Embrace stories that impact society positively, journalists told

Journalists have been urged to embrace stories that impact society positively as they mark World Press Freedom Day.

Human Rights groups joined the media to mark the special day by calling on the government to uphold press freedom.

Speaking during a training session for journalists in Nairobi, Defenders Coalition Executive Director Kamau Ngugi called on journalists to remember their roles in society as they execute their duties.

Ngugi said journalists have a commitment to uphold the code of conduct and ethical standards for journalism.

The executive director said journalists should focus on the vulnerable groups in the society.

"For you to be a good journalist and dive into the world of human rights, think about the right to education and access to healthcare that impacts the society. It's not about criticising the ministries, it's about telling the story of what will happen to the society if they collapse," he said.

"This day is a reminder to two categories; it's a reminder to the government for the commitment through the United Nations General Assembly that they will be protecting the media," he said.

Ngugi, however, said that the government, which is supposed to protect the press, is largely involved in the violation of their rights.

He added that the government often fails to act when non-state actors impeded press freedom.

He further added that any state which is a member of the United Nations General Assembly has three human rights responsibilities.

"These states have a responsibility to protect its citizens and the people who are doing right in the general society. They protect journalists from being harmed by others," he said.

According to Ngugi, UN General Assembly members are supposed to create an enabling environment for journalists to thrive in their professions.

He said the government has a duty to safeguard journalists but not to harm them.

"On this day, we just need to remind the government on the need to respect and protect press freedom," he said.

The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 World Press Freedom Day.

It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

This year's theme was 'A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis'.

Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said this year's commemoration underscores the critical role of journalism in conservation adding that it points to the need to amplify every voice at the forefront of environmental advocacy and reporting.

"In Kenya, where environmental issues like floods demand attention, the media's role in galvanising action is paramount," he said.

The Media Owners Association called on journalists to go beyond reporting and participate in the fight against climate change.

Defenders Coalition is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, an organisation which strengthens the capacity of human rights defenders (HRDs) to work effectively in the country and to reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution.

The organisation under the leadership of the executive director is holding a two-day sensitisation programme for journalists as they mark World Press Freedom Day, 2024.

The training which started on Thursday aims to equip journalists with advocacy and digital safety skills to counter challenges in their profession.