PEC welcomes adoption of resolution 2222 by the UN

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists by the UN Security Council.

Geneva/New York, 28 May (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists in situations of conflict by the UN Security Council. The resolution reflects in particular the need to combat impunity for attacks and violence against journalists, to enhance reporting on violence against journalists and to improve international coordination to strengthen the protection of journalists.

PEC president Hedayat Abdel Nabi expressed hope that resolution 2222 will be implemented in letter and spirit and the media workers would see concrete measures in this regard.

Resolution 2222 is the second that the Security Council has adopted on this crucial subject since resolution 1738 in December 2006. The PEC thanks the president of the SC Lithuania for organizing the meeting and congratulates Christophe Deloire from Reporters without borders and Mariane Pearl, the widow of Daniel Pearl, for addressing the SC.

Journalists killed: an increase of 22%

The adoption of this resolution by the highest organ of the United Nations is a historic milestone. The awareness of the extent of the problem is steadily progressing among Member States, but the situation on the ground is not improving, stressed PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen.

According to the PEC figures, since January, 65 journalists have been killed around the world against 53 for the same period last year. This is a sharp increase of 22% in 5 months.

PEC reminds that the Geneva based NGO supports the adoption of a legally-binding international agreement on the protection of journalists in conflict zones to implement the UN resolutions on the ground and to fight impunity.

Among other things, the resolution 2222 condemns the prevailing impunity for attacks against journalists and in this regard urges Member States to take appropriate steps to ensure accountability.

It also calls for the immediate release of journalists who have been kidnapped or taken as hostages, and for Member States to ensure a safe environment for journalists in accordance with international obligations.

Furthermore, it encourages greater coordination between regional and sub-regional organizations  in areas such as technical assistance and capacity-building to ensure the safety of journalists and the sharing of expertise and good practices that can enhance implementation of relevant Council resolutions.

The resolution affirms that “the work of a free, independent and impartial media constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society, and thereby can contribute to the protection of civilians”.

It calls on states to fulfill their obligations as regards the protection of journalists during armed conflicts and makes it a requirement for UN peacekeeping operations to provide regular reports on the safety of journalists.

more info, list of casualties on:  www.pressemblem.ch