Journalists have been tasked to continue to demand for an end to torture and violation of human rights, and whenever such happens, cases must be reported to ensure victims access justice.
This was made known by Angela Uwandu, international lawyer and the Head of Office, Avocats Sans Frontières France in Nigeria, while speaking with journalists at the online training organized by Human Rights Journalists Netowrk, HRJN.
The training was organized in commemoration of the 2021 International Day to Support Victims of Torture.
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Uwandu stressed that media practitioners have a crucial role to play in promoting human rights and to speak against every form of torture.
“Speaking against torture means we need to respect our human dignity, no baby looks different at the point of birth,” she added.
Uwandu however noted that there is no exception under which torture is acceptable under local and international legal frameworks, “not even National Security.”
Underlying principles of human rights, which must be upheld by all, according to Uwandu are; Equality, indivisibility, universality, human dignity, responsibility, non-discrimination, inalienability, interdependency.”
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Uwandu buttressed that, “Journalists are seen as a threat, not by state actors only but non-state actors too, and this shows how important your role is in promoting human rights.
“For you to drive impacts in promoting human rights, you must develop multi-dimensional strategy and engage with Civil Society Organizations because you cannot achieve human rights in isolation.”
She also added that, “ensure that what you’re doing is credible, know and respect the standards, understand the territory, be impartial, sensitive but not sensational.”