UN calls for proper probe of crimes against journalists, conviction of perpetrators

NEW YORK – The United Nations yesterday called for taking all the necessary actions to ensure proper investigation of crimes committed against journalists, and to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and convicted.

The latest Unesco data on killings of journalists, issued to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, show that the global impunity rate for journalist killings remains shockingly high at 86%, according to a Jordan news agency.

According to the Unesco report, 117 journalists were killed simply because they were journalists, and 91 of them were killed outside their working hours, whether they were in their homes, cars, or on the street without being on duty, as many others were killed in front of their family members and children.

Governments and the international community must take action to protect the people who bring us the news, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed yesterday.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

Guterres underscored the importance of a free press, which he said is vital to a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoing, navigating our complex world, and advancing the sustainable development goals – the blueprint for a more just, equitable and greener future, it added.

“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us honour our media workers, and stand up for truth, justice and human rights for all,” he said.

Despite their critical role, more than 70 journalists have been killed this year alone.

“Most of these crimes go unsolved. Meanwhile, a record number of journalists are incarcerated today, while threats of imprisonment, violence, and death keep growing,” said Guterres.

Furthermore, a surge in disinformation, online bullying and hate speech, particularly against women journalists, is contributing to the stifling of media workers around the globe.

“Intimidation through the abuse of legal, financial and other means is undermining efforts to hold the powerful accountable. These trends threaten not only journalists, but society as a whole,” he added. – Bernama, November 3, 2022