UJOSS Urges Journalists to Strengthen Legal Knowledge Ahead of Elections
By Patricia John
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has called on media practitioners to strengthen their understanding of media and human rights laws to improve professionalism and safeguard press freedom ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Speaking during a one-day paralegal training for journalists in Juba, UJOSS Chairperson Patrick Oyet said legal awareness is essential for journalists to protect their rights and effectively navigate challenges facing the media, including limited access to information and restrictions on freedom of expression.
Oyet emphasized that a better understanding of the legal framework governing media practice would enable journalists to carry out their work professionally while contributing to credible and responsible election coverage.
The training was supported by Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) as part of efforts to strengthen journalists’ capacity ahead of the electoral process.
NP representative Sugar Jany expressed confidence that the training would positively influence journalists’ perspectives and encourage more responsible, ethical, and conflict-sensitive reporting.
O’Mara Joseph Wani, Protection and Advocacy Officer at the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, said the initiative was designed to equip journalists with the legal and ethical knowledge needed to promote democracy, peace, and professional journalism across South Sudan.
He noted that empowering journalists with paralegal skills would help them better understand their rights and responsibilities while reinforcing the media’s role in promoting accountability, protecting human rights, and supporting peaceful democratic processes.
The training brought together journalists from various media houses to enhance their understanding of legal protections, media ethics, and the role of the press in fostering informed public participation during the electoral period.
