New steps needed to protect journalists killed in line of duty – HRC 27th session – NGO statement (Press Emblem Campaign) (excerpts)

Written statement* submitted by the Press Emblem Campaign, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status

The Secretary-General has received the following written statement which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31.

[25 August 2014]

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* This written statement is issued, unedited, in the language(s) received from the submitting non­governmental organization(s).

90 journalists killed so far in 2014: a new step is required by the UN in order to combat impunity

Introduction

As of the day of submission of this contribution (25^th August), 90 journalists and media workers have been killed around the globe while accomplishing their duty: this brings at the end of August 2014 to 700 journalists or media workers killed since 1^st January 2009 and more than a thousand since 1^st January 2006.

Here is the list of countries where journalists and media workers have lost their lives in 2014 and the number of them: Palestine (Gaza Strip – 15 killed by the Israeli occupation forces),

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Dozens other have been injured or were victims of harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, abduction, kidnapping and torture.

Most warring situations

Israel and the Occupied Territory of the State of Palestine: in the context of the operation “Protective Edge” launched by the Israeli forces on 8 July 2014 on the Gaza Strip, 15 journalists have been killed (some of them being purposely targeted), many others have been injured because of the shelling of their homes, 16 Palestinian journalists have lost their homes as a result of Israeli bombing and shelling, 8 media outlets have been destroyed, in addition the Israeli army deliberately disturbed the broadcasting of 7 radio and TV stations and websites^l, many journalists have been arrested by the Israeli forces.

¹ Al-Aqsa radio, Sawt Al-Quds radio, Sawat Al-Sha’eb, Filistin Il-Yom TV and website, Al-Ra’ei website

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