Advising South Sudan Journalists Union

Integrity is working with the Union of Journalists in South Sudan (UJOSS) to develop the union’s strategic plan for the next five years.

Head of Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Martine Zeuthen traveled to the towns of Torit, Wau and Malakal as well as to the South Sudanese capital Juba to interview journalists and editors about their expectations of the union, which was formed in 2008 but has struggled with funding and administrative issues.

Listen here for Martine’s interview with a Malakal radio station where she discusses the project

The research showed that the majority of journalists, and editors, lack even the most basic of training and frequently suffer from threats and harassment from the government and security forces. Lack of transport and equipment are also serious problems. With its mandate to protect its members and encourage more professional reporting, this is something that UJOSS is determined to address.

Integrity will use the research findings at a September workshop with union members where the strategy will be fully developed.