the law into your hand by harassing someone. The best way is to sit down and try to right the wrong and when it is not resolved, take it to the media authority or court of law but the best solution is forgiveness,” he concluded.

The UJOSS President urged journalists not to abandon the job but strive to be professional and utilize training provided by the union and other institutions that promote media development in the country.