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END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

HI ,

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists,
ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with journalists [3] and media houses
covering the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel. We condemn in the
strongest terms the killings, attacks and threats against journalists,
which continue to mount as the crisis escalates, and call for an
investigation into those attacks.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists [4], as of today, at
least 33 journalists have been killed since the start of the crisis. Family
members of journalists continue to be attacked, threatened, and killed.

The work of journalists is essential during times of armed conflict. Timely
reporting helps ensure respect for international human rights and
humanitarian law, and prevent further violations. It is critical for
gathering evidence and providing accountability for international crimes
and human rights atrocities. For those caught up in the crossfire, the
information journalists provide can be as life-saving as humanitarian
relief.

Under international humanitarian law, journalists are considered civilians
and cannot be military targets.

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“IN GAZA AND THE SURROUNDING REGION EVERY DAY JOURNALISTS ARE PUTTING
THEMSELVES UNDER UNIMAGINABLE RISK. THEY CONTINUE TO PAY A HEAVY PRICE,
WITH MANY HAVING LOST THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES — AND YET,
THEY BRAVELY CONTINUE IN THEIR MISSION TO INFORM THE WORLD ABOUT THE
REALITIES OF THE ONGOING CRISIS. MUCH MORE MUST BE DONE TO PROTECT THEM …
WE HAVE WITNESSED TIME AND AGAIN THAT IMPUNITY TODAY LEADS DIRECTLY TO MORE
KILLING TOMORROW. IT ALSO SILENCES CRITICAL REPORTING. IF JOURNALISTS ARE
NOT PROTECTED AND ABLE TO DO THEIR WORK SAFELY, EVERYONE’S RIGHT TO FREE
EXPRESSION AND THE RIGHT TO KNOW IS UNDER ATTACK.”

– QUINN MCKEW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARTICLE 19

READ MORE [3]

ELSEWHERE AROUND THE WORLD, CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA
WORKERS CONTINUE TO GO UNPUNISHED. 

After 8 years without justice, in MEXICO [5], ARTICLE 19 brought the case
of community journalist Moisés Sánchez Cerezo before the Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), alongside the Sánchez family. In 2015,
Sánchez's dead body was found 22 days after he disappeared following an
armed group raiding his home. Investigations into the case have been marred
by human rights violations. With the appeal to the IACHR, we hope justice
can finally be realised.

In KENYA [6], a trial is underway in the case of Pakistani journalist
Arshad Sharif, who died after police opened fire – a move Pakistani
investigators said was a targeted assassination. ARTICLE 19 is among the
many organisations and press freedom advocates monitoring the proceedings,
which began just days after the one-year anniversary of Sharif’s death.

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In Malta [7], ARTICLE 19 and partner organisations continue to call for
justice for investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed by a
car bomb on 16 October, 2017. Despite a public inquiry investigating the
circumstances that led to her death, the ‘atmosphere of impunity’ [8]
continues.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Journalists play a vital role in protecting democracies, holding the
powerful to account, and informing the public of human rights abuses. And
yet, impunity for crimes against journalists is rife.

To ensure a safer future for us all, we must call on governments and
international and regional bodies to support and fund initiatives that
protect journalists.

According to the UN [9], since 2012, at least 50 National Protection
Mechanisms for the safety of journalists have been established, including
in the Philippines [10] and in Colombia [11], although there are widespread
calls for these plans to be adequately implemented and improved.

Those responsible for human rights violations against the media –
including politicians, organised cartels and groups, powerful businesses
and individuals – must be brought to justice and the international
community must continue to put pressure on states to prosecute crimes
against journalists wherever they happen.

IMPUNITY CANNOT CONTINUE TO BE THE NORM.

Find out more about protecting journalists [12] and impunity [13]

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DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK OUT FOR JUSTICE

Why give to ARTICLE 19?

Throughout history, the right to freedom of expression has been a driving
force for positive change. From challenging oppressive regimes to
advocating for equality and justice, it's through our voices that we bring
about progress.

When you donate to us, you're not only supporting our mission but also
safeguarding your own right to have a say in the world.

SUPPORT ARTICLE 19 [14]

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