The
new minister of Information and Communication could be a model for media
independence in The Gambia for he has spent his lifetime fighting for freedom
of expression and that of the press, said Sasha Rubel, a UNESCO communications
specialist based in Dakar, Senegal.
Ms
Rubel said the appointment of Demba Ali Jawo as the minister of information “is
indeed to be celebrated”.
“We
believe that he will surely be a model for media diversity, pluralism and
independence so central to any democracy,” she said on Friday at a three-day
retreat to validate the adjusted curriculum of the Gambia Press Union (GPU)
School of Journalism at a local hotel in Kololi.
Gambia’s
stifled press for 22 years is currently enjoying freedom following the election
of a new government that promises promotion and protection of press freedom and
freedom of expression.
Front
Page International understands that previous ministers of information
significantly contributed to the formulation of laws specifically meant to
stifle free expression - encouraging violent attacks on journalists and media
houses.
Well
placed
Rubel
said Mr Jawo “is well placed to champion the importance of freedom of
expression and access to information in a Gambia whose transition and growth
will surely rely in an engaged and independent press – the fourth pillar of any
democracy.”
The
UN agency, UNESCO, has a specific mandate to foster freedom of expression and
its corollaries – press freedom and freedom of information.
She
said the agency sees these rights as crucial foundations of democracy,
development and dialogue and as preconditions for protecting and promoting all
other human rights.
“In
this regard, UNESCO looks forward to accompanying the ministry and Gambia in
the fostering of a dynamic and independent media landscape,” she said. “For
peace to be lasting and development to be sustainable, human rights must be
respected.”
International
human rights instruments provide for the rights of people seek, receive and
impart knowledge and information on all media platforms.
Guardians
of human rights
Mr
Jawo has been a member of the GPU for almost 40 years, serving as its president
at some point. He also co-authored a
book documenting the life of murdered journalist, Deyda Hydara.
According
to Rubel, Jawo’s role as minister in the coming years will promote an
independent press and freedom of expression which are crucial to sustainable
development.
She
also said that media professionals are the guardians of human rights in any
country and the GPU is uniquely placed to champion human rights in The Gambia.
She
said UNESCO looks forward to continue accompanying the GPU and the ministry of
information in this transition to make sure that human rights are respected and
enjoyed by all in The Gambia.
