The protection of journalists and their safety is a major issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is in this context that Unesco, the Ministry of Communication and Media, the Congolese National Police (PNC), the National Union of the Congolese Press (UNPC) and Journalists in Danger (JED) were present during a “consultation on good practices for news coverage and the protection of journalists during public events”.
The aim of the meeting was to improve the availability as well as the commitments of each concerning the protection of journalists during public demonstrations. Isaias Barreto Da Rosa, representative of Unesco, declared during the meeting that “the holding of the round table today is part of the coordination and collaboration efforts and is therefore an opportunity for the Press on the one hand , and the Congolese National Police on the other hand, to assess together, identify and approve good practices and relevant actions to consolidate a climate of trust between the two parties”.
At the end of the exchanges, a memorandum of understanding and collaboration was established between the two parties to promote responsible journalism that respects the imperatives of maintaining public order established by the police, as well as guaranteeing the full enjoyment of the freedom to gather information to journalists. This consultation is part of UNESCO’s action program launched in 2010 called “Media and information education”, aimed at promoting freedom of expression in the face of the imperatives of maintaining public order.
It should be noted that the protection of journalists and the safety of the media is a recurring subject of concern in the DRC, and that efforts must be continuously deployed to improve the situation. The setting up of this round table is therefore an important step forward which makes it possible to consolidate trust and relations between journalists and the police. We hope that this cooperation will be maintained over time to allow the sustainability of freedom of expression and democracy.