DAR ES SALAAM: JOURNALIST in the country have been urged to leverage their profession to raise awareness about human rights issues, ensuring that both current and future generations can uphold these fundamental principles.
The call was made by the National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa during a national dialogue with media editors.
The discussion, which focused on the state of human rights promotion and protection, commemorated the 40th anniversary of the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The event was part of the International Human Rights Day commemorations held recently in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Olengurumwa emphasised the importance of educating the community about human rights and encouraging their protection and adherence to create a safer society.
“Journalists must take up the responsibility of educating Tanzanians about human rights. Use your expertise to achieve this so that the society can collectively protect and uphold these rights,” said Mr Olengurumwa.
He added: “Journalists are the guardians of human rights. Let us fulfil this role to build a nation where future generations can live on strong human rights foundations”.
He said that journalism plays a crucial role in fostering awareness on various societal issues as he encouraged journalists to take advantage of improved information dissemination infrastructure, including social media to promote human rights education.
“Journalists are key stakeholders in human rights advocacy. With improved infrastructure and the availability of platforms like social media, you can effectively educate the public on human rights issues. Remember, it is the duty of every media professional to educate, spread awareness and defend human rights,” he said.
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Mr Olengurumwa also noted the increasing number of academics, civil society organisations, public and private institutions advocating for human rights calling on journalists to utilise these resources to gather valuable information for educating and informing Tanzanians.
He further urged stakeholders in human rights advocacy to collaborate in promoting and protecting human rights.
“Various groups and institutions, including religious organisations, civil society organisations, the judiciary, lawyers, universities and the media, play an essential role in safeguarding and advancing human rights. These efforts must be strengthened to ensure human rights are respected and treated as a foundation for social and economic development,” he said.
On his part, veteran journalist and lawyer, Mr Jenerali Ulimwengu underscored the right to information as one of the most fundamental human rights and a cornerstone of social progress and development.
He said that media outlets in the country have a significant responsibility to ensure citizens receive accurate and essential information.
He criticised some media outlets for prioritising entertainment, gossip and sports over delivering critical information to society.
The dialogue brought together various groups, including journalists, civil society organisations, elders, retired leaders, lawyers, religious leaders and academicians to reflect on the state of human rights in the country.
