Promote and protect press freedom – Schmale calls on gov’t, CSOs and citizens

At the observance of the 30th Anniversary of the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja on Friday 5 May 2023, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, called on the government, the Civil Society Organisations and all citizens to promote and protect press freedom.

“Together, we can shape a future of rights where journalists can tell the stories that need to be told. A future where freedom of expression helps realize all other human rights.” Schmale said in his opening remarks at the observance organised by the United Nations Scientific, Educational, and Cultural Oranisation (UNESCO), the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and held at the UN House Abuja.

He noted that we all have a responsibility to support and protect those who risk their lives speaking truth to power the UN House. “We stand in solidarity with all media workers here in Nigeria. And we pay tribute to those journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty around the world.” He added.

Officer-in-Charge of UNESCO Regional Office  Abuja, Philippe Delange, emphasised that democracy would be a shadow of itself without press freedom.

“Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democratic society. Without a debate of ideas, without verified facts, without diversity of perspectives, democracy is a shadow of itself and World Press Freedom Day was established to remind us of this.” He said.

Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Anthony Ojukwu, represented by the Commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mrs Agharese Arese, said NHRC would continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and the press was exercised within the ambit of the law.

He said: “Whereas, the social and digital media has been criticised for encroaching on privacy rights and fuelled hate statements. We believe in the sufficiency of our laws for individuals affected to seek civil legal remedies.

The keynote speaker, Deputy Dean, School of Post Graduate Studies, Baze University Abuja, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, said freedom was priceless while it could be denied in diverse ways: through regulations, intimidation, harassment, denial of rights which can be politically motivated or otherwise.

Adeniyi added that freedom of expression was an integral part of human rights and a viable democracy.