he International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has endorsed multiple motions at its 31st Congress held in Muscat Oman.
The motions seek to enhance press freedom and the safety and security of journalists globally.
Journalists from over 90 countries attended the Congress. Princess Gibson represented the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
The global body of journalists examined the status of press freedom of countries and the conditions under which journalists discharge their functions. It came out clearly at the Congress that press freedom space is shrinking for countries including Pakistan, Palestine, Mexico, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, Lebanon, and Afghanistan with growing insecurity of journalists.
This calls for urgent and greater actions and show of solidarity by global media bodies including the IFJ.
With the recent historic repeal of the criminal Libel law, Sierra Leone scored high marks in the area of press freedom which the federation maintained should be upheld.
Several motions were endorsed to guarantee the safety and security of journalists in Pakistan, Mexico, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Palestine, including a call for the release of four Yemeni journalists on death row.
Motions to also guarantee internet freedom, prevent fake news on Social media, political polarization in Spain and hate speech in Latin America that could compromise the role of the journalists were carried.
On Africa, there was a motion for Africa Union and ECOWAS to develop a frame work to guarantee press freedom.
There were motions for national action plans by press Associations to be supported by governments, decent work conditions for journalists especially freelancers and collective bargaining rights.
The Secretary General of IFJ, Anthony Bellanger, acknowledged the efforts of Associations and Unions for advancing the solidarity of the profession.
The 31st Congress saw the election of a new President of the IFJ in the person of Dominique Pradalie.
Photo: SLAJ Public Affairs Secretary, Princess Gibson, casting the SLAJ vote at the just concluded 31st IFJ conference in Oman.
Sourced: SLAJ Secretariat
