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Ambassador Gjos challenges govt to respect freedom of expression

Ambassador Gjos challenges govt to respect freedom of expression
Written by Kabanda Chulu and Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Saturday, July 11, 2009 3:30:19 PM

NORWEGIAN Ambassador to Zambia Tore Gjos has challenged government to respect freedom of expression since it is enshrined in the Zambian Constitution.

During the launch of the United Nations-Lusaka Press Club (UN-LPC) partnership and signing of the memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing development journalism as a tool for political and socioeconomic reforms, Ambassador Gjos said democratic rule was not possible without a free and independent press that could spread alternative information and provide a platform where people could express their views.

He said the Zambian media had several times been able to disclose corruption cases thus assisting institutions such as the Task Force on Corruption and the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) in their work.

"In most countries, the direct contact between the electorate and politicians is fairly limited, thus the media becomes an important arena where all participants can express themselves freely. In a democracy, this is crucial that people are able to approach and interact with politicians and without such interaction, it becomes difficult for elected leaders to make decisions that are in line with public opinion and that represent the views of the majority," Ambassador Gjos said. "But there have been incidences of violence towards journalists in the recent past, something which is totally unacceptable. It is the responsibility of government to protect citizens and particularly vulnerable groups against any violence or discrimination based on faith, origin, opinions or political views. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Zambian Constitution and as such, it has to be respected."

He urged the government to learn to use the media as a barometer of public opinion, which could provide valuable guidance for democratic rule.

"For the media to execute its role, it has to be independent and protected by laws. The freedom of information Act needs to be passed as soon as possible, if the media is to perform its role of being a watch dog," Ambassador Gjos said. "There is also a need for the Media Council of Zambia to be made more independent and statutory regulation should not be encouraged, but there might be a need to make clear ethical and professional guidelines for the media to ensure truthful and objective reporting."

He said lack of funds had for years been affecting the Zambian media negatively.

"Lack of finances results not only in a lack of training opportunities, infrastructure and other facilities, but also restricts the media coverage and the current financial situations means that most of the information is being collected in Lusaka or even in the office and if development journalism is to take root, it is pivotal that journalists go out in rural areas and smaller towns to identify challenges and to push the development agenda locally," said Ambassador Gjos.

UN resident coordinator Macleod Nyirongo said the UN was committed to develop capacity and strengthen professional journalism to enhance analytical, objective and accurate news reportage.

"The UN-LPC is planning a range of fora at which public opinion figures and ordinary citizens will be engaged to air views on the development agenda hence promoting transparency and accountability in the country," said Nyirongo.

And information deputy minister Elijah Muchima said government had no intentions of muzzling the media in any way and would this year enact into law all media related reforms.

Muchima said the government would continue to provide a conducive environment in which the media must operate.

"Government is eager to continue with media reforms to ensure there is a proper platform on which the media conducts its business without hindrances," said Muchima.

"Government has no intentions of muzzling the media in any way because that will be a negation of democratic principles that we so much cherish."

Labels: PRESS FREEDOM, TORE GJOS

posted by MrK @ 2:32 PM