They’re still trying to silence journalists by imprisoning them.
Reporters Without Borders, or RSF (Reporters Sans Frontières), a Paris-based international non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to safeguarding the right to freedom of information, reported that in 2024, at least 570 journalists have been in prison due to work-related cases.
Of the number, about 550 were expected to remain behind bars until the end of the past year.
The RSF has been in the international forefront of safeguarding journalists through its advocacy founded on the belief that “everyone requires access to the news and information. This mission is in keeping with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that recognizes the right to receive and share information regardless of frontiers.”
RSF said the figure of jailed journalists last year is higher compared to 320 recorded in 2023 but lower than in 2022 (533).
In 2021, the figures were placed at 302 while they were at their lowest in the first five years of this decade at 32.
The number of journalists in prison, RSF said, “demonstrates the need, stronger than ever, to protect journalists everywhere.”
The organization said the highest numbers of reporters remaining in prison are logged in China, Myanmar, Israel and Belarus.
RSF has reiterated its commitment to work for the freedom of reporters behind bars by saying:
“Every day, constantly and tirelessly, the Reporters Without Borders teams mobilize to obtain their immediate release,” adding: “No journalist should be in prison for simply doing his or her job.”
Acknowledging its supporters, the organization further said, “You are an indispensable support in this fight to defend journalists and the right of every human being to free and reliable information.”
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Jan. 24 is being marked as International Day of Education. The event is focused on the theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation”.
The event was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
Explaining the theme, the UNESCO said “education inspires reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.”
As computer and AI-driven systems become more sophisticated, UNESCO added, the boundaries between human intention and machine-driven action often blur, raising critical questions about how to preserve, redefine, and, ideally, elevate human agency in an age of technological acceleration.
The observance encourages reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement, the agency further said.
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UNESCO said that without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, “countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind.”
Consider these:
• Today, 250 million children and youth are out of school.
• 763 million adults are illiterate.
• The right to education for these people is being violated.
It is unacceptable, UN said, therefore, “It’s time to transform education.”
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With fondness and gratitude, our family remembers our dearest mother, Martha, on her birth anniversary on Jan. 19. The angels must be singing your favorite hymns on your birthday, Mom.
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Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) | NWI
