Several journalists and activists in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State appealed for the freedom of expression and access to information, as the world commemorated the World Radio Day on Thursday.
The World Radio Day was established by UNESCO to enhance the role of radio in promoting peace around the world, tasking the radio workers to keep feeding their listeners with concrete and relevant information.
Sidonia Daniel Dimo, who works with Aweil Radio and TV Corporation, said media practitioners have a great role in promoting the freedom of expression in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal and South Sudan at large. She condemned the unlawful detention of journalists and human right defenders.
“This is a great day and it is a must for South Sudanese journalists to promote the freedom of expression because it is their role to do that,” said Dimo.
She urged the government to follow the appropriate procedures when arresting members of the press.
“The journalists are arrested unlawfully, without producing warrants of arrest, informing their families about the arrests, no matter what type of crime they committed,” she lamented.
The Executive Director for Peace Culture Association (PCA), Wek Garang, commended radio for the massive awareness on peace and culture transfer to generations through multiple broadcasts even in remote areas.
“Radio contributes to massive awareness because its broadcasts reach places where people may not travel to by either land or water. It is also fosters peace and culture transfer from generations,” he said.
FM 91.0 Radio presenter Luka Wol Deng narrated the importance of radio in facilitating credible news and programs, inviting the government and the people of South Sudan to join hands to back radio.
“The world has become a small village through the radio. We are excited about UNESCO recognizing the day. There is no radio without the people and there are no people without the radio, it is a joint responsibility,” Wol said.
Northern Bahr el-Ghazal Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Bol Akuar Gamar, said the youth have free space to express themselves without hurting other people. He warned them to refrain from circulating unverified information.
“I want to confirm that the youth have freedom of expression in Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, but the worst part of the freedom of expression is when someone attacks someone’s personal life through media or in other avenues,” warned Gamar.