South Sudan commemorates 2022 World Press Freedom Day

South Sudan joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2022 under the theme "Journalism Under Digital Siege". This year's national celebrations brought together stakeholders from the government, media associations, journalists, civil society organizations, law fraternity and academicians in Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal State.

Mr. James Ochaya, Executive Director of National Press Club South Sudan stated that "We in the advocacy group call on the government and all stakeholders to re-affirm their commitment and responsibility for ensuring the safety and protection of journalists, promotion of freedom of expression and access to information to journalists and citizens at all levels. I also call upon the government to investigate the death of the 5 journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty in Raja in 2015."

On his part, Mr. Julius Banda, UNESCO Country Representative to South Sudan, expressed his delight that the idea for the establishment of a World Press Freedom Day originated from Africa. As stressed by the Windhoek Declaration 1991, "the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development". Mr. Julius Banda also reminded the stakeholders present at the event that Freedom of Expression is a driver for all sustainable development goals.

Hon. Anthony Charles, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Acting Minister for Information in Wau State, reminded journalists that the media is not for lies and misinformation but for disseminating facts and the truth. While Mr. Adam Wassawa, Justice Advisor, UNMISS Rule of Law, Wau Field Office noted that the digital age should enhance access to information and not become a hindrance, because access to information saves lives.

In her remarks, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State and the Guest of Honor, underscored the importance of the work done by journalists. "The Information they share shapes our society especially during this transition period. I am a supporter of the press and the media and there should be a free flow of information and better use of the media to serve communities and transmit information to the grassroots", Governor Sarah Cleto Rial stated. She also urged journalists to conduct proper research before they released their stories. Noting the importance of fostering democracy, Hon. Cleto Rial urged the members of the press to be impartial in their reporting and called on for the empowerment of female journalists. "Attention should be placed on the empowerment of the female journalists and their profession", she underscored.

This years' national event was jointly organized by the National Press Club South Sudan and all media Associations/networks and media houses in Wau with support from UNESCO multi-Donor programme on freedom of expression and safety of journalists.