The Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Honorable Solomon Alphonso Jusu Jamiru Esq has participated in a High-Level International Multi-stakeholder conference in Vienna, Austria to discuss on the threats faced by journalists in executing their duties.
The event marked the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of all journalists and was held on 3th and 4th November 2022.
Threats faced by journalists across the globe are rapidly changing and becoming increasingly complex; especially in developing countries like Sierra Leone.
In his presentation, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications underscores the commitment of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in repealing part 5 of the Criminal Libel Law. With the repeal of the part 5 of the Criminal Libel Law has created a conducive atmosphere and journalists can exercise their profession freely. He lauded the High-Level International Multi-stakeholder conference and described it as a good forum to discuss and address attacks and impunity of crimes against journalists.
The Deputy Minister further stated that the forum was a holistic approach that brings together members of the United Nations, national authorities, media, and civil society organizations to bring up resolutions that will end impunity against all journalists.
The Deputy Minister of Information Communication also made recommendations towards bolstering the national safety mechanisms for journalists in all countries. With unanimity, his recommendations received overwhelming approval from global participants. Mr Solomon Jamiru Esq also made preliminary interventions on Sierra Leone’s impressive track record on the protection of journalists and strengthening democracy. He contributed inputs towards the review of the UN Plan of Action on the safety of all journalists.
Idrissa Hilton Gogra Information Attach’e
Sierra Leone Embassy
Berlin Germany.
