The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) concluded a one-day workshop for journalists and security personnel on accurate reporting of gender-based violence, family planning, and accountability.
The workshop held at Juba Imperial Hotel Plaza brought together 100 participants, 50 journalists, and 50 officers from across the organized forces.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop in Juba on Tuesday, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Olajide Ademola said a partnership between the media and the security sector would go a long way in promoting rights.
“And the role of journalists within the society is to remain a societal watchdog, flag issues of threats within society and working hand in hand with the journalists to advance the national agenda,” he said.
For his part, South Sudan’s army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang agreed that it was the role of journalists to expose violations without fear.
“We cannot succeed in doing (fighting GBV issues) all that alone. You are our ears and you are our eyes. As a journalist of South Sudan and also those who have been accredited, you have a responsibility to expose such violations without fear or favor. Because if you don’t expose nobody will know,” he noted.
Speaking at the same event, UJOSS president, Oyet Patrick, said the time was ripe for the media and the security sector to work together for the promotion of security.
“Time has come when the security personnel should join us journalists in what we call human security because for us journalists, we are always interested in human security. Human security is for everybody; that woman who has been raped and her case needs to be heard so that the perpetrator can be taken to a legal process. This is the security we are interested in,” said Oyet.
Those who attended the training were journalists from various media houses in Juba, members of the police, prisons service, National Security officers, SSPDF representatives, and the fire brigade.