Journalist Safety
Read the UK National Commission's new proposals for improving inter-UN cooperation to address issues of journalist safety and countering impunity.
Over the past decade no less than 1,000 journalists and media staff have been killed while working. This staggering figure has real consequences, both for the rights and wellbeing of media professionals and their families, and for the world’s ability to access accurate and compelling news and information.
UNESCO works to improve reporting conditions and safety for journalists globally. This includes providing training for journalists reporting from conflict areas, monitoring attacks against media professionals, advising on relevant legislation and developing international agreements supporting journalist safety.
Through its Freedom of Expression Working Group the UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) works with journalist and press freedom organisations to ensure that journalist safety remains high on the agenda of governments, UNESCO and the international community.
UN Resolution 1738
UN Resolution 1738 was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on 23 December 2006. The Resolution calls for an end to attacks against journalists and to end the impunity under which such attacks often occur. The UKNC played an important role in ensuring 1738 was unanimously adopted by working with UNESCO, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other press freedom originations in the lead up to its review.
The UKNC is currently working to raise the profile of this Resolution within the UK and working to ensure that this important Resolution means better protection of media professionals around the globe.
