Journalists continue to face life threatening risks hence the need for urgent and effective measures to protect them, says Dr. Rita Bissounauth, Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Addis Ababa liaison to AUC.
Addressing African Journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during AU media monitors gathering by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television-Africa (IAWRT), Bissounauth said journalism remains a dangerous profession as journalists are often imprisoned, abused or even murdered in the course of duty.
"As UNESCO, our mandate is to monitor the killing of journalists and this resolution was long adopted back in 1997. It condemns assassination and any physical violence against journalists," she said.
Through UNESCO's assessment, they are aware that women journalists are vulnerable to sexual harassment, rape and many others. "These attacks do not only violate fundamental rights of journalists but also undermine development of societies in Africa and the rule of law," she noted.
Representatives, experts and journalists from all regions of Africa were trained on reporting crimes, impunity and abuse, as well as the use of modern technologies to report crimes against journalists.
Sharing her opinion about the training, South Africa Radio journalist, Hlengiwe Dube appreciated UNESCO for making the training possible. According to Dube, journalists are often sexually harassed on the job.
"The development of a mapping tool for documentation of violations against journalists is an incredible initiative that is envisaged to have meaningful impact and stimulate positive responses from duty bearers," she said.
The African media monitors concurred that the training could go a long way in helping journalists report on their safety through the use of modern technologies. Nigerian veteran journalist and media specialist, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde also observed that journalists face increasing cyber threats including hacking, online harassment and surveillance.
She said implementing robust digital security measures is essential to protect journalists from cyberattacks and safeguarding sensitive information.
The training, appreciated by participants, introduced new applications and showcased the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism.
For Cameroonian journalist, Line Renée Anaba Batoungue her favourite part of the training was (AI) presentation believing it can enhance journalism in an evolving world where data innovation plays a central role.
"It is best to keep learning the new technologies for journalism to stay winning," she said.
Addressing African Journalists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during AU media monitors gathering by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television-Africa (IAWRT), Bissounauth said journalism remains a dangerous profession as journalists are often imprisoned, abused or even murdered in the course of duty.
"As UNESCO, our mandate is to monitor the killing of journalists and this resolution was long adopted back in 1997. It condemns assassination and any physical violence against journalists," she said.
Through UNESCO's assessment, they are aware that women journalists are vulnerable to sexual harassment, rape and many others. "These attacks do not only violate fundamental rights of journalists but also undermine development of societies in Africa and the rule of law," she noted.
Representatives, experts and journalists from all regions of Africa were trained on reporting crimes, impunity and abuse, as well as the use of modern technologies to report crimes against journalists.
Sharing her opinion about the training, South Africa Radio journalist, Hlengiwe Dube appreciated UNESCO for making the training possible. According to Dube, journalists are often sexually harassed on the job.
"The development of a mapping tool for documentation of violations against journalists is an incredible initiative that is envisaged to have meaningful impact and stimulate positive responses from duty bearers," she said.
The African media monitors concurred that the training could go a long way in helping journalists report on their safety through the use of modern technologies. Nigerian veteran journalist and media specialist, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde also observed that journalists face increasing cyber threats including hacking, online harassment and surveillance.
She said implementing robust digital security measures is essential to protect journalists from cyberattacks and safeguarding sensitive information.
The training, appreciated by participants, introduced new applications and showcased the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism.
For Cameroonian journalist, Line Renée Anaba Batoungue her favourite part of the training was (AI) presentation believing it can enhance journalism in an evolving world where data innovation plays a central role.
"It is best to keep learning the new technologies for journalism to stay winning," she said.
