Freedom of the Press: is the situation where professional journalists obtain information freely and use them as required by their job. it is simply the freedom to obtain information and make it known to people. It is a fundamental human right to be enjoyed by everyone and not a special privilege for the journalists
This is equally embedded in the United Nations declaration on Human Rights, which states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”.
AMDF will pay sustained attention through monitoring of press freedom on the continent and providing support to attacked journalists and those who are facing court cases. AMDF will partner institutions and other organisations to ensure attacked journalists are provided immediate financial support for medical treatment and/or relocation to safer environment.
AMDF will also raise and support a pool of lawyers in respective countries, who will provide pro bono services to defend journalists facing trumped up charges in courts and will continue to create engagement platforms to create awareness, discussions and conduct high level advocacies on press freedom.
AMDF believes that sharing of information through the various media platforms (print, electronic, online, etc) should be exercised freely by professional journalists and communicators, devoid of interference in the flow of the information by government, its agencies, communities, or even the media houses.
Any official information seen to be of national interest or national security and requires protection should be labelled classified, or by any name, to distinguish it from disclosure to the public.
In situations where the government, individual, or any party feels otherwise, they should approach a court of law to table the matter.
Many governments, especially in Africa are known to have used their agents to arrest, jail, or harass journalists in the name of national security, especially when stories in questions were stories exposing corrupt practices of government officials.
Key Issues Covered by this Desk
Position Statements Against Attacks on Press: Cases of attacks on media and journalists are high in Africa – in line with that, AMDF issues out position statements on verified cases of attack on journalists and media in Africa. Our statements usually paint a picture of the situation, then take a position and call on relevant authorities, or organisations involved for a particular action.
Monthly Country Focus Report on Press Freedom: On monthly basis AMDF issues a Special Review focusing on a chosen country in Africa. This Review is meant to highlight press freedom situation in the country under focus and basis for concerted effort to address a press freedom need.
Africa Press Freedom Tracker: in order not to lose track on cases of attacks on press freedom in Africa AMDF has develop a platform, ‘Africa Press Freedom Tracker’. This Tracker displays case by case information on press freedom violations in Africa, using specific indicators to reveal incidences. Visitors can use filters to find specific information on attacks, harassments, Imprisonment and deaths of journalists.
Bagauda Kaltho Memorial Media Lecture Series: In line with its press freedom interest, AMDF holds Bagauda Kaltho Memorial Media Lecture annually, with a focus on journalism practice and press freedom. It is named after a Nigerian Investigative Journalist, who disappeared in mysterious circumstances in 1996. This is with a view to always keep in our memories what Bagauda Kaltho stood for during his life time as journalist. Mr. Kaltho represents many of the journalists who died, or disappeared in line of duty in Nigeria and Africa in general.
Bagauda Kaltho Courage in Journalism Award: the courage in journalism award seeks to honour journalists who have demonstrated courage, integrity and have promoted the cause of press freedom in their respective countries. These courageous journalists often put their lives in danger and need to be recognised for their perseverance and bravery through which the public gain important information – regardless of the consequences.