NPC-SS concludes Two-Day T.O.T to Promote Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

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BOR, Jongolei State; February 16, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) completed a two-day Training of Trainers (T.O.T.) on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists for law enforcement agencies in Jongole state to equip them with the necessary knowledge to uphold freedom of expression, improve communication with the media, and ensure the safety of journalists.

The event brought together key stakeholders to address concerns regarding clashes between journalists and security forces during their work. Notable figures from the Jongolei state government delivered remarks during the closing session, emphasizing the impact of the workshop on state development
Maj. Gen Elia Kosta, the Commissioner for Police, commended UNESCO and NPC-SS for conducting the crucial training in Jongolei state. He expressed optimism for improved relations between journalists and security forces, stating, “I hope that there is going to be a change between us and the media so that we can work together.” Highlighting the value of additional knowledge and expertise gained from the workshop, Maj. Gen Kosta encouraged the police officers to implement the additional knowledge acquired from the training.
Deng Goi, Director of the Ministry of Peace Building, Jongolei state commended the selection of participants and urged that future trainings should consider gender balance. Goi also reinforced that the trainees should apply their newfound knowledge, “As you are going out from here, go and implement what you have learned,” he said. furthermore, he expressed the need for journalists to be well-informed about media laws and ethics while calling for trust between journalists and security officers in the state.
On his part, Mohammed Chuol, Director General of the Ministry of Information in Jongolei state stressed the significance of implementing the training, and called for increased capacity-building efforts for journalists and police, particularly in ethical reporting. He proposed collaborative efforts between journalists and security personnel to share information and build trust. The Director General suggested that cases involving journalists should be reported to the ministry before any arrests can be made, saying it allow clarification and discussion.
The TOT training, facilitated by experienced media veterans including Nicola Mandil and Oliver Modi Philip, covered various pertinent topics such as international legal frameworks, fostering freedom of expression, and effective communication between journalists and the police.

The collaborative initiative between NPC-SS, law enforcement agencies, and UNESCO aims to enhance professionalism and strengthen the relationship between the media and the police in South Sudan.

T.O.T Participants pose for group photo

Listeners Club beat Radio Presenters in a friendly football match.

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Wau, February 14, 2024 – NPC South Sudan with support from USAID through the IREX SIMA project held a friendly match between the Radio Presenters Club and the Radio Listeners Club on 13, February 2024, in Wau as part of the World Radio Day celebration.
The match which ended 3:0 in favor of the Radio listener’s club was played at SALAM football ground, Wau. It was aimed at bolstering the relationship between the Radio listeners (Wau community) and the Radio presenters and managers.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NPC-SS Executive Director, Mr. Ochaya James said the football match was organized to promote social cohesion between Radio presenters and Radio listeners in Wau.
James expressed sincere thanks to the community of Wau for their support to the Radio and journalists in Western Bahr-el Gazal saying, that without their contribution, the Radio and journalists would mean nothing.
He urged the journalists and listeners to use the opportunity of World Radio Day as an avenue for renewing their commitment to always educate, entertain, and inform the citizens with accurate, reliable, and credible information to maintain trust.
The Executive Director also extended warm thanks to USAID and IREX for the financial support and for choosing NPC-SS as a trusted implementing partner for the SIMA project. “I also want to thank our partners USAID and IREX for having supported our ideas that led to the success of this activity; without them, this activity would not be possible.”
Mr. James reaffirmed NPC-SS’s commitment to continue supporting the media development agenda in South Sudan and pledged to work with different stakeholders to achieve the vision of creating a conducive working environment for media personnel and journalists in South Sudan.
Sports remain the most powerful tool with the potential to create and sustain peaceful relationships; NPC-SS has used sports on different occasions and times to create social cohesion between different entities, and it remains an invaluable tool to enhance peaceful coexistence.

Celebrating the Power of Radio: NPC-SS Supports UNESCO in Commemoration of World Radio Day in Bor

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Bor, Jongolei State, February 13, 2024 – the National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) joined hands with UNESCO to commemorate World Radio Day at the Park Palace Hotel in Bor, Jongolei State. The event brought together media professionals, government representatives, and experts in the field to discuss the challenges and potential of radio in South Sudan.

 

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Poverty Alfred, the representative of the National Press Club-South Sudan, underscored the significant impact of radio in the country’s history. He called for dialogue and open discussions to address the issues between journalists and security forces.

Alfred emphasized that fostering a good relationship between journalists and the security forces would lead to the development of the media industry, improve the quality and accuracy of information, and ultimately contribute to the overall development of South Sudan. He reiterated that journalists are not enemies but messengers whose role is to disseminate information to the public.
Ms. Doreen Loboka, the senior communication officer for UNESCO, urged the government to create an enabling civic space for people to freely express their opinions, especially as the country was heading towards general elections. She emphasized the effective use of radio by the government to communicate its expectations to the people.
Loboka emphasized the importance of embracing both government and private media, as they both play vital roles in building a democratic government.
Maj. Gen Elias Kosta, the spokesperson for the Jongolei State Police, acknowledged the potential for misunderstandings between the media and the police due to inaccurate information. He called for mutual understanding and highlighted the need to recognize the contributions of police officers working in media organizations.
Kosta urged media organizations to consider awarding police officers who are involved in journalistic work and to focus on highlighting the positive aspects of the police’s work to educate the public.
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National Press Club Celebrates World Radio Day in Wau

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Wau: February 13, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) in South Sudan joined the global community in celebrating World Radio Day. The event, organized by the National Press Club with support from USAID funding through IREX, took place at the Rose Hotel in Wau, Western Bhar El Gazal state.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. David John, the Director General of the Ministry, commended the NPC and IREX for their unwavering support to the people of Western Bhar-el-Gazal State, particularly in Wau. He expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by NPC-SS and IREX in organizing this significant activity for the fourth time in Wau.
Mr. David emphasized that the State Government alone cannot adequately support journalists and media workers in Western Bhar-el-Gazal. However, with the assistance of partners like NPC-SS, through their donor USAID, and IREX, he expressed optimism for progress in the media environment.
He urged journalists to adhere to ethical standards and principles, providing citizens with reliable and accurate information, especially as the country approaches crucial periods of elections and constitution-making processes.
Mrs. Delphina Roba, the Deputy Chairperson of NPC-SS, explained that World Radio Day (WRD) was proclaimed by the UNESCO General Conference in 2011 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The chosen date, February 13, commemorates the creation of United Nations Radio in 1946.
“As we celebrate a century of radio informing, entertaining, and educating, it is an opportunity to recognize the extensive virtues and ongoing power of this medium,” Mrs. Roba stated. She noted that radio is statistically popular and highly trusted by the public, but faces challenges from digital platforms, social media, generational divides, censorship, and economic hardships.
Meanwhile, Mr. James Deng Dimo, the NPC-SS coordinator in Western Bhar-El-Gazal, expressed gratitude to the NPC-SS Juba office for selecting Wau as the location for celebrating World Radio Day. He emphasized the importance of radio in creating awareness, informing citizens about current affairs, and promoting peaceful coexistence and reconciliation in society.

NPC-SS Hosts Friendly Football Match to Commemorate International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

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Aweil, November 2, 2023 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), in collaboration with UNESCO, organized a friendly football match between Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Police FC and Aweil Media FC to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity (IDEI) for Crimes against Journalists.

 

The match, held on November 2, 2023, at Aweil Freedom Square, concluded with a 1-0 victory for Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Police FC.

 

 

The event brought together representatives from the State government ministries and stakeholders, including UNESCO, Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Aweil.

 

 

The primary objective of the match was to foster solidarity and create an enabling environment between the two institutions. It followed a two-day training on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, and Safety of Journalists conducted for the Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Police from October 31 to November 1, 2023.

 

 

During the closing ceremony of the friendly match, Mr. Oliver Modi Philip, the lead facilitator of the training and Managing Director of Equator Broadcasting Cooperation, expressed his gratitude to both teams for showcasing their talent and fostering a sense of togetherness through football.

 

 

Mr. Oliver commended the National Press Club for their continuous efforts in creating an enabling environment for media workers in South Sudan and promoting unity and understanding among various stakeholders to ensure media freedom and access to information as public goods. He added, “This initiative, which NPC-SS initiated last year during World Press Freedom Day in Wau and continued today, exemplifies a sense of nationalism and patriotic solidarity.”

 

 

NPC-SS, with support from UNESCO, previously used a similar approach during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) in 2022. On that occasion, a friendly match was held between the National Security Team and Wau Media Star in Western Bhar-el Ghazal.

 

NPC-SS Conducts Successful Training Workshop to Promote Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety

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AWEIL, November 1, 2023 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) has successfully concluded a two-day Training of Trainers (T.O.T.) workshop in Aweil, aimed at equipping law enforcement agencies with essential knowledge to promote freedom of expression, enhance communication with the media, and ensure the safety of journalists.

 

Supported by UNESCO, the workshop brought together key stakeholders to address the growing concerns regarding clashes between journalists and security forces.

 

 

The event commenced with an opening session where notable figures delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the workshop’s objectives, which aim to foster a positive working relationship between security officers and journalists.

 

 

The guest of honor, Commissioner of Police for Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Maj. Gen. Philip Madut Tong, thanked NPC-SS and UNESCO for taking the initiative to train police officers in Aweil. Recognizing the complementary roles of journalists and the police in society, Maj. Gen. Philip Madut emphasized the importance of facilitating journalists’ access to information, particularly during the upcoming election period.

 

 

Doreen Loboka, the Information and Communication specialist of UNESCO, emphasized that freedom of expression and access to information are fundamental human rights and constitutional rights for every citizen, as prescribed in the interim constitution of South Sudan. She highlighted the role of the police in guaranteeing freedom of expression and stated that UNESCO closely collaborates with law enforcement agencies to create an enabling environment for the exercise of this fundamental right.

 

 

The workshop addressed three key responsibilities of the police. Firstly, it emphasized the duty of the police to protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and harassment with impunity. Secondly, it highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering a collaborative relationship between the security forces and journalists.

 

Ms. Doreen Loboka further stressed that freedom of expression is a crucial element for fostering development and promoting democratic governance in South Sudan.

 

Mr. Ochaya James, the Executive Director of NPC-SS, outlined the organization’s role in developing the media landscape in South Sudan. He emphasized the primary objective of the workshop, which was to empower trainers to deliver comprehensive courses on these critical topics at both national and state levels.

 

The workshop also sought to improve the curricula of law enforcement training institutes by incorporating new modules or courses.

 

 

Mr. Ochaya urged participants to utilize the knowledge gained to build a holistic relationship between the police and journalists, encouraging the police to intervene if a journalist is mistreated by any of the organized forces.

 

 

The collaborative efforts between the National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), law enforcement agencies, and UNESCO aim to enhance professionalism and strengthen the relationship between the media and the police in South Sudan. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to foster an environment that upholds freedom of expression and ensures the safety of journalist

 

NPC-SS donates Sports uniforms to Journalists and Police in Aweil ahead of friendly match

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Aweil, November 1, 2023 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), in collaboration with UNESCO, is pleased to announce the donation of two kits of branded sports uniform to the Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Police FC and Aweil Media FC.
This donation is part of the International Day to End Impunity program in Aweil and aims to promote solidarity and create an enabling environment between the two institutions.
The handover ceremony took place today in the presence of various dignitaries, including Mrs. Bakitha Lado, the UNESCO representative, and Mr. Barnabas Aguer, the Director General for the State Ministry of Information, and representatives from the government and media houses.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ochaya James, the Executive Director of the National Press Club South Sudan, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to support this initiative.
He highlighted that this is not the first time NPC-SS and UNESCO have collaborated on such activities, citing a similar donation during the 2022 World Press Freedom Day. On that occasion, NPC-SS and UNESCO donated sets of uniforms to the National Security Team and Wau Media Star in Western Bhar-el Ghazal.
Mr. Ochaya emphasized the unifying power of sports and its ability to promote peace and strengthen relationships within society.
He reaffirmed NPC’s commitment to organizing friendly matches as part of their vision to create a conducive environment for media workers in South Sudan.
The friendly match between the Northern Bhar-el Ghazal Police FC and Aweil Media FC is scheduled to take place on November 2, 2023.
NPC-SS and UNESCO look forward to witnessing this event, which serves as a testament to the strong bond between journalists and the police force. The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) is a non-profit and nongovernmental organization dedicated to promoting press freedom and supporting media workers in South Sudan.

T.O.T Training for police officers on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of Journalists

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JUBA, September 26, 2023 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully conducted a two-day Training of Trainers (T.O.T.) workshop in Juba with the aim of equipping law enforcement agencies with essential knowledge to promote freedom of expression, enhance communication with the media, and ensure the safety of journalists.

The workshop, supported by UNESCO, brought together key stakeholders to address the growing concerns surrounding clashes between journalists and security forces. During the opening session, several notable figures delivered remarks that shed light on the significance of the workshop, which aims to foster good working relationship between the security officers and the journalists.
The Commissioner of the Access to Information Commission, Hon. Moyiga Nduru Korokoto, who was the Guest of Honor, emphasised the complementary roles of journalists and police in society. He acknowledged that both professions seek the truth, educate, and guide society, despite occasional mistakes they make while pursuing their respective duties. He underscored the importance of the police facilitating journalists’ access to information, especially during the upcoming election period.
NPC-SS Chairperson, Bullen Kenyi Yatta, expressed gratitude to the organizers and the fundraisers, UNESCO and NPA, recognizing the workshop’s relevance in the South Sudanese context.
He stressed that the safety of journalists and freedom of expression had become global concerns as conflicts between journalists and security forces often arise.
He emphasized the need for law enforcers and journalists to understand their respective roles and responsibilities, citing the lack of accountability for the actions of the perpetrators.
Julius Banda, the Country Director of UNESCO, drew attention of the participants to the presence of freedom of expression in the interim constitution of South Sudan. He emphasized the role of the police in guaranteeing freedom of expression, stating that UNESCO works closely with law enforcement agencies to create an enabling environment for the exercise of this fundamental right.
The workshop also addressed three key responsibilities of the police. Firstly, it emphasized the duty of the police to protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and harassment, with impunity. Secondly, it highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering a collaborative relationship between the security forces and journalists.
The Country Director of UNESCO, Mr. Julius Banda, emphasized that freedom of expression was crucial for development, citing the need to promote democratic governance in South Sudan.
Juma Peter, the representative of AMDISS, outlined the organization’s role in developing the media landscape in South Sudan. He highlighted the importance of an independent media in reducing overreliance on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), particularly in the upcoming elections.
Mr. Peter emphasized the need for a holistic relationship between the police and journalists, urging the police to intervene if a journalist was mistreated by any of the organized forces. He acknowledged the valuable advice provided by NPC-SS on handling cases involving arrested colleagues.
Isaac Ladia, the representative of the UNMISS human rights division, emphasized the fundamental rights necessary for human dignity, such as food, medication, and shelter. He underscored the essential role of freedom of speech in promoting accountability and driving positive change.
The UNMISS representative, Isaac Ladia, quoted Coffi Annan, as saying, “We cannot build peace without alleviating poverty. We cannot build freedom on the foundation of impunity.”
He highlighted the influential role of the media, as their reports initiate discussions at higher levels and bring about necessary improvements.
Brig, James Dak, Deputy Police Spokesperson, described the media as the fourth arm of the government, acting as a check and balance to the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
He assured that no journalist was currently behind bars and noted that the president had amended the law to prevent national security arrests without a warrant.
Brig. James Dak emphasised the need for a strong bond between the police and the media, urging journalists to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.
Mr. Ochaya James, the Executive Director of NPC, highlighted the primary objective of the workshop, which was to empower trainers to deliver comprehensive courses on these critical topics at a national level.
The workshop also sought to improve the curricula of law enforcement training institutes by incorporating new modules or courses. Mr. James emphasised the importance of developing a ‘Training of Trainers’ program for current and future law enforcement officers.
The collaborative effort between the National Press Club South Sudan, law enforcement agencies, and UNESCO aims to enhance professionalism and strengthen the relationship between the media and the police in South Sudan, ultimately fostering an environment that upholds freedom of expression and ensures the safety of journalists.

NPC conducts media reflection Meeting

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JUBA, August 16, 2023- The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) organized a half-day reflection meeting in Juba to reflect on ways to support the activities of journalists’ peer network and media inclusion and sustainability approaches in the country.
The reflection meeting was supported by the IREX through the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) project.
Speaking during the opening Mr. Bullen Kenyi Yatta, chairperson of the Board of Directors, said the purpose of the meeting was to enable media actors to come up with recommendations and resolutions to address some challenges encountered during the implementation period.
He disclosed that the meeting was also meant to provide an avenue for interactive discussion among the media actors as well as explore ways to close the gaps in terms and forge out areas of collaboration and joint partnership among the media support organization in a spirit of building synergies and collaboration.
“The half-day event was organized in collaboration with UJOSS to discuss how the efforts of the Journalist Peer Network are shaping up. Under the theme: Troubleshooting challenges and exchanging best practices and lessons learned in strengthening media actors’ peer network in South Sudan,” the Executive Director of NPC-SS Mr. Ochaya James says.
The meeting brought in members from FJN, AMWISS, and AMDISS representatives. The meeting also provided an avenue for troubleshooting challenges and exchanging best practices learned during the implementation period of the SIMA Projects by both NPC and UJOSS.
On the same note, Mr. Tapeng Michael who spoke on behalf of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan applauded NPC leadership for initiating the program for SIMA partners to share experiences and lessons learned during SIMA project implementation.
“We have come to evaluate the activities we implemented together. It is an opportunity for us to tell the challenges to the partners. It is important because we as UJOSS are happy to collaborate with our partners,” says Tapeng.
On his part, the IREX representative Mr. Wani Isaac Kenyi says NPC-SS as one of the implementing partners has been doing tremendous media activities under SIMA projects. And this meeting also provided a platform for NPC to come up with an avenue to promote check and balance, what has gone well and wrong for future improvement.
“I am looking forward to listening to the challenges faced by implementing partners. As you know, we are coming to the end of our financial year, it is important to see what has been done so that we be able to plan for the next year,” Isaac stated.
Mr. Isaac reiterated the commitment of IREX to working with its partners which include NPC, UJOSS, AMDISS, FJN, and AMWISS among others to achieve the objectives of SIMA projects in South Sudan.
“I am looking forward to the contributions including questions to all of us so that if the system of implementation has not been good, we might perhaps change to an appropriate system,” he concluded.

NPC-SS hosts experience sharing event for Media Actors & Practicing Journalists in Juba

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JUBA, August 14, 2023- The National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) organized a one-day experience-sharing event for Media Actors & Practicing Journalists in Juba on Monday with the support of the IREX SIMA project.

Hon. Moyiga Nduru, the Commissioner for the Access to Information Commission in the Republic of South Sudan, graced the event, where he started by thanking the NPC-SS and the University of Juba for organizing the events, saying that it was the first of its kind, bringing students from different universities together to learn from practicing journalists.

 

The experience-sharing event brought together 49 participants, including student journalists from the university and journalists from priority areas, including representatives of civil society, in order to promote freedom of expression, information access, and the safety of journalists in Juba.

 

In the panel discussion, the key speakers emphasized editorial, media management, broadcasting, reporting, news content development, and interviewing practices and lessons learned.

Adija Acuil, a cartoonist, spoke about the importance of the arts in fostering freedom of expression and how the media may use them to increase access to essential information.

On his part, Sani Martin, a journalist with Radio Miraya, talks about reporting peace talks and the fundamentals of Peace Journalism Reporting Principles.

Maya Nimaya Mawa, Director of Advance Youth Radio, spoke about his background in news production, writing skills, managing a media entity, and gender and social inclusion considerations.

The event offered learnings and best practices from veterans and practicing journalists on how to enhance the quality of reporting by journalists and broadcasters, including other essential aspects of sustainability for independent commercial and community radio operations.

Additionally, it is anticipated that the event would give seasoned journalists who have quit their jobs a forum to share their knowledge with aspiring journalists.