I s s u e 20
- D E C E M B E R, 2 0 0 0
Update Index: 1999
2000
2001
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Equipment to
UNESCO Partner Community Radios
A Blow to
Freedom of Expression in Mozambique
Equipment
to UNESCO Partner Community Radios
As everyone who has ever started a Community Radio knows: once the
equipment is there, core training and everyday structures and
routines need to be in place for maximal kick-off effect. Because
also in the world of starting new media, a good beginning means that
you are half-way to your success.
As such we in UNESCO in Mozambique have given the needed time for
our partner communities to get organised and to receive the varied
and much needed training - formal as well as informal - before going
on air. Still: at a point you get no longer without it.
The needed procurement procedure has therefore been carried out and
the requested bids were all received prior to the deadline, December
1st, 2000 at 12:00. Hereafter - according to UNESCO rules and
regulations - the bids are being assessed, and all bidders found to
having complied with the rules. Now a more detailed and in-depth
final assessment is taking place and before the end of December the
order for equipment to the three stations will be placed with the
winning company, presenting to us the best proposal in terms of the
relation: quality, methodology, back-up support and price.
A
Blow to Freedom of Expression in Mozambique
The assassination of Carlos Cardoso came as a grim reminder to all
of us that Freedom of Expression is not given with a conducive legal
environment.
As the Director-General of UNESCO declared immediately after the
event: "I am deeply shocked by the murder of Carlos Cardoso. A man
who was seeking the truth has been silenced. This tragic event
clearly confirms the crucial role of the media in support of
democracy and rule of law, both of which depend largely on the
ability of journalists to inform the public. The perpetrators of
such a heinous crime must not remain unpunished. Journalists must be
allowed to exercise their profession without fearing for their
lives. I reiterate UNESCO's commitment to the freedom and
independence of the media."
Media
Development Project
c/o UNESCO, P.O.Box 1397 Maputo, Mozambique Tel. +
258.1. 498752/ 490840 Fax +258.1.498717
E-mail: unesco@mediamoz.com
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