Union of Journalists of South Sudan or UJOSS chairman attributed impunity against media practitioners in South Sudan to disrespect of rule of law and ignorance about laws of the country.
Oliver Modi Philip told the press on Thursday that the war culture in the minds of some South Sudanese resulted to human rights violations, calling on all stakeholders to exert more efforts to bring sustainable peace and stability to the country.
He was telling the press that South Sudan on Monday joins the world to mark the first International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists under a local theme: ‘Together, for safety and protection of journalists ‘at Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba.
The Chairman clarified that the extension to of the celebration to November 3 is because the official date falls on Sunday.
End Impunity Organization Director Angelina Daniel called on journalists and security organs to understand media laws to ease information sharing between them.
She called on the government to facilitate journalists’ access to conflict affected areas for accurate reporting.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO South Sudan representative Salah Khaled called on the government and civil society organizations to joint efforts in the fight against impunity in the country.
He urged the government to address acts of violence against journalists including murder, harassment and arbitrary arrests.
UN General Assembly on December 18, 2013 proclaimed that November 2 of every year is designated to International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.
It mandated UNESCO in consultation with relevant entities to facilitate the implementation of the Day in collaboration with governments and other stakeholders.