The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is committed to protecting the safety of journalists and fighting against impunity for those who assault them as fundamental acts in its support of press freedom and freedom of expression. Megan Anderson, representing Australia as its permanent delegate to UNESCO was the driving force behind these efforts.
“We Protect Journalists by Spearheading the United Nations’ Plan of Action that ensures on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity by the Relevant International Commitments.” According to officials from UNESCO, “We monitor and report on the killings, as reflected in the Observatory of Killed Journalists, and by seeking information from Member States on the status of legal probes.”
They underlined that UNESCO should create and enhance national and regional capacity to prevent, protect, and prosecute attacks against journalists, advocate for considering the particular vulnerabilities that women journalists confront, and support legal protection for journalists worldwide. In addition to leading the observances of World Press Freedom Day and the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we also work to generate information resources that can be used to understand better and respond to the issues that arise.
Who would report on matters of public concern and criticize wrongdoings, social disparities, and unpunished crimes if it weren’t for the efforts of independent journalists who provide us with reliable information? The safety of journalists and the continuation of independent media should concern more than just journalists.
Everyone should be worried about it. Journalism can change the lives of its readers. It is essential to advancing human rights and serves a vital purpose in ensuring that the powerful are held accountable. The news and information journalists bring to our attention is an essential public service that requires widespread financial backing.