Eastern African Journalists Join Hands at IFJ World Congress in Athens

EASTERN AFRICA JOURNALISTS’ ASSOCIATION (EAJA)

ATHENS DECLARATION

May 28, 2004


PREAMBLE

We, the undersigned being unions of journalists’ officials/representatives from Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia who assembled at the Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens City on 28th of May 2004 during the International Federation of Journalists {IFJ} World Congress, resolved to strengthen the existing Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) and undertake the following resolutions:-

1. To encourage journalists’ exchange of information at regional level across the Eastern Africa Region and engage in pressing professional problems.
2. To organize forums for Journalists to share experiences in the region and to hold regional seminars and workshops within member countries.
3. To promote free flow of information in the region and promote Eastern Africa perspective among Journalists and to increase regional programmes.
4. The meeting noted with great concern Kenya’s absence at the IFJ Congress despite receiving an invitation and the Kenyan Union of Journalists’ continued inactiveness in matters pertaining to the IFJ – organised activities in the region and globally.
5. To help our brothers and sisters in Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi to deal with difficult situations facing them in order to tackle professional matters at local levels.

6. The meeting entrusted and empowered the IFJ Regional Adviser for Africa Mr Herbert Lumansi to carry out a mission to Kenya and Somalia in August 2004 and conduct a needs assessment mission in fraternity and solidarity with Somali journalists.
7. The meeting also entrusted EAJA Secretary who is also UJU General Secretary to assist the IFJ Project Officer for Africa Mr Bertrand Ginet, in the implementation of the media projects in Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
8. The meeting selected Tanzania to host the first networking seminar this year in Dar Es Salaam.
9. Members absent included Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia.

SIGNED BY:

Stephen Ouma Bwire
General Secretary, EAJA/ UJU

Godfrey Kambenga
General Secretary, TUJ/EAJA Member

Mr Omar Faruk Osman
Secretary General, SOJON /EAJA Member

Herbert Lumansi
IFJ Regional Advisor (Africa}

OBSERVED BY:

Mr Bertrand Ginet
Project Officer for Africa, IFJ

DONE IN ATHENS