The Development Through Media (DTM) team was recently at the International day to end impunity for crimes against journalists organised by article 19. The meeting was held at Intercontinental hotel on 2 November 2015 as part of article 19 CSO capacity building innovation, knowledge gathering, sharing and building networks.
 

Article 19 aimed to use the occasion to address issues related to safety of journalists in the region and had representation from Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. It drew reference to the United Nations General Assembly adoption of Resolution A/RES/68/163 at its 68th session in 2013 which proclaimed 2 November as the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists’ (IDEI).
 

Article 19 is a non-governmental organisation that works for social justice and accountability. Their mission is to promote, protect, develop and achieve freedom of expression and freedom of information. They aim to strengthen social justice both regionally and globally and empower people in the region to make autonomous and informed choices.
 

The occasion was used to launch the report on attacks on Freedom of Expression in Kenya between January and September 2015 in commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The report exposes the worsening state of freedom of expression and media in Kenya which, if not fully addressed has far-reaching impacts on the country’s democracy, security, and economic growth.
 

As a way forward it was pointed out that it is important for the Kenyan government to do more to hold to account those who violate the rights of journalists. Sufficient steps must be taken to ensure that journalists are free to carry out their work. Lastly, it was noted that for a free press to thrive, there should be absence of constant and severe attack on journalists.
 

DTM will continue to support article19 in its endeavour to inform and engage the public on freedom of expression and information.
 

For more information please visit the Article 19 website