As Liberia's second post-conflict legislative and presidential
elections approach, the Strengthening Freedom of Information in the
Mano River States project, financed by the Danish government and
implemented by UNESCO, is striving to promote freedom of expression in
this troubled region.
A free press depends on universal access to information and on the
ability of media to operate independently. However, in Liberia, as a
result of both logistical difficulties and the absence of an engrained
culture of transparency, access to media and information is still
limited: available mainly to people who live in or near the capital,
Monrovia. Furthermore, the financial instability of the Liberian media
industry means that journalists lack the hardware, training
opportunities and remuneration, necessary to produce high quality
journalism.
In cooperation with three partner organizations, the Liberia Media
Centre (LMC), the Centre for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP)
and the Washington-based International Center for Journalists (ICFJ),
as well as ICFJ's International Knight Journalism Fellow, Luisa Handem
Piette, UNESCO is addressing these issues in a number of ways.
The Strengthening Freedom of Information in the Mano River States
project coordinates advocacy and sensitization campaigns for
legislators and journalists, increasing awareness of the importance of
freedom of information. This includes training workshops in conflict-
sensitive, non-partisan election and political reporting for
journalists and media management mentoring schemes for Liberian media
outlets. As Director of LMC, Lawrence Randall explains, 'the project
also incentivizes non-partisan journalism through the provision of
hardware for conducting interviews and capturing images, Internet
access and a free call for the exchange of election news and
information'. Finally, this initiative will ensure that comprehensive
media monitoring takes place during the October 2011 elections,
providing an early warning system for conflict and violence, and
increasing the pressure on media owners and editors to ensure the
quality of their output.
In the words of Director of ICFJ's Knight International Journalism
Fellowships, Elisa Tinsley, 'the biggest challenge ahead of the
October 2011 elections is getting accurate and balanced information,
mainly through the radio, to the 75% of people who live outside of
Monrovia'. Balanced coverage can play an important role in ensuring
free and fair elections.
Liberia has recently become the first West African country to enact a
Freedom of Information law. Its media landscape is one ripe with
possibilities for the future. Indeed, UNESCO's activities there
provide an excellent opportunity to pilot initiatives which may then
be implemented in the wider Mano River region (which encompasses
Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Cote d'Ivoire).
With this in mind, a conference bringing together media
representatives, legislators and international experts is scheduled
for the next year. This will allow for an exchange of experiences as
each of the countries grapple with different issues related to freedom
of information and expression in post-conflict environment.
07.09.2011
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