Global coalition backs campaign for UN action on impunity

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 1 November 2018

On November 2, a coalition of journalists and media organizations will advocate for urgent UN action against impunity for crimes against journalists. With rising violence and inaction, they call for a convention to ensure their protection.

Summary

BRUSSELS - Journalists groups, editors, media owners, and press freedom campaigners will join forces on November 2 to demand urgent action by the United Nations to tackle impunity for crimes against journalists.

With figures showing the number of killings of journalists rising in comparison to the same period last year and impunity in 9 out of 10 cases, the unprecedented coalition of professional journalists’ organizations is calling on UN member states to back media industry demands for a convention on the protection of journalists.

Representatives of the International Federation of Journalists, the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), the European Broadcasting Union and UNI-MEI, the organization representing media professionals launched the initiative for a UN Convention at the United Nations in New York in October.

The Convention aims to address gaps in international law and introduce binding norms establishing safeguards for journalists and media workers specifically, recognizing the increasingly hostile environment in which they operate across the world.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “This unprecedented coalition of owners, journalists, media workers, public broadcasters and press freedom campaigners is sending a clear message to the international community – Enough! It is time to act to tackle impunity.

“Too many of our colleagues have been killed, jailed, attacked, abused and forced into exile. We can no longer just pass wishful resolutions, we need action and for international mechanisms that both protect journalists and media workers and, which by tackling the impunity which gives rise to growing self-censorship protects the right of citizens and societies to information and enhances democracy.” – IFJ media release

KEY POINTS:

• Coalition of journalists and media organizations unites for UN action.
• Rising number of journalist killings and impunity in 90% of cases reported.
• Initiative for UN Convention launched to enhance legal protections for journalists.
• Professionals emphasize the urgent need for international mechanisms.
• Call to action aims to protect journalists' rights and promote democracy.