As part of activities to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ, Lagos Council has called for stronger protections and justice for journalists facing violence nationwide.
NUJ Lagos Council Chairman, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi in a keynote address at the inauguration of the Nation Journalism Foundation voiced support for journalists who continue to risk their safety to bring critical information to the public, especially in conflict and crisis zones.
Ajayi who was represented by Vice Chairman of the Council, Mr. Philip Nwosu, highlighted the unique challenges faced by journalists working in dangerous areas, stressing that they often lack adequate safety measures, legal protections, or the assurance that attackers will be prosecuted.
His words: ” The safety of journalists in crises and emergencies is not just a concern for media houses; it’s a human rights issue, a public interest matter, and a pillar of a healthy society. When journalists are attacked, harassed, or detained for reporting facts, it isn’t only their lives that are threatened—it is the public’s right to know, to make informed decisions, and to hold power accountable.”
According to UNESCO, only a small percentage of cases involving violence against journalists result in convictions, creating a climate of fear and impunity.
This impunity, NUJ Lagos argued, emboldens further attacks on press freedom. In response, the Council urged governments, media organizations, and civil society to adopt robust policies and allocate resources to protect journalists working in high-risk environments.
The NUJ Lagos Council emphasized that ending impunity for crimes against journalists is crucial for a transparent and informed society. “Let us ensure that those who dare to tell the world’s most challenging stories are protected and that perpetrators face justice.”
