By Nasratu Kargbo
Chozen Generation Sierra Leone has ended a two-day training for journalists, bloggers, and youth activists on cyber security and digital rights issues.
The training focused on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, Internet Freedom, Digital Rights, and Cyber-security, understanding the Cyber-Security and Crime Act 2021, and the effective use and Introduction to Digital Rights Advocacy among others.
Facilitating the training, the Chairman, Media Reform Coordinating Group Dr. Francis Sowa, urged media practitioners to be responsible in the execution of their trade so they not to destroy another’s reputation.
Dr. Sowa explained that activists and journalists have the right to share information, but should do so in a responsible manner, adding that there is a Cyber-security law in Sierra Leone. He said the legislation would tackle issues such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and cybercrime in general. He also urged journalists and activists to pay specific attention to Part IV of the Cyber Crime Act which deals with power and procedures.
The Facilitator said that a special institution will be created in order to enforce provisions in the Act.
Speaking on the importance of the right to access information and freedom of speech, he said these rights are guaranteed by both international and local laws. He drew reference to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Convention on People’s Rights (ICPR) together with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) to be laws borne in local laws.
He added that Section 25 subsection 1 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone guarantees the citizenry the right to receive and share information without hindrance.
In conclusion, he said while the Cyber Law is to curtail cybercrimes; however, that should not limit journalists and activists from exercising their freedom of expression.
Chozen Generation Sierra Leone’s National Coordinator and Project Coordinator Harry Henry Kargbo told Politico that the right to access information law is underutilized in Sierra Leone.
He also spoke on the knowledge gap amongst professionals and other citizens about the new cyber security law. He explained that the newly passed Cyber security bill is very crucial to everyone’s engagement in cyberspace; the training is therefore aimed at building the capacity of these groups so they would know how to operate within the ambit of the law and help them understand the law in order to clarify the misconceptions.
He added that the training is to climax the organization’s drive to continue strengthening the capacity of journalists, bloggers, and youth activists on digital rights reporting and advocacy in Sierra Leone.
The 50 Participants that benefited from the training held on the 3rd and 4th of December 2021 at the City hall in Freetown are representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Sierra Leone Reporters Union, and Women in the Media Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone Promoters Union (bloggers) and youth activists.
The training according to the organizers is part of a project supported by Collaboration of ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) within the context of the Africa Digital Right Fund (ADRF).
Copyright © Politico Online 08/12/21
