Video Statement by Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein High Commissioner for Human Rights 3rd Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

It is an honour for my Office to co-host this discussion, together with UNESCO and the Council of Europe.    I’m sorry that I cannot be with you in person; Jane Connors is representing OHCHR today, together with colleagues working directly on this issue.

The recent, gruesome murders of journalists in Syria by the so-called ISIL group have drawn the world’s attention once again to the risks confronting journalists, and to the urgency of providing for their safety.    However, these killings are just a fraction of a far larger phenomenon.    Journalists in Syria and Iraq have had undue restrictions imposed on them by ISIL, and many local journalists have been harassed, intimidated, abducted or killed.

In reaction to these and other killings, a group of 126 Muslim scholars recently issued an open letter, which points out that it is forbidden in Islam to kill the innocent, or to kill emissaries, ambassadors and diplomats -- hence, as the letter explicitly points out, to kill journalists and aid workers.    We can only hope that this clear, strong message will have some echo within the Takfiri group that denies the right to life to anyone who does not concur with its bigoted outlook.

The appalling situation in Iraq and Syria is an example of how, in an environment in which there is no rule of law – and where human rights are not respected – people who hold different views, who question authority, who expose and speak out against abuse, and who advocate for change, become vulnerable to attack.   Journalists fall into that category.

Such environments do not only occur in situations of armed conflict.    It is mostly in peacetime – while reporting on human rights violations, corruption, abuse of authority, or organized crime – that journalists become targets.     And it is not just rebel movements that attack them but governments, powerful crime networks and business interests, who harass, imprison, intimidate, persecute, abduct and torture reporters.

They do this because they do not want to be exposed.    Because, whether it is online or on paper, journalism questions power.    At its best, reporters are whistle-blowers.   They are the voice of the weak. They are watchdogs against corruption, dishonesty and abuse.

Strong and independent journalism is vital to human rights promotion and protection.    It nourishes informed participation in decision-making.    It sheds light in dark corners, helping to reinforce transparent and accountable governing institutions.   Every attack on a journalist – every assault, threat, or act of spurious administrative or legal vexation – is an attack on us all.

The shocking levels of impunity for attacks against journalists are unacceptable.    Unfortunately, when States fail to protect journalists – and fail to investigate and prosecute attacks against them – that is usually the result of a choice.    Impunity also flows from failures to maintain the rule of law, and general disrespect for human rights.

In the past two years, the international community has stepped up its action to protect journalists and media workers.    Reports have been published and resolutions adopted.    The issue is now well-documented, and we have broad support from Member States, as well as from the UN and regional organizations, and civil society.    Just two days ago, we marked the first International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – symbolic of our acute awareness that journalists deserve far better protection than they receive.

Let us build on this momentum and close the wide gap that exists between principle and practice.    Let us jointly ensure that each State creates and sustains an enabling environment for journalists, where they can fulfil their role effectively without undue interference.

The UN Plan of Action can be instrumental in this endeavour.   I invite you to examine its achievements and shortcomings with a critical eye, and to strengthen it where needed.    I pledge my full support to you in this endeavour.

Thank you.