The initiative was promoted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with the Union of Journalists and Media Technicians of Guinea-Bissau as part of the implementation of the project – “Promoting Media Freedom and Access to Quality Information in Guinea-Bissau ” funded by the European Union.
The pact of understanding was signed on September 27 this year in Bissau, involving the Secretary of State for Social Communication, the Ministry of the Interior, the Judicial Police, the Supreme Court of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, the Guinean Human Rights League, the Lusophone University of Guinea, journalistic organizations and other actors involved in the media sector.
Secretary of State for Social Communication Francisco Muniro Conté
European Union Delegation Attaché Carlos Zarza
Rationale
Considering the need for joint action to deal with situations of limitations on freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the right of access to information, as well as safeguarding and promoting the safety of journalists and reducing cases of impunity in Guinea-Bissau;
In terms of journalists’ safety and the fight against impunity, the aim is to leverage the strengths of state institutions and those representing the national media, through a joint strategy designed to achieve impactful results in terms of human rights, which is gender-sensitive and specifically meets national needs.
Objective
Aiming to promote collaboration between relevant state and media actors, as well as working towards the creation of a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, fostering good governance practices and, consequently, strengthening peace, democracy and development in Guinea-Bissau.
The opening session of the Forum for the Development of a Comprehensive National Framework on the Safety of Journalists was chaired by Secretary of State for Social Communication Francisco Muniro Conté, in the presence of European Union Delegation Attaché Carlos Zarza, President of the Interim National Council for Social Communication Domingos Meta Camará and the President and Vice-President of SINJOTECS Journalists Indira Correia Baldé and Fátima Tchumá Camará.
The discussion session was moderated by consultant and lawyer Carmelita Pires.
Interim National Council for Social Communication , Domingos Meta Camará
Dr. Carmelita Pires, Consultant
