VMCZ attends the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) General Assembly and Executive Council Meeting in Nairobi Kenya, May 2-4, 2013
VMCZ attended the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) General Assembly and Executive Council meeting that was held in Nairobi on 2-4 May 2013 and was hosted by the Media Council Kenya (MCK). The meeting was held in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day celebrations, which also included the Regional Journalists’ Convention and the Second Annual Journalism Excellence Awards (AJEA).
The Convention was held under the theme “Safety, Security, and Protection of Journalists in a Self-Regulating Context and Implications for East Africanization of the Media.”
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, officially opened the conference. President Kenyatta assured delegates at the convention that his Government will support the media to be free, fair and responsible in conducting their business as provided for by the Constitution as well as international conventions to which Kenya is a signatory.
President Kenyatta said in appreciation and support of the critical role the media plays, his Government will prioritize media freedom by fast-tracking Bills that will entrench the independence, safety and protection of the press.
“Among other measures, we will do this by fast-tracking media related Bills including the Media Bill, Data Protection Bill, Access to Information Bill and Communications Commission of Kenya Bill as provided for by the Kenya Constitution 2010 Articles 33 to 35,” President Kenyatta said.
VMCZ Programmes Officer, Loughty Dube also addressed the convention when he presented a paper “On safety and security of journalists and implications for Media and Democracy: Experiences from Zimbabwe.”
In his presentation Dube called on regional media organisations to work together in the protection of journalists. Dube said journalists face heightened threats during events such as elections.
“Elections pose a great threat to journalists and media personnel and it is imperative for media organisations to work with media groups such as the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ ) to offer training to journalists on safety during elections,”he said.
At its meeting the WAPC Executive Committee welcomed the Seychelles Media Commission as an Associate Member.
Further, the WAPC delegates acknowledged that the world faces a rising tide of hostility toward journalists and media workers in virtually all member countries. WAPC resolved to raise its voice against oppressive laws, acts of impunity, and other intimidation that stifle a free and independent media.
The Executive Council condemned the oppressive conditions faced by Turkish journalists.
The Executive Committee also noted the continuing violence against journalists and media workers in Pakistan.
The WAPC is an international association of press and media councils that have pledged to uphold ideals of freedom of communication, independent media, and excellence in journalism.
The WAPC executive council is made up of representatives from Hawaii (USA), India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Pakistan, Seychelles, Tanzania, Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
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