STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR MURMOKAITĖ ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS AT THE UNSC DEBATE
Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations
at UN Security Council Open Debate on protection of journalists, in connection
with the agenda item “Protection of civilians in armed conflict “
New York, July 17, 2013
Madame President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me thank the United States, Presidency of the Security Council for the month of July, for organizing today’s debate. Given the alarming trends regarding journalist deaths in conflict-related zones, this is a timely debate.
May I also thank UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson for his briefing and the journalists for their testimonies. While making the following comments, Lithuania associates itself with the statement (to be) made by a representative of the European Union.
We depend on the media to satisfy our right to freedom of information and freedom of opinion. The work that journalists, media specialists and bloggers do in upholding that freedom is fundamental. In conflict zones in particular, they are the world’s eyes and ears for countless victims whose suffering and deaths would otherwise go unnoticed.
We should not and must not fail those who are doing this essential work. Yet, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2012 was the second worst year on record for journalists, with a 49 per cent increase in deaths from the year 2011.
More than half of the victims were killed in situations of which the Security Council is seized. Combat-related crossfire was responsible for more than one-third of journalist fatalities worldwide in 2012, about twice the historical proportion. Internet journalists were hit harder than ever, while the proportion of freelancer deaths was also higher than the historical average. Sadly, impunity reigns as far as journalist deaths are concerned. According to existing data, journalist killers walk free in nine out of ten cases.
The international community must act in support of the relevant provisions regarding the protection of journalists contained in the international humanitarian law, also keeping in mind that the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines intentionally directing attacks against civilians as a war crime. Lithuania calls on all states to ensure security and safety of civilians, including journalists, to end impunity and pursue accountability for the crimes committed against civilian populations.
Back in 2011 as OSCE Chair-in-Office, the Lithuanian Foreign Minister brought, for the first time, to the top of OSCE agenda the issue of the safety and security of journalists. “Physical violence directed at journalists is a gross and fundamental violation of human rights. It is totally unacceptable. Violence against journalists rightfully draws our attention and our anger”, noted the Lithuanian Chair-in-office, as he and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media spearheaded the publication of the OSCE safety of journalist guidebook.
The importance of regional organizations, such as OSCE, addressing media freedom, safety of journalists, and accountability cannot be overestimated as regional efforts facilitate translating global commitments into actions on the ground.
My delegation encourages the Council to continue addressing the issue of the safety and security of journalists, in line with the provisions of UNSC resolution 1738 adopted in 2006, both in the thematic debates on the protection of civilians and in country specific situations, as well as through reporting requirements for peacekeeping missions.
We would also welcome the inclusion by UN Secretary General of the issue of protection of journalists in armed conflicts in his regular reports on the protection of civilians and other relevant reports.
Madame President,
In today’s world, where millions of civilians are stranded in conflict, threatened, abused and persecuted, and where the world’s attention may be their last hope for survival, strengthening international response to attacks on journalists and tackling impunity for such attacks are essential, as is the lead of the Security Council on the matter.
I thank you, Madame President.
