The United Nations calls for the protection of journalists and the creation of favorable conditions for the exercise of their profession
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern about attacks against journalists and media workers around the world, including in conflict zones.
A statement issued by a United Nations spokesman quoted Guterres’ condemnation of all attacks and killings against journalists, and his call for concerted efforts to address the spread of impunity for such crimes.
In 2018-2019, UNESCO documented the killing of 67 journalists in countries experiencing armed conflict, of whom 23 were directly involved in covering the conflict. In addition to bloody attacks, journalists who cover conflict news face a host of other threats, including violence leading to injuries, arbitrary arrests, refusal to issue visas to them, or restrictions on their movement in, through, or out of conflict areas.
The press release stated that the primary role of journalists in ensuring the availability of reliable information is vital to achieving lasting peace, sustainable development and human rights.
The Secretary-General indicated that civilians, including civilian journalists participating in professional missions in areas of armed conflict, must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. He called on all parties to the conflict and the entire international community to protect journalists and to create favorable conditions for the exercise of their profession.
Source: United Nations website
