ABUJA – The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Oganisation (UNESCO) on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward safety for journalists and media workers in [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]both conflict and non-conflict situations.
Mr Ronald Kayanja, Communication and Information Advisor at UNESCO Regional Office, Abuja, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said such robust safety plans would create an enabling environment for journalists to carry out their duties without hindrances during the forthcoming national elections.
According to him, the organisation will intensify efforts to strengthen peace, democracy and development in the country.
“Statistics gathered by UNESCO, the Committee to protect Journalists (CPJ), the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) among others, testify about journalists and media workers being killed while performing their duties.
“ Governments should acknowledge the specific risks faced by the women journalists in the exercise of their work, and working toward a gender sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists,” he said.
Kayanja called on security agencies in the country to take the safety of the journalists without comprise, saying issues concerning journalists ought to be taken seriously at this crucial electoral period in Nigeria.
He said UNESCO was now working with the International Peace Center in Lagos to conduct an assessment of the safety of journalists in Nigeria.
He said the assessment would look into threats, harassment, surveillance or intimidation of journalists and media workers, including forceful closure of media houses. (NAN)