Ensure crimes against journalists do not go unpunished – Ban Ki-Moon

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said that protecting the safety of journalists and ensuring that crimes committed against them don’t go unpunished is ever-more important in today’s changing times.
In a message on November 2nd to mark the first-ever International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Ban said: “No journalist anywhere should have to risk their life to report news.
“A free and open press is part of the bedrock of democracy and development.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Day in a resolution on safety of journalists.

The date marks the assassination of two journalists, Gislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, in Mali in 2013.
Ban said that in the past 10 years, more than 700 journalists were killed for doing their job.
The UN scribe added that in 2013 alone, some 17 Iraqi journalists were executed, while many more suffered from intimidation, death threats and violence elsewhere.

Ban noted that nine out of 10 cases go unpunished which, he said, only served to embolden criminals.
“People are scared to speak out about corruption, political repression or other violations of human rights.
“This must stop; by ending impunity, we deepen freedom of expression and bolster dialogue.
“Together, let us stand up for journalists; Let us stand up for justice.’’

Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, said in a statement that the vast majority of journalists were covering local stories and living in a climate of impunity.
Such circumstances, she said, allowed perpetrators to continue attacks without restraint, further crippling the free flow of information and depriving societies of sources of significant information.
“On the average, one journalist is killed per week.
“On this first International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, I appeal to all governments to ensure a swift and thorough investigation every time a journalist is killed.
“I also implore all partners for stronger cooperation to enhance the safety of journalists.
“Freedom of expression is a basic human right that is essential for human dignity, for the rule of law and for good governance,’’ Bokova said.
In his message, UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa called on Member States to take “all necessary measures’’ to promote a safe working environment for journalists and to prosecute crimes against them.
“A safer world for journalists is a better world for all of us,’’ he said.
NAN reports that as part of activities to mark the day a high-level panel discussion will hold on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York.
A seminar and inter-regional dialogue, organised by UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Centre for Freedom of the Media and European Lawyers Union, will be held in Strasbourg, France, on Nov. 3.
On Tuesday, the third UN Inter-agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity will be held in Strasbourg.

Also, as part of national activities to commemorate the International Day, a forum is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Accra while a regional seminar will be held in Tunis.
NAN