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Judges Trained on Media Laws and Protection of Journalists in South Sudan

Judges and other officials during the 2-day workshop in Juba © AMDISS

31 May 2021

Last update:20 April 2023

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) organized a two-day workshop for twenty judges on enhancing understanding of the media laws and freedom of expression at AMDISS premises on Tuesday, 26 May 2021.

Speaking at the event President of the Court of Appeal for Greater Equatoria Circuit, Justice Stephen Simon stressed the critical role that the Judiciary plays in contributing to good governance, ensuring the respect for the rule of law, and settling disputes in accordance with the law. Welcoming the training workshop for the members of the bench, he highlighted the need for education and professional development if South Sudan is to catch up with the rest of the world and work towards development.

It is on the same note that I also encourage continuous training for the judges on media related issues and other matters of public interest.

Justice Stephen Simon, President, Court of Appeal for Greater Equatoria Circuit

The Executive Director for the Association for Media Development in South Sudan, Mr. Michael Duku Aggrey encouraged the judges to familiarize themselves with the media laws and enforce them in cases involving the safety of journalists.

We have very good laws in the country but the implementation of these laws is lacking. We need the judges to help us in the interpretation of the media laws.

Mr. Michael Duku Aggrey, Executive Director, AMDISS

For his part, the Interim Chairperson of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, Mr. Oliver Modi appealed to the judges to help in the protection of journalists through the application of media laws. Mr. Oliver asked the judiciary to recognize the media as the fourth arm of the governance in the country.

Media played a commendable role during and after the liberation struggle. I would like to register my appeal to the parliament to endorse the media as the fourth arm of the governance to accelerate development and nation-building.

Mr. Oliver Modi, Chairperson a.i. of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan

During the opening session, the UNESCO Representative in South Sudan, Mr. Julius Banda noted that freedom of expression is a driver of all the sustainable development goals.

As recognized in the Agenda 2030, we believe that if a society is free; if people are free to express their views without fear of prosecution, if the media is independent, free and journalists act freely without any sort of censorship or fear from prosecution, the society will be able to come to a consensus critical issues of development including, education, health and food security.

Mr. Julius Banda, UNESCO Representative to South Sudan

Mr. Julius Banda stressed UNESCO global approach in building cooperation with all arms of government in the promotion of the freedom of expression and the alliance that it builds with the judiciary has proved to be crucial in fostering freedom of expression and safety of journalists. “The judges hold in their hands the power to enforce the law and therefore, we believe we need to have this direct conversation that we are continuing to have on the implications of defending these rights”, he added.

UNESCO will continue efforts in partnership with the judiciary and other stakeholders to promote freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information and safety of journalists. The capacity-training workshop was made possible through UNESCO Multi-Donor Programme on freedom of expression and safety of journalists.