At least 40 journalists and civil society activists on Tuesday concluded a one-day training on conflict sensitive reporting in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, under the theme “Enhance professionalism to report on conflict, adherence to code of conduct and ethics of Journalism.”
The training was organized by the Media Authority in collaboration with the Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Information, with support from Journalists for Human Rights (JHR).
James Opiny Clement, the State Chairperson for Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said the training equipped participants with tools and principles of reporting. He urged the government and media partners to lobby for more trainings to counter misinformation and disinformation.
“I appreciate this workshop which is designed to equip Journalists with the tools and principles of conflict sensitive reporting, accuracy and professionalism. This is the area of concern to all the Journalists in delivering effective reporting,” he said. “We need a lot of capacity building to do away with misinformation and disinformation that is causing more problems to our journalists. I appeal to the Media Authority and Journalists for Human Rights to lobby for more training for Journalists.”
For her part, Mary Ajith, the Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) representative, urged journalists to use regulatory tools and principles of accuracy, impartiality, and independence.
“I urge you all to always apply the guiding principles of Journalism in your daily work; which are tools and accuracy. I know there are different virtues of saying don’t tell the truth because the truth will not set you free, but it remains one of the first principles,” she advised. “Maintain independence and impartiality, and humanity by not harming our communities.”
Meanwhile, Sapana Abuyi, the Director General for Media Authority, pushed for collective efforts between the government and Journalists for effective service delivery. He called on the government to ensure freedom of expression and create a conducive environment for Journalists to work.
“What is our role as government in working in collaboration with the media, and what is the role of the media in serving the public with respect?” he asked. “Is the government doing its work within the context of the law, because media is guided by law? Your freedom of expression is protected under the constitution, but that freedom is not absolute; it comes with responsibility and limitations.”
Eastern Equatoria State Information Minister Elia John Ahaji said lack of media tools and skills are hindering media work. He, however, expressed the government’s readiness to create a conducive environment for Journalists and to lobby for funds for training and provisions of necessary tools.
“These Journalists are struggling and lack tools, and some do not even have computers to do their job. Some of them lack training, yet they have dedicated themselves to Journalism,” he said. “It is also our responsibility to support them in terms of training and, where possible, with tools.”