Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF), an international organization dedicated to promoting human rights and access to justice, has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance digital rights and press freedom in Nigeria. The partnership was unveiled during a courtesy visit by an ASF delegation, led by board member Ivan Paneff, to the NUJ National Secretariat on Monday.
The collaboration is part of ASF’s e-Rights Project, which aims to establish mechanisms for independent and fair access to justice, protect the fundamental human rights of journalists, and provide legal aid to vulnerable individuals, including victims of human rights violations.
During the visit, Ivan Paneff emphasized the importance of capacity building through training and collaboration with local partners, such as the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ). He highlighted the need for citizens to understand their electronic rights and the risks and benefits of using digital tools.
“It is important for citizens, with your help or assistance, to know how to protect their electronic rights and the dangers and advantages of using digital tools,” Paneff said. He also advised journalists to verify their sources when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data generation, stressing that while AI is a valuable tool, adherence to journalistic ethics remains crucial.
ASF Country Director, Mrs. Angela Uzoma, reiterated the organization’s commitment to collaborating with the NUJ, particularly in promoting press freedom and digital rights. She noted that the e-Rights Project focuses on creating a safe online space for journalists, who play a critical role in democracy.
“Our focus on the project is to ensure a safe space online for people to engage, particularly journalists, knowing the crucial role journalists play in every democracy,” Uzoma said. She highlighted ASF’s legal aid services, which provide support to journalists facing harassment, arrest, or intimidation.
Uzoma urged journalists to seek legal representation and partner with organizations like ASF to address cases of harassment. “One of the things we are doing now at the e-Rights Project is providing legal aid to journalists. We have a team of trained lawyers ready to take up these cases, and so far, we have handled cases in Lagos and Kano,” she added.
In his response, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya commended ASF for its commitment to supporting Nigerian journalists. He assured the organization of the NUJ’s full cooperation in creating visibility for the project and ensuring its sustainability.
“NUJ is the mother of all practicing journalists in Nigeria, with 36 state councils. Our job is very simple, and I want to assure you that NUJ will continue to work with you,” Yahya said. He also called for a review of the Cybercrime Act, which he described as a hindrance to journalists’ work in Nigeria.
Yahya highlighted the NUJ’s International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) as a key resource for training and retraining journalists. He expressed the union’s commitment to restructuring the institute and establishing a radio station to enhance practical journalism training and promote accountability.
The partnership between ASF and NUJ marks a significant step toward strengthening press freedom and digital rights in Nigeria. By addressing challenges such as harassment, intimidation, and legal barriers, the collaboration aims to create a safer and more enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties effectively.
