UNESCO addresses needs for the protection of journalists expressed in the UN Flash Appeal for Gaza
UNESCO has donated protective vests, helmets and press signs to Palestinian journalists in Gaza in a response to an urgent need to improve the safety of media. UNESCO’s proposal in the UN Flash Appeal launched yesterday focuses on strengthening the safety of media professionals and the press freedom in the Gaza Strip.
On 2 February 2009, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes formally launched in Geneva the UN Flash Appeal for Gaza. This US$ 613 million appeal will cover requirements of the UN and humanitarian organizations for the next six to nine months. The Flash Appeal comprises a UNESCO project on the safety and protection of journalists.
The current crisis in Gaza has had a critical impact on the press freedom, highlighting the urgency of the need to protect media professionals and to respect the independence and rights of journalists to exercise their professional duties in conflict situation.
UNESCO has donated 16 protective vests, helmets and PRESS signs to Palestinian media professionals to increase their safety and protection in the Gaza Strip. Many local journalists and cameramen were reporting and covering the conflict in January without protective equipment in hazardous conditions while the international media was barred from entering the Gaza Strip.
UNESCO’s project in the UN Flash Appeal for Gaza aims to strengthen the safety of media and press freedom and to increase the access to information through capacity building, protective equipment and the establishment of a professional support network. Increased awareness on the rights of the media, reporting and monitoring on the violations against press freedom, and psycho-social support and hotline for media professionals will mitigate the deterioration of the freedom of the press and of the access to information in the Gaza Strip.
The UN Security Council resolution 1738 (2006) forbids attacks against journalists and media installations. Member States and all other parties are urged to do their utmost to prevent violations of international humanitarian law against civilians, including journalists, media professionals and associated personnel.
Download Document Files: https://unispal.un.org/pdfs/UNESCO_030209f.pdf
Document Type: French text, Press Release
Document Sources: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Subject: Gaza Strip, Protection, Public information
Publication Date: 03/02/2009