Navigating challenges: How the UN supports press freedom

GENEVA: JOURNALISM is a cornerstone of democracy, essential for keeping citizens informed and engaged. By uncovering the truth, reporting on critical issues and holding power accountable, journalists empower the public to participate in civic life and make informed decisions.

Protecting journalists is vital to ensuring this role continues, fostering a well-informed society. Whether in democratic nations or those with weaker structures, journalists serve as a voice for the voiceless, providing valuable insights and information.

Ensuring their safety is not just about their protection; it’s about preserving the public’s right to know, fostering accountability and upholding the principles of free speech.

During a recent media briefing with female journalists from Africa, Mr Omar Zniber, President of the 18th cycle of the UN Human Rights Council and Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasised the importance of state responsibility in protecting journalists.

The journalists were in Geneva for a study tour organised by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), which included attending a Human Rights Council meeting.

Mr Zniber highlighted that journalists play a crucial role in holding power accountable, exposing corruption, abuse, and injustice, often at great personal risk. He advocated for government programmes that empower journalists and for enacting laws that promote journalistic freedom while repealing those that restrict it.

“As representatives from various regions and political trends, journalists enable the dissemination of vital information. States must protect journalists to ensure this information reaches all corners, especially as they have signed numerous treaties,” he stated.

He noted that, within the UNHRC, the media is recognised as a significant force, but journalists must also take precautions to safeguard themselves.

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Resolution 34/18 underscores the importance of a free, independent and pluralistic media as essential for realising human rights. It was inspiring to see the council’s commitment to these principles, particularly in regions where press freedom is under threat.

Former Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, Mr Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, provided insights into how the UN collaborates with journalists to protect their rights and advocate for a safe environment for media professionals.

He noted that the Human Rights Council plays a crucial role in advocating for press freedom globally, issuing resolutions, holding discussions and conducting reviews to monitor human rights, including media freedom.

“The HRC emphasises the importance of protecting journalists and promoting a free, open media environment. I call on member states to respect press freedom as part of their human rights commitments,” he stated, underscoring that press freedom is vital for the functioning of democratic societies Addressing the challenges journalists face is essential for safeguarding this freedom worldwide.

Governments often impose restrictions on media content, whether through direct censorship or subtler pressures on media owners. Mr Renaud de Villaine, a Human Rights Officer from OHCHR, noted that journalists frequently face threats, violence, or even assassination, especially when reporting on sensitive topics like human rights abuses or corruption.

He pointed out that some countries have laws criminalising defamation, which can silence dissenting voices. Increasingly, journalists also face online harassment and surveillance, deterring them from covering certain stories and exposing them to greater risks.

To combat these challenges, OHCHR collaborates with journalists, providing support and resources to ensure they can report freely.

Mechanisms have been established to reinforce the UN’s commitment to addressing violations and ensuring accountability, which is crucial for protecting press freedom and human rights. In Tanzania, freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 18 of the Union Constitution, affirming the right to seek, receive, and impart information.

Ambassador Abdallah Posi, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, speaking at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, stated that Tanzania has not been implicated in any human rights violations and that its commitment to human rights has been recognised internationally.

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“Our country’s image continues to improve, and for nearly a year, no nation has accused Tanzania of human rights violations,” Dr Posi told journalists attending the session through the Media Engagement programme of the HRC, sponsored by FNF.

He noted significant advancements in Tanzania’s human rights practices. While Dr Posi mentioned that the UN Special Rapporteur raised only minor concerns related to refugees, he emphasised that Tanzania benefits from frameworks ensuring human rights are upheld and protected by law.

“As a member of various international treaties, Tanzania implements these agreements through its constitution,” he stated.

However, a report from the Legal Human Rights Centre (LHRC) in 2022 highlighted that despite some improvements in the media environment, restrictive laws and regulations still exist. Although there have been fewer reported violations, the legal framework protecting freedom of expression remains restrictive, undermining media freedoms and the right to information.

The report indicated that despite perceived progress, Tanzania only improved one position in the World Press Freedom Index 2022, with a slight drop in score.

“Stakeholders continue to call for amendments to the laws,” said Dr. Anna Henga, Executive Director of LHRC.

In June of this year, the Tanzania Law Society (TLS) announced plans to develop an online portal focusing on Freedom of Expression laws and policies in Tanzania. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and understanding of FoE rights under Tanzanian law.

The announcement noted that TLS and its partners are undertaking efforts to increase public understanding of regulations affecting their rights to free speech, particularly in rural areas where knowledge gaps persist.

“This portal will provide resources to help the public and media actors understand their rights and the limits of those rights under Tanzanian law,” the announcement stated.