62 journalists murdered in 2020: UNESCO
No fewer than 62 journalists were killed just for doing their jobs in 2020, says to UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The UN agency stated that between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 professionals lost their lives the same way, and in nine out of ten cases, the killers go unpunished.
In 2021, because of statistics like these, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is highlighting the important role of prosecutorial services, not only in bringing killers to justice but also in prosecuting threats of violence.
In his message on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, noted that many journalists had lost their lives while covering conflict, but the number of media workers killed outside conflict zones, has risen in recent years.
“In many countries, simply investigating corruption, trafficking, human rights violations or environmental issues puts journalists’ lives at risk,” the UN chief said.
Crimes against journalists have an enormous impact on society because they prevent people from making informed decisions.
Journalists face countless other threats, ranging from kidnapping, torture and arbitrary detention to disinformation campaigns and harassment, particularly in the digital sphere.
For Mr Guterres, “crimes against journalists have an enormous impact on society as a whole because they prevent people from making informed decisions.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the shadow pandemic of misinformation, has demonstrated that access to facts and science is literally a matter of life and death,” he said. “When access to information is threatened, it sends a disturbing message that undermines democracy and the rule of law.”
Mr Guterres also noted that women journalists are at particular risk.
According to UNESCO’s recent paper, ‘The Chilling: Global trends in online violence against women journalists’, 73 per cent of the women journalists surveyed said they had been threatened, intimidated and insulted online in connection with their work.
The secretary-general urged member states to stand in solidarity with journalists worldwide, showing the political will needed to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, also marked the day with a message, saying that, for too many journalists, “telling the truth comes at a price.”
“When attacks against journalists go unpunished, the legal system and safety frameworks have failed everyone,” she added. “States thus have an obligation to protect journalists and to ensure that the perpetrators of crimes against them are punished. Judges and prosecutors, in particular, have an important role to play in promoting swift and effective criminal proceedings.”
In recent years, UNESCO has trained nearly 23,000 judicial officials, including judges, prosecutors and lawyers. The training covered international standards related to freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and has placed a particular focus on issues of impunity.
In 2021, the agency’s #EndImpunity campaign is highlighting some of the specific risks which journalists face in their quest to uncover the truth.
“Only by allowing the truth to be spoken can we advance peace, justice and sustainable development in our societies,” Ms Azoulay noted.
Commemorations in 2021 will also pave the way for the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, to be marked in 2022.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Nigeria positioned to power clean energy Future: Tinubu
Mr Tinubu expressed his firm commitment to improve the developmental partnership between the European Union and Nigeria.
Africa
Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone roll out malaria vaccines
With the announcement on World Malaria Day, the number of African countries incorporating the vaccines into their childhood immunisation programmes increased to eight.
NationWide
Group urges FG to decongest custodial centres after Suleja jailbreak
”We also call on the public to pay more attention to issues concerning corrections in Nigeria.”
Politics
PDP unveils 200-member campaign council for Edo 2024 guber election
The advisory council has seven eminent members of the state.
Africa
ECOWAS moves to tackle drug abuse in Sierra Leone, other countries
ECOWAS said the workshop was also to support efforts to tackle drug abuse and provide resources and strategies for member states, particularly Sierra Leone.
Lagos
FG to resume resurfacing of Third Mainland Bridge: Official
She said that the exact dates for the renewed construction would be announced soon.