Ending impunity for crimes against journalists should be prioritised, as it lies at the heart of ensuring the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression, facilitating open, free and dynamic exchanges of ideas and information for all people.

Deputy minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus said this Thursday on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which is celebrated annually on 2 November.

This year’s theme is ‘The Violence against Journalists, the Integrity of Elections and the Role of Public Leadership’.

Theofelus said the theme allows Namibia to create awareness of the dangers of impunity for crimes committed against journalists and, more so, pays tribute to those journalists who have lost their lives while diligently fulfilling their duty to provide information to the public. 

She stated that journalism is a public good that must be protected – and as a country, Namibia values and respects the ethos of media freedom.

“This day reminds us to speak out against any form of injustice against journalists globally. Any threats against journalists constitute severe encroachments on the freedom of expression, and the press and a direct contravention of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These crimes create a climate of fear for media practitioners, hampering the free circulation of information to all citizens. 

Theofelus said the Namibian government reiterates its pledge to freedom of expression and that of the media, further calling on countries to heed this call to build essential foundations of democracy.

Namibia has made remarkable progress in promoting media freedom, and it has consistently maintained the top spot in Africa and 22nd globally in the Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 Press Freedom Index. 

She noted that since attaining independence in 1990, Namibia has upheld an exemplary track record, with no journalists falling victim to violence or imprisonment for merely carrying out their professional responsibilities. 

“This is a testament to the government’s commitment towards ensuring a safe and enabling environment for all journalists, as provided for in the Windhoek +30 Declaration,” said Theofelus. 

Zoé Titus, the director of the Namibia Media Trust, said the imperative to end impunity for crimes against journalists is central to ensuring the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression and fostering an open, free and dynamic exchange of ideas and information. 

She added that public officials have a key role to play in defending the rights of journalists and saying no to impunity when such crimes occur.

Titus said journalists embark on their daily mission of delivering news to communities, which they do with the implicit expectation that their pivotal role in society is acknowledged and valued by citizens and public officials.

“Regrettably, this scenario is not reflected in reality, as we witness a troubling surge in attacks against journalists. These attacks are perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, with a particularly pronounced manifestation on social media platforms, where women journalists bear the brunt of such hostilities. These online attacks assume multifarious forms, characterised by their extreme aggressiveness and abuse,” she added.

She said the NMT reiterates its stance that #JournalismIsNotACrime, and that it stands firm in demanding justice for all journalists, our guardians of news, who have been persecuted for merely doing their work – whether offline or online.