The secretary of state for Communication and Information Technology has implored more than a score of West African journalists to always tie freedom to responsibility, in the dispensation of their duties.

Mrs Neneh Macdouall-Gaye made this statement, while delivering an opening statement at a three-day training on the theme: human rights and freedom of expression, organised by the African Commission on Human Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), with the backing of OSIWA (Open Society Initiative for West Africa).

The training seeks to enhance the capacity of the journalists within the ambit of human rights journalism, with specific focus on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the work of the African Commission.

In an insightful and thought-provoking speech, the Communication and Information Secretary of State Macdouall-Gaye reminded the journalists that the product of their profession should contribute to improving the lot of the world for people to live in. “As we focus on our continent, you have a very important societal role to play. Your work, your coverage, your analytic writings should contribute to making this world a better place for all to live in,” she said.

She then dissected the principles of human rights and freedom, reflecting on the international instruments which provide the basis for human dignity. “Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to ‘the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled’. Examples of rights and freedoms which are often thought of as human rights include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to work, and the right to education.”

She then continued: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

However, Secretary of State Macdouall-Gaye pointed out that people often forget that these rights apply to all and sundry, adding that such fora enhances the participation journalists to uphold these principles.

She reminded the gathering of journalists and human rights experts about the dangers of “abused” freedom, which compelled her to call on journalists to operate within the configuration of responsible journalism.

“The freedom as with any other freedom goes with a high sense of responsibility. Freedom without responsibility could be catastrophic. I need not go through examples of the outcome of abused freedom.”

However, she observed that some people deviate from these very principles to hide behind the shield and trample on the rights and freedom of others. “You are the voice of the voiceless. Uphold to the principles of human rights,” she urged, whilst describing the workshop as timely.

She then assured the participants and human rights experts: “We will also continue to support the international and regional framework for the protection of human rights, justice and the rule of law, including the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

We recognise the media’s role in this all and we shall continue to provide the avenue for the media to play its role in promoting human rights. We are honored to host this workshop and would like to thank the organisers, the participants and the resources persons,” said SoS Macdouall-Gaye.

Delivering the welcome statement on behalf of the secretary of ACHPR, Dr Robert Eno, head of ACHPR Secretariat in Banjul, underscored the importance of the training, saying that it will explore ways in which the human rights journalists in the sub-region can use their skills and knowledge to publicise the work of the African Commission in their respective countries. Dr Eno added that the workshop will also equip journalists with skills on how to monitor, report and ensure the implementation of the Charter, amongst others.

Dr Feyi Ogunade, senior legal officer at the ACHPR Secretariat, chaired the opening ceremony, which was also attended by representatives of a number of foreign embassies, among other dignitaries.