Responsible journalists essential in exposing corruption and injustice

The elections at the Yemeni Journalist Syndicate (YJS) mark an important step towards the consolidation of one of the country’s most important unions.  

The elections will not only seek to consolidate and solidify the union, but will also improve the working conditions of journalists in the various media outlets across the country. The elections will help to foster a better, stronger society by creating a new generation of more capable and better qualified journalists.  

We strongly believe that the country, through the development of its journalists will be able to instil changes in all areas of life.  

Journalists and their media outlets provide a watchdog over government activities; they are the individuals responsible for maintaining checks on government, notably in societies where there remains limited political opposition.  

Journalists must  be free from political affiliations, and the elections at the YJS will mark a first step in the process of media independence. We strongly believe that journalists have a significant role to play in improving the communities around them, by creating a public dialogue and a voice for the weak. In addition, journalists can help people engage with the pressing issues of the day, and can teach citizens how to grasp issues and search for solutions.   

The future elected syndicate should concentrate on promoting the role of the journalist in society, and support them in their search for the truth. Journalists are committed to the search for truth no matter how harsh it can be. We believe that if journalists and their representatives fail to serve these objectives, then their jobs are nothing more than businesses.  

We hope that the upcoming election at the YJS will provide us with a selection of union members who will be committed to improving the operating standards of journalists, and providing guidance and support to union members. An improvement in the living standards of journalists will undoubtedly result in the improvement of their performance. We call upon the future union leaders to activate the rules of the syndicate, and develop a nationwide set of journalistic guidelines and a code of honor which will be communicated to members through a series of forums, symposiums or workshops.   

We stress again that the YJS should remain free from any political orientation or affiliation, otherwise the venture will be worthless.

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