Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultures and voices offers a fertile ground for robust journalism, However, the nation continues to confront threats to press freedom.
From government censorship and legal intimidation to attacks on journalists, the struggle for independent media is fraught with peril.
These challenges not only hinder the flow of information but also undermine the very essence of democracy, making it imperative to reflect on the lessons learned from global experiences.
The ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest has gained significant attention in Nigeria and globally as citizens raise their voices against government corruption and inefficiency.
However, amidst the peaceful demonstrations, a disturbing incident unfolded as journalists covering the protest were attacked. This attack on journalists not only raises concerns about press freedom and safety but also highlights the escalating tensions between the authorities and those demanding accountability.
The assault on journalists during the #EndBadGovernance protest underscores the critical role of media in democratic societies and the importance of protecting
On August 1, Nigerians took to the streets all over the country to protest against bad governance in Nigeria.
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) states that “ Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, this right includes freedom to hold opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers.
Press Attack Tracker of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) records 1150 verified attacks on journalists in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H. E. Mr. Wouter Plomp said freedom of expression is essential for an open, just and free society.
Read also: FCMB Security Guards Attack Journalist in Umuahia
What the Ambassador Said
The Jurist: The Netherlands consistently ranks high in press freedom indexes. What policies or practices contribute to this ranking, and what lessons can other countries learn from your approach?
Mr Plomp: “The Netherlands is a firm supporter of freedom of expression, online and offline. We consider it to be essential for an open, just and free society.
“We are happy to be ranked 4th in the Press Freedom Index but must admit that we also have our own challenges when it comes to protecting freedom of expression and press freedom. Also for instance that journalists, and especially women journalists, face harassment, both online and offline. We are working on tackling violence and aggression against journalists, for example through the platform PersVeilig (Dutch for “Safe Press”): a collaboration between the media sector, the police and the office of the public prosecutor. This provides avenues for reporting threats and ensuring swift action to address them, strengthening journalists’ resilience against violence they face.
“Guaranteeing freedom of press requires constant attention and effort. Media landscapes should allow for different voices and access to information. In order to ensure that diverse voices are heard, the Dutch government also supports independent journalists through the Journalism Promotion Fund, which awards grants to innovative journalist projects.
“One of the main lessons we have learnt is that strong press freedom and freedom of expression cannot be achieved overnight. It is important to have the necessary structures in place, such as a solid legal framework and good coordination among all relevant stakeholders, from journalists to lawmakers. It is also vital to offer adequate protection when journalists find themselves in a situation where this, regrettably, becomes necessary.
“There is not one single model that can be replicated all around the world, but the importance of consistent and continuous efforts and attention for the protection of press freedom and journalists applies everywhere.
The Jurist: How can countries work together to address challenges to press freedom, such as censorship, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on access to information?
Mr Plomp: “Not only can countries work together, it is vital that they do! The internet has changed the media landscape (along with everything else) and information knows no borders, so our cooperation should also extend beyond borders. By working together we can learn from each other, support each other and hold each other accountable.
“In the ever-changing global context, it is clear that most problems we face can only be tackled when we work together. An example of this cooperation is the Media Freedom Coalition, of which the Netherlands is part, together with Ghana and Canada among others. The partnership focuses on 3 P’s: Prevention of attacks, Protection of journalists and media workers, particularly women, and Prosecution of offenders.
“In this Coalition, countries work closely with civil society actors and legal experts. Together with their expertise and experience, countries can help and guide other governments and state actors towards a strong legal framework for a vibrant media landscape in which journalists can carry out their work safely.
The Jurist: What measures can be implemented to support journalists who face threats, violence, or imprisonment in the course of their work, both domestically and internationally?
Mr Plomp: “The trend of journalists facing increasing risk whilst carrying out their work is worrisome. We believe it is important to provide immediate help to those in need, while also working on long-term measures to improve the safety and environment of journalists.
“Looking at the Netherlands, we have a special emergency number to report crimes against journalists and to receive advice for their specific cases. The Dutch government also decided to build on the research, knowledge and advice of organisations such as Reporters without Borders. That led to the creation of the earlier mentioned PersVeilig initiative, as well as the provision of a protection package to freelancers that they can use in the event of a threat, and a dialogue between the Dutch Association of Journalists, the Association of Editors in Chief and relevant social media platforms with the Police and Public Prosecution Service.
The Jurist: What are the Netherlands’ priorities and objectives in advancing press freedom on the international stage, particularly within multilateral organisations such as the United Nations?
Mr Plomp: “Our aim is to enhance safe physical and digital environments and diverse media landscapes, in which journalists and media workers can thrive. We pay specific attention to women journalists, fighting impunity for crimes against journalists, promoting access to information and respecting human rights online.
“Multilaterally, we are part of the core group of Freedom of Expression (together with Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Namibia and Sweden), through which we support the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. We also support UNESCO in their work to ensure safety and accountability for journalists. UNESCO for instance works on legal persecution of perpetrators against journalists worldwide, and also by supporting grassroots organisations that advance press freedom and media literacy on the ground.
“Those are a few examples of how we support press freedom internationally. Whether directly, multilaterally, or through the EU, we believe that by working together we can reverse concerning trends in the restriction of press freedom, and create a safer environment for journalists worldwide.”