UN asks media to resolve conflicts
The United Nations in Malawi has asked the local media to report sensitively on political conflicts in the country to avoid fanning the flames of violence in the run-up to elections.
The UN resident coordinator Mia Seppo made the remarks Saturday during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Lilongwe.
Seppo lauded the work done by the media in conflict resolution through presenting balanced and impartial news to reduce tensions and promote cohesion, especially during elections, noting that the media provide the means for politicians to speak to each other.
“Unfortunately, the media is sometimes used by one party or candidate to broadcast or print abusive and intimidating messages about other parties thereby inflaming passions. It is my hope that the media will endeavour to be conflict sensitive in its reportage by promoting the non-violent resolution disputes, instead of messages that may promote fear and incite violence,” Seppo said.
She added that while people did not expect the media to become election experts, they should avoid following up on unfounded rumours, mistrust and suspicion which are fed by social media or political parties during elections.
Seppo’s remarks have come at a time the social media is awash with reports of election rigging, which she said the media was quoting without checking the sensitivity of the information.
“In heated elections, common sense is sometimes the least common but professional media needs to rise above this,” she observed.
