IFJ appeals to UN Security Council for protection of journos covering Yemen conflict

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 22 June 2015

The IFJ, along with over 30 organizations, has appealed to the UN Security Council for the protection of journalists in Yemen. The letter emphasizes the dangers faced by media professionals amid escalating violence in the region.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), together with over 30 international organizations, have sent on 19 June a letter to the president of the United Nations Security Council, Dato' Ramlan Ibrahim, to prioritize all necessary measures to protect journalists reporting on the Yemen conflict.

Eight journalists have lost their lives so far in 2015 and 12 remain captive in the country, according to the IFJ's affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS). The letter lists the different attacks suffered by journalists in Yemen since the beginning of the conflict, often either caught in the crossfire or deliberately targeted by one side or another.

"We wish to stress that, beyond endangering journalists' safety, targeting any sector of the media in Yemen is an unwarranted interference in their affairs that undermines independent reporting on the current crisis in the country. As a result, the Yemeni people are being denied objective and impartial information about the ongoing military operations," highlights the letter.

Following Resolution 2222 adopted by the Security Council on 27 May 2015, which "condemns all violations and abuses committed against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in situations of armed conflict," the IFJ and affiliates call upon all parties to bring an end to such practices.

"The IFJ has been monitoring the situation facing our Yemeni colleagues since the beginning of the conflict and have registered with growing alarm the increase in attacks and violence against journalists by the warring parties," said IFJ president Jim Boumelha.

"This letter is part of the IFJ's campaign to draw attention to their plight and demand action by international organizations to press all parties to the conflict to refrain from attacks on media, to ensure accountability for violations committed and to strongly advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of our colleagues." The appeal was signed by more than 35 journalists unions and international organizations defending human rights and freedom of organization across the globe. - IFJ

KEY POINTS:

• IFJ sent a letter to UN Security Council on 19 June.
• Eight journalists have died and 12 are currently captured in Yemen.
• The letter details attacks on journalists since the conflict began.
• The appeal follows Resolution 2222 against violations of media personnel.
• More than 35 organizations signed the letter advocating for journalists' safety.