By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO's, the African Union (AU) media monitors with the International Association of Women in Radio and Television Africa (IAWRT) meet with African Journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to brainstorm on violence against journalist.

Addis Ababa Liaison Director, Dr. Rita Bissounauth in her address at the gathering, reiterated the organizations' commitment to addressing issues of harassment, violence, impunity and crime against journalists.

She maintained that journalism has continued to be a dangerous profession as journalists were often imprisoned, abused or even murdered in the course of duty.

She said: “Given the important role of journalists in a democracy, UNESCO would continue to focus on establishing a harmonized monitoring and reporting mechanism for the safety of journalists in Africa, with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other modern tools.”

Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde a Nigerian veteran journalist and Deputy Director News with Radio Nigeria, in her paper presentation, called for a collective effort from governments, companies, civil society organizations and the international community to create a safer environment for journalists to operate without fear of reprisal.

She listed some key issues to include cyber threats, online harassment, the importance of legal protections, international collaboration, digital literacy, and the need for accountability.

Hlengiwe Dube, one of the beneficiaries of the training and South Africa Radio Journalist, appreciated UNESCO for facilitating the meeting.

She described the development of a mapping tool for documentation of violations against journalists as an incredible initiative.

Dube also expressed optimism that it would have meaningful impact and stimulate positive responses from duty bearers.

The capacity building programme had in attendance representatives, experts and journalists from all regions of Africa who were trained on reporting crimes, impunity and abuse as well as the use of modern technologies to report crimes against journalists.

It was supported by the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).

•PHOTO: Group photograph of participants at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO's, the African Union (AU) media monitors with the International Association of Women in Radio and Television Africa (IAWRT) meeting with African Journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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