Guinea-Bissau journalists and UN celebrate press freedom together

2 May 2018

Guinea-Bissau journalists and UN celebrate press freedom together

The Union of Journalists and Media Technicians of Guinea-Bissau (SINJOTECS) will celebrate World Press Freedom Day on May 3 with a conference on the role of the media in keeping power in check and the responsibility of journalists.

The event will take place at the United Nations Integrated Office for the Consolidation of Peace in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) conference room between 9 am and 1 pm and will bring together more than 100 journalists, politicians and members of the academia, among others.

The first theme of the conference, which is also the motto of this years’ Observance is "Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and Rule of Law" and will be presented by Augusto Mário da Silva, President of the Guinean Human Rights League and moderated by Maimuna Sila. “Freedom of the Press and the Responsibility of Journalists", will be presented and debated by journalists Mussa Baldé and Salvador Gomes. The President of the Supreme Court, Paulo Sanhá is expected to close the event.

"A free press is essential for peace, justice and human rights for all. It is crucial to build transparent and democratic societies and make those in power accountable. This is vital for sustainable development, "said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his official message to this date, which will also be broadcast on the National Television of Guinea-Bissau.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 states that: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas by any means, irrespective of borders". Freedom of expression and of the press are enshrined in Article 44 of the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau.