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Sudan Tribune

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UNESCO, partners train 20 journalists on incident reporting

Participants who attended the UNESCO-funded workshop on media incident reporting in Juba, July 15, 2022 (UNESCO photo)

July 24, 2022 (JUBA) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in partnership with South Sudan journalists union (UJOSS) and Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) trained media practitioners in the country on incident reporting techniques.

The two-day workshop was held the South Sudan capital, Juba last week.

Speaking at the workshop opening, the UNESCO Country Representative, Julius Banda stressed the importance of Freedom of Expression as a driver of the 2063 Agenda of the African Union and 2030 of the United Nations.

He urged journalists to enable the public debate and freely voice opinions.

“The role of media in advancing human rights, freedom of expression and access to information is critical at this point in time in the history of South Sudan. It is important that the constitutional making process is inclusive, ensure people’s voices are heard”, stressed Banda.

He further encouraged the media to use national languages beyond English and Arabic to ensure broader engagement with the public.

The head of UJOSS, Patrick Charles Oyet thanked UNESCO for the support which has enable the union strengthen capacities of media practitioners.

He urged the journalists to verify the information they usually report about.

He warned them to be careful, report accurately on the issues affecting journalists in South Sudan.

CEPO’s Media Relations Officer, Julius Nyerere said they are strengthening the capacity of media professionals in South Sudan, while appreciating the support UNESCO gives for supporting media development in the country.

He, however, revealed that they “are concerned about inadequate knowledge of ethics of journalism amongst media professionals” and “absence of suitable media environment” for journalists in South Sudan.

The training on the theme, “Enhancing safety and protection of journalists”, was supported by UNESCO’s multi-donor programme on freedom of expression and safety of journalists that seeks to support freedom of expression, strengthen capacities of journalists and other media practitioners.

South Sudan ranks 128th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index.

(ST)