KABUL (Afghanistan): The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called on countries to ensure the safety of journalists covering protests in line with international human rights standards and commitments.
The UN body said that in recent months, many journalists covering protests in different parts of the world have been subjected to various forms of attacks, including killings, injuries, arbitrary detention and confiscation of their equipment.
She said: “UNESCO recalls that all relevant authorities have a duty and responsibility to ensure the safety of journalists covering protests around the world.
In times of crisis, as in times of peace, journalists were essential lifelines for citizens to verified information, UNESCO added.
They facilitate public discussion and dialogue, which are pathways to democratic solutions. The authorities must guarantee the safety of journalists covering the protests, in accordance with international standards for freedom of expression.
As part of the UNESCO World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development series, the agency has previously highlighted the growing security risks for journalists covering protests (Issue Briefs in 2020, 2021 and 2023).
Between January 2019 and June 2022, at least 759 journalists and media professionals were attacked during election periods in 89 elections in 70 countries around the world.
About 26,338 media workers were physically attacked, including 9 murdered. 167 were arbitrarily detained. 123 were prevented from working. And 131 faced threats and intimidation.
Up to 320 attacked during election periods were targeted by law enforcement agencies. 29 percent of attacked journalists (218) were women.
In the same period, 129 media outlets were attacked, from threats and censorship to raids and arson, and even suspensions and forced closures.
A UNESCO report on the safety of journalists covering environmental issues released on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day in May 2024 revealed that 194 journalists, journalist groups and media outlets have been attacked in connection with environmental protests over the past 15 years.
UNESCO monitors attacks and threats against journalists that undermine their legitimate role to inform the population with accurate and verified information.
UNESCO supports the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising and capacity-building, and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
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