PUL celebrates Press Freedom Day with call for unity

Journalists commemorate World press Freedom Day with call for a united Press Union.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, May 6, 2024 – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) celebrated World Press Freedom Day here Friday, May 4, 2024, gathering journalists to advocate for unity amidst an ongoing dispute.

The program was graced by keynote speaker James Mulbah, CEO of Green Cities Incorporated; assistant minister Kadiatu Conyeh; representative of the Association of Journalists in America Peter Massaquio; Police spokesperson (122) Cecelia Clark; and current and former officials of PUL and civil society organizations. 

The celebration commenced with a parade of journalists along Monrovia’s main street, culminating in an indoor program at the Monrovia City Hall, where media personalities engaged in speeches underscoring the importance of press freedom and journalistic integrity.

The acting president of the Union, Aquay Bessah, emphasized the theme’s significance, highlighting the urgency of global warming. He called on the media to intensify focus on environmental crisis, advocating for increased education to mitigate its impact on the world.

James K. Mulbah, CEO of Green Cities Incorporated, served as keynote speaker. He highlighted divisions within the media and urged the Union to revisit its core objectives. He stressed the need for strategic planning and sustainability to propel the Union forward effectively.

Mr. Mulbah referenced UNESCO’s report, which highlights that more than 70% of environmental journalists have been attacked for their work since 2009. According to him, this has threatened the lives of journalists covering the climate crisis. 

“At least 749 environmental journalists have faced violence and intimidation in the last 15 years. It said that 44 reporters were murdered between 2009 and 2023, but that resulted in just five convictions.”

According to Audrey Azoulay, Director General of Unesco, “Without reliable scientific information about the ongoing environmental crisis, we can never hope to overcome it. And yet the journalists we rely on to investigate this subject and ensure information is accessible face unacceptably high risks all over the world.”

In response, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay reaffirmed the commitment to defending freedom of expression and protecting journalists worldwide.

However, many speakers emphasized the broader significance of press freedom in bolstering democracy and holding power accountable. They reiterated journalists’ role as custodians of truth and advocated unwavering support for press freedom in Liberia and beyond.

The celebration concluded with a sense of optimism among attendees regarding the future of the PUL and Liberia’s press landscape. Despite challenges, there was a shared determination to uphold the values of press freedom and journalistic ethics.

Meanwhile, Established in 1964, the Press Union of Liberia serves as the umbrella organization for Liberian media professionals. Initially formed to advocate for press freedom and journalist protection, the union has evolved into a pro-democracy group championing various societal issues. Editing by Jonathan Browne