Media outlets, journalists, NGOs and prominent figures on every continent have joined in calling for the appointment of a “journalists’ protector” with the position of special representative to the UN secretary-general for the safety of journalists, in accordance with a proposal by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
67 journalists killed in 2015
This coalition is urging the United Nations and its Member States to give this position the political weight, capacity for rapid action and legitimacy to coordinate UN efforts for the safety of journalists.
The goal is to establish a concrete mechanism that enforces international law and thereby finally reduces the number of journalists killed every year in the course of their work.
787 journalists killed since 2005
The adoption of many UN resolutions on protecting journalists and combatting impunity has not had concrete results, if we are to judge by statistics. According to RSF’s figures, 787 journalists and media workers were killed in their course of their work in the past ten years, and 67 journalists were killed in 2015 alone.
Through them, the right to information of hundreds of millions of citizens has been sacrificed. The main problems of the world, from environmental issues to extremist violence, cannot be resolved without the work of journalists.
It is time for concrete action.
It is time for journalists to work in a safe environment and to put an end to impunity.
Take action, share the RSF Campaign : #Protectjournalists