Nurturing democracy defenders in Sierra Leone and crafting a manifesto for journalists
Young people promoting unity and peaceful dialogue during a peace parade in Freetown ahead of the June 2023 elections. Credit: International IDEA/Alfred Fornah
As part of its efforts to support electoral and democratic processes in Sierra Leone, International IDEA engages with young people and promotes media freedom in the West African country.
The Youth in Democracy Traineeship initiative, implemented by International IDEA and the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) as part of the Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Programme, seeks to empower young individuals with expertise in electoral and democratic governance. One of its primary goals is to foster an environment conducive to credible and peaceful electoral processes and post-election reforms. This is achieved by enhancing the capacities of key institutions such as the PPRC, one of Sierra Leone’s two election management bodies and independent constitutional institutions, as well as by supporting civil society organizations, the media and citizen observers.
On 5 June 2023, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with International IDEA and funding from the European Union, launched a manifesto titled ‘The Media We Want’, representing a significant aspect of International IDEA’s commitment to supporting the media landscape in Sierra Leone. The unveiling of this manifesto, occurring just weeks before Sierra Leone’s general elections, is intended to advance media freedom, professionalism, gender equality, inclusivity, safety and media literacy.
‘This manifesto consolidates our significant gains, representing our collective vision for the future of media. We seek political leaders’ commitment to prioritize media freedom, development and viability in the years to come. It is our framework for all future interventions in the Sierra Leone media sector.’
| Funding | European Union |
|---|---|
| Theme | |
| Pillar(s) |
