Journalists, media students boost understanding of human rights |21 April 2022

A group of journalists, media students and other media practitioners have had the opportunity to boost their understanding of human rights, rule of law, good governance, and access to information among other related issues.

This was during a half-day interactive, awareness and education session organised by the Seychelles Human Rights Commission in collaboration with its different partners, namely the Office of the Ombudsman, the Seychelles Information Commission and the Seychelles Media Commission. The session held at the Savoy Resort & Spa at Beau Vallon was sponsored by the European Union represented by French Ambassador Dominique Mas.

In attendance were also the chairperson of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, Justice Bernadin Renaud, Ombudsman Nichole Tirant-Gherardi, chief executive of the Seychelles Information Commission Thereza Dogley, chief executive of the Seychelles Media Commission Ibrahim Afif among other personalities with media and human rights interests.

George Robert, legal director of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, presented the Constitution as a legal instrument. He also addressed the rule of law and human rights which hold the core rights, the governance systems, and implementation, collective and individual objectives.

Participants also had a discussion with the panel regarding accountability, good governance, transparency and the media as the fourth arm of government.

Justice Renaud, who made a presentation on accountability emphasised that the role of the media is to understand and work under chapters four to 16 of the Constitution but to always refer and verify with chapter three which is on human rights. Topics such a human rights violation and how good governance is measured arose as well as access to information.

Justice Renaud emphasised that the more educated the media is in such matters as human rights and human rights violation, the more it can educate the public. He noted for instance that it is against the Constitution to apply to enter your own country.

The participants also followed a presentation on limited rights which are only for a specific reason for example under a state of emergency. However, there are certain rights which can never be limited for instance the right to dignity.

Ibrahim Afif, chief executive of the Seychelles Media Commission, pointed out that “media practitioners are not active in such workshops and forums to help educate themselves in these areas.”

The panel encouraged the participants to focus on and to always refer to human rights in the Constitution.

Ombudsman Nichole Tirant-Gherardi spoke of the roles of her office under the Constitution, its mandate and the challenges she faces when carrying out her roles. She also talked about “how good governance is measured, noting that everything must be explainable and justifiable.”

Seychelles Information Commission chief executive Thereza Dogley, for her part, advised the participants on the procedures to get information adding that “there is no cost to accessing information” as one participant pointed out that the Public Health Authority had asked for a fee to access information according to their policy.

“One must follow the proper procedures and this is through the information officer,” said Ms Dogley.

She stressed that each department has an information officer and it is through these officers that requests are made and that they have 21 days to provide a response.

Ambassador Mas said the absence of many journalists is regrettable, however he paid tribute to the profession and to all the journalists who have lost their lives in pursuit of information and the truth.

He imparted that the role of journalists is to contribute and give life to democracy. The EU representative said the people must not forget that those who have been censored and lack access to information make for a very weak country and as the media, journalists must ask what they contribute to human dignity. Good news is always welcomed, however the media should also address key issues such as governance and the Constitution.

He emphasised that journalists must question, analyse and even contradict where and when necessary.

Marla Simeon