Arop
By: Emmanuel Garjiek
At a roundtable discussion in Bor, Media Authority representative John Mahou emphasised the need for journalists to follow professional standards and legal protocols to improve credibility and reduce conflict. He also stressed the importance of obtaining accreditation to ensure responsible journalism, and using a legal framework to ensure responsible journalism “Let’s use the law, let’s follow the law, let’s use the available legal frameworks to ensure we exercise our rights instead of resorting to violence or force,” he stated.
“To be a journalist, you need to be professional. Please make sure to seek accreditation so you can carry out your work professionally and without challenges.”
The event, organised by the Jonglei State Ministry of Information and Communication in partnership with the Media Authority and backed by Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), aimed to combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. It brought together journalists, government officials, and members of organised forces such as the police and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Jonglei State Minister for Information Nyamar Lony emphasised the importance of promoting media literacy in order to combat false narratives and establish public confidence.“To strengthen public trust, we must actively promote media literacy,” she said. “
This involves educating individuals to critically evaluate information, recognize bias, and identify manipulative tactics.”Meanwhile, Mary Ajith, Project Manager at JHR, emphasised the need of community engagement in combating information disorder.“
If journalists create regular programs on misinformation and disinformation, we can support with a curriculum to help guide content development that promotes peace and unity,” she noted.
The conference closed with a demand for better media-government cooperation, fact-based reporting, and ongoing public involvement to maintain an informed and peaceful society.
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