Fear limits freedom – ombudsman
The ombudsman, advocate Basilius Dyakugha, warns that many Namibians are still motivated by fear despite the country’s democratic gains since independence. Speaking during the launch of the African Media Barometer in Windhoek yesterday, Dyakugha said freedom from fear should become a central focus in strengthening democracy and human rights in Namibia. “If you take fear away from anybody, that person’s life will really be celebrated in all aspects, but once you operate from a
Namibia's ombudsman, Basilius Dyakugha, has expressed concern that fear continues to hinder the full enjoyment of democratic freedoms and human rights for many citizens, despite the nation's progress since independence. He emphasized that eliminating fear is crucial for strengthening democracy and enabling individuals to thrive in all aspects of life, including economic participation and public engagement. The recent African Media Barometer report indicates a decline in Namibia's media environment, highlighting a persistent gap between legally guaranteed rights and their practical application.
This gap is exacerbated by economic insecurity, which reportedly influences editorial decisions and pushes journalists towards self-censorship due to precarious working conditions and financial pressures. Media professionals also raised concerns about unfair employment practices, such as restrictive freelance contracts and pressure to promote specific agendas without proper agreements.
The report and the ombudsman's remarks underscore a critical disconnect between Namibia's legal framework for rights and freedoms and the lived realities of its citizens and journalists, suggesting a need for institutional reform to match legislative advancements.
📌 Kaynak
Bu özet The Namibian kaynağından otomatik derlenmiştir. Tamamı için orijinal habere gidin.
Orijinal haberi oku →