UNESCO is the lead UN Agency for promoting freedom of expression and safety of journalists as part of its mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”.
Thomas Atenga
Professor at DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF DOUALA
Press repression censorship freedom of expression journalist safety authoritarianism
I worked as journalist for 15 years. In 1999 I decide to return at University. In 2004, at University of Paris I Sorbonne, I defended a PhD Thesis in Political Science about power conservation and press repression in Cameroon and Gabon. Since, my research has focused on press repression in Central Africa; freedom of expression; media, politics and public opinion and relevant aspects of journalism studies.
Definition of journalists' safety
Journalist's safety refers to the possibility for them to be able to work in a safe environment (free from threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, physical abuse, etc.)Future plans for research on journalists' safety
Criminal networks attacking the safety of journalists investigating sensitive issues in the Central African sub-region.- Research focuses:
- Physical, Psychological, Financial, Legal
- Methods used in research:
- Surveys, Interviews, Qualitative content analysis, Quantitative content analysis, Ethnography
- Countries of research focus:
- Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo Brzzaville, Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Chad