The Nigeria Union of Journalists joins the rest of World today to observe the 7th commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, by reiterating the need for journalists to be safe and secure to enable them provide the public platforms for exchange of ideas, opinions and information.
In a statement issue and made available on Monday in Abuja by Chris Isiguzo, National President of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ).
According to the statement, NUJ while saluting the courage and sacrifice of members, regrets to note that uninvestigated killings and violence against Media professionals lead to censorship, as Journalists tend to believe it is too dangerous to cover certain assignments. It is instructive to state that members of the public also feel unsafe to speak when they see Journalists being attacked and there is impunity.
The Union therefore urges that all crimes against journalists should be properly investigated and perpetrators brought to book.
It should be made a matter of concern that the safety of journalists is treated as a matter of necessity, making it an important and specific human right , central to the realisation of freedom of expression.
We observe today with great trepidation and remember the journalists who were attacked or killed in the line of duty and call for an end to such acts of impunity. These are beside other cases of impunity suffered by journalists such as arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, harassment and intimidation by both Agents of the State and other sundry elements.
