Kakata, Margibi County – Aliou Mamadou Dia, the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Liberia, has called for a renewed dedication to press freedom, journalist safety, and ethical media practices throughout the nation. Speaking on May 4, 2026, in Kakata to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, Mr. Dia underlined that democracy, human rights, and sustainable development continue to depend on a free and independent press.
Given the growing difficulties that journalists in Liberia and around the world face, he said that this year’s subject, “Shaping a World at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Security, and Development,” is appropriate. According to him, Liberia’s media continues to show resilience by promoting transparency, holding leaders accountable, and amplifying community voices despite facing threats such as safety risks, financial constraints, and misinformation.
Mr. Dia emphasized that journalists’ safety cannot be compromised, cautioning that no reporter should be attacked or intimidated while performing their duties. He explained that the government, security agencies, and society as a whole share responsibilities for safeguarding journalists. He went on to highlight the media’s dual role of freedom and responsibility, exhorting reporters to maintain professionalism, ethics, and accuracy while rejecting sensationalism and fighting false information and hate speech.
The UNDP representative also commended the Liberian government for its ongoing support of media freedom and cooperation with stakeholders to bolster civic space and democratic governance. He listed a number of UNDP initiatives, such as promoting investigative journalism to combat corruption, encouraging cooperation between the media and law enforcement, strengthening digital resilience to combat disinformation, and supporting electoral transparency through the Liberia Electoral Support Project.
In closing, Mr. Dia urged all parties involved, government, media, civil society, and citizens to work together to defend press freedom, preserve the truth, and create a society that is inclusive and peaceful. As a crucial pillar for democracy, human rights, and national development, he reiterated UNDP’s dedication to assisting Liberia’s media industry. The presentation was a component of events commemorating World Press Freedom Day, which is observed on May 4 every year.
Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
