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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
04/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/04/2024 07:37
Two-day seminar on access to information kicks-off in Juba
UNESCO in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Information Commission of the Republic of South Sudan, kicked off a two-day seminar on access to information in Juba.
The aim of the seminar was to enhance access to information, promote information sharing among the members of the press and the National Electoral Commission in preparation for the upcoming elections in December 2024. Participants consisted of members of the media, civil society, the National Electoral Commission, and representatives from various government and electoral bodies.
JICA recognizes the crucial role access to information plays in achieving sustainable development and fostering good governance. We are committed to supporting South Sudan in its efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions.
Tanaka Hiroyuki, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Julius Banda, UNESCO's Country Representative to South Sudan emphasized the importance of the right of access to information as an invaluable component of democracy, as it goes a long way in facilitating participation in public affairs and is a cross cutting right that is necessary for the realization of other human rights.
Banda further emphasized,equal access of information for everyone which includesbridging the access and digital divide, gender gaps and use of local languages to ensure that no one is left behind. Proactive information disclosure, creation, preservation, and maintenance of information was also emphasized to ensure realization of the right of access to information.
Dr. Yath Awan Yath, Undersecretary Ministry of Information and Telecommunication stated that the government together with its partners need to work hand in hand to make election's related information available to the citizens.
We have over 80 radio stations nationwide, when we use them right, all the citizens will have accurate information about the elections.
Dr. Yath Awan Yath, Undersecretary Ministry of Information and Telecommunication
George Lemi Stans Yata, Spokesperson of the National Elections Commission in his remarks said that the mandate of the commission is to avail accurate and reliable information for the public about elections related work, and the commission is committed to ensuring citizens have access to reliable, and accurate information in this regard. Lemi echoed the importance of Access to information in this critical time as the Country gears towards its first election since her independence from Sudan in 2011.
The role of media is crucial as South Sudan is planning national elections later this year to choose leaders to succeed the current transitional government.