The South West England Branch of the National Union of Journalists voted a motion against racism this week. It also agreed that the asylum seekers who will be interred on the barge at Portland Port should be allowed to meet journalists to ensure that their human rights are not being violated during their stay.
Passed by a majority of those present, by representatives from across the Southwest of England, the Branch stated, “We oppose all forms of racism and support all communities coming together in support of asylum seekers.”
There was some debate in the branch on the matter over this issue, with one of those present arguing that this could risk journalists being targeted by far right groups. However, such a motion is in line with the Trades Union Congress national policy and it was felt that racism in all its forms is unacceptable.
The next part of the statement made by the branch is of particular interest to the media: “Additionally we support the right of journalists in seeking access to those asylum seekers in support of their human rights.”
This is where journalists in their role of the Fourth Estate can do their best work. Through the years I have heard stories how journalists have been challenged by authorities in trying to access asylum seekers on barges and ships. It turns out that those trying to prevent them have indeed had something to hide with very distressing stories eventually emerging from those interned in this way.
From my perspective as a journalist turned social justice activist, I can only cheer my union on in its decision to support the motion made by the branch. Impartiality can only be be considered up to the point where ethics and human rights are concerned. In much the same way as the BBC should not consider climate change from the perspective of climate change deniers every time it considers such an issue, it is no bad thing that racists are not given legitimacy in any debate.
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