The Davao chapter of the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines will launch on Nov. 18 an internationally-published book entitled “Defending Journalism.”
The 254-page book discussed national mechanisms on how to protect journalists, addressed the issue of impunity, and unveiled a comparative analysis of practices in seven countries.
The book addressed major threats against journalists in collaborative ways in seven countries: Afghanistan, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines.
This book will be launched on Saturday at the Pinnacle Hotel along Santa Ana Avenue in Davao City.
Zea Capistrano, vice president of NUJP Davao chapter said, these countries were chosen because they showcase a varied range of responses and structures. Some are led and implemented by civil society, others are government–driven; they are coalition–based or simply good examples of partnerships.
“This book publication is promoting the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,” said Kristianne Fusilero, NUJP Davao chapter treasurer.
“The project aims to document and share international best practices and support application of them by relevant factors, including in-country policy makers and relevant media organizations, ensuring more effective impact of safety and protection and anti-impunity efforts,” she added.
She said research was carried out over a period of six months in seven countries — Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Iraq and Colombia. This was done through data collection, consultations with a wide range of in-country stakeholders, and in-depth interviews with those directly affected and involved in addressing issues related to safety and protection.
“The publication documented to what extent and in what manner safety mechanisms and other coordinated nationally-anchored initiatives have taken hold,” Fusilero said.
“The book discussed experiences of attacks against journalists and the threats that confronted them like fears of competition, low wages, lack of job security and pursing risky assignments, little support from news room, and non-risk assessments,” Capistrano said
In 2012, the United Nations adopted the UN Plan of Action for the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. The Plan, a framework for coordinating, developing and improving existing responses to threats against journalists, presented an historic opportunity for inter-governmental organizations, civil society, member states and the media to work together in a concerted effort to staunch the flow of violence and intimidation that has long encumbered journalists and media workers around the world.
Capistrano said, it will help the Davao Journalist to determine his rights.
