The Rising Tide of Digital violence Against Journalists in Africa: A Call for Urgent action
The freedom to report, to investigate, and to inform is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy. Yet, across Africa, this fundamental right is under increasing threat – not just from physical attacks, but from a more insidious and rapidly evolving form of aggression: digital violence. The african Commission on Human and peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) recently underscored this critical issue on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, issuing a stark condemnation of all violence targeting those who bring us the news. This year’s focus, crucially, highlights the disproportionate impact of this digital onslaught on female journalists.
But what exactly constitutes “digital violence,” and why is it proving so difficult to combat? This article delves into the complexities of this growing crisis, examining the ACHPR’s response, the challenges facing African states, and what practical steps can be taken to protect journalists and safeguard media freedom.We’ll also explore the broader implications for democratic discourse and access to information.
Understanding the Scope of the Problem: Beyond Physical Threats
For decades, the safety of journalists in Africa has been a concern, with physical attacks, intimidation, and arbitrary detention sadly commonplace. Though, the digital realm has opened up a new front in this battle.Digital violence encompasses a wide range of malicious acts, including:
* Online Harassment: This includes abusive messages, threats, and hate speech directed at journalists.
* Doxing: The malicious publishing of a journalist’s personal information online, often with the intent to incite harm.
* Cyberstalking: Repeated harassment and monitoring of a journalist’s online activity.
* Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA): The non-consensual creation and distribution of intimate images, a notably devastating form of attack often targeting female journalists.
* Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: Attempts to overwhelm a journalist’s website or online platforms, effectively silencing their voice.
Recent data paints a worrying picture. A 2023 report by the committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) found that online harassment is a critically important factor in driving journalists – particularly women – away from their work. https://cpj.org/reports/2023/12/online-violence-against-women-journalists-global-report/ The report highlighted a disturbing trend of coordinated campaigns designed to discredit and silence critical voices. Moreover, UNESCO’s research indicates a direct correlation between online attacks and offline violence, demonstrating that digital threats are rarely isolated incidents. https://www.unesco.org/en/journalism-safety
The ACHPR’s Response: Resolution ACHPR/res.522(LXXII)2022 and Beyond
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the ACHPR adopted Resolution ACHPR/Res.522(LXXII)2022, a landmark step towards addressing digital violence against journalists. This resolution calls upon African States to:
* Review and Adopt Legislation: States are urged to enact or strengthen laws specifically criminalizing digital violence and cyber-harassment.
* Expand the Definition of Gender-Based Violence: Crucially, the resolution advocates for including cyber-harassment and stalking within the broader framework of gender-based violence, acknowledging the gendered nature of much of this abuse.
* Investigate and Prosecute Perpetrators: the ACHPR stresses the importance of thorough investigations and the prosecution of those responsible for digital attacks.
* Raise Awareness: Public advocacy campaigns are vital to educate the public about the harmful effects of digital violence and promote a culture of respect for journalists.
Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the ACHPR’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and access to Information in Africa, powerfully articulated the need for a multi-faceted approach: “Addressing this violence requires an intersectional approach involving States, social media platforms, journalist associations, civil society organizations, and tech companies. Tech companies should increase risk assessments about online threats against journalists and take decisive action.”
This emphasis on the obligation of tech companies is particularly significant. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok have a crucial role to play in moderating content, removing abusive material, and protecting their users.
