Speakers at a workshop in Dhaka on Wednesday urged the government to ensure digital safety and security for journalists and women human rights defenders.
They made the urge at the workshop titled Digital Safety and Security: Perspectives of Journalists and Women Human Rights Defenders at SETU Training Centre in Mohammadpur.
Organised by rights and advocacy organisation Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment, journalists and women human rights defenders participated the workshop.
Emphasising the importance of using encrypted communication tools for emails and messaging, Ashraful Haque, a digital safety and security specialist from EngageMedia, highlighted, 鈥楾hese tools are crucial for journalists and rights activists to safeguard their sources and sensitive communications from hacking and surveillance.鈥�
Rezwan Islam, a communications expert from EngageMedia, stated, 鈥楾he rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for perpetrators to target journalists and women human rights defenders with various forms of harassment, including threats, doxxing, trolling, and misinformation campaigns.鈥�
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, executive director of VOICE, emphasised, 鈥業n today鈥檚 digital age, ensuring digital safety and security is crucial, particularly for journalists and women human rights defenders.鈥�
鈥楾heir work often involves sensitive investigations, explorations, and communications, making them vulnerable to threats such as surveillance, exploitation, and hacking,鈥� he added.
Musharrat Mahera, deputy director of VOICE, outlined the workshop鈥檚 objectives during her presentation. She highlighted, 鈥榃omen journalists and defenders face a multitude of challenges, which have intensified with the rise of social media and online communication, often discouraging them from pursuing critical reporting or voicing their opinions on significant issues.鈥�
The interactive nature of the workshop enhanced participants' confidence in navigating the digital landscape, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves and their information sources effectively.
VOICE has long been working with journalists and women human rights defenders and has expressed deep concern over the significant challenges they face in carrying out their professional responsibilities. Particular attention has been drawn to the safety of women in these fields, who are frequently targeted with online harassment, including cyberbullying, lawsuits, arrests, and detentions, especially during periods of authoritarian governance.
