JUBA — The South Sudan Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a Juba-based civil society organization, on Thursday called on the government to grant journalists unrestricted access to information to disseminate accurate and credible news to the public.
Mr. Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director for the Center for Peace and Advocacy, said limited access to public information is significantly hampering journalists’ ability to report accurately and comprehensively on critical national issues.
“Journalists are the eyes and ears of the public. Without access to accurate and timely information, their ability to inform citizens, expose wrongdoing, and promote informed dialogue is severely constrained,” Manyang said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Thursday.
Manyang emphasized that a lack of transparency and restricted flow of information not only undermines press freedom but also weakens democratic governance and accountability.
“We are on government institutions to uphold the right to access information as enshrined in South Sudan’s constitution and international human rights commitments.”
Outspoken activists urged authorities to implement policies that facilitate open communication and empower the media to operate freely and fairly.
The advocacy body reaffirmed its commitment to supporting press freedom and strengthening democratic values across the country.
According to the 2012 access to information bill, every citizen has the right to freedom of information, including the right to access information and records held by public or private bodies.
This includes electronic records in the possession of any level of government in South Sudan or any organ or agency.
The South Sudan constitution also states that every citizen shall have the right to the freedom of expression, reception and dissemination of information, publication, and access to the press without prejudice.
