Protect and respect African journalists

On the Occasion of African Human Rights Day, October 21, 2010, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the African Regional Organisation of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), solemnly commemorates this important day by remembering the African journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty as they sought to offer noble service to their audiences. Our hearts also go out to those who continue to drive the spirit of independent journalism at great risk to their personal safety and security in conditions of exploitation by employers.

Freedom of expression and press freedom is routinely violated in Africa, by both governments and non state actors on the continent. Assassinations of journalists, abduction and illegal detention have become almost normal business and there is little will to bring the perpetrators to account.

Safety of journalists is of foremost importance if society expects journalists to continue to perform their duty bringing the truth and media providing a platform for the free exchange of opinion.

Killing journalists is killing the messenger. Unfortunately, the physical elimination of journalists is becoming common as rule of law breaks down in different countries. Criminals and some members of the political class find a point of convergence as they seek to hide information on violation of human rights, graft and abuse of power.

This is a clarion call by the journalists’ fraternity of Africa on governments on the continent to guarantee the freedoms and rights of African journalists by ensuring rule of law, justice and security for all citizens. Politicians must bring their political will to bear by developing a continental policy framework for safety of journalists, domesticating this policy properly and establishing structures to ensure compliance.

By enacting malicious legislation intended to muzzle the press, and allowing irregular elements to harass media, the political leaders are failing in their primary duty of ensuring respect for, and protection of the right to freedom of expression, the most basic and source of all other human freedoms and rights.

FAJ urges the African Union and its 53 member States to ensure safety and protection of journalists by passing and implementing a continental policy on safety of journalists. There cannot and there will not be peace and security in Africa when the communicators and facilitators of citizen exchange have no right to live and work in peace and security.

Impunity is the fuel driving danger and violence directed at journalists. Pervasive impunity has serious implications for social justice and citizens rights in Africa and beyond. FAJ wishes to restate that apprehension and punishment of perpetrators of human rights violations remains the single most effective deterrent against these heinous crimes. It is also the only consolation that can give a sense of vindication to the victims and their families.

Rights and freedoms of journalists to perform their work are not the only human rights of journalists violated. Though fundamental, labour rights of journalists continue to be accorded little or no respect. The record of compliance with labour rights in the media in Africa is very poor. There is a significant imbalance between returns on capital and wages in the media industry in Africa. Working journalists earn low remuneration, work long hours and work in hazardous conditions without social security, health benefits or job security.

While they are not accorded even the most basic social benefits, Freelance journalists are forced to work long hours without due compensation, exposing them to ruthless exploitation and work in inhumane and degrading conditions.

Excessive restrictions on freedom of association and a determined anti-union agenda including dismissals of members of unions are common in many places in Africa.

FAJ call on Governments not to be partial to employers who violate labour rights of journalists and should offer unequivocal support to the right to form unions (where they do not exist), collective bargaining and the right of workers to withdraw their labour.

For more information contact +221 33 867 95 87 The FAJ represents over 50,000 journalists in 38 countries in Africa