Hi John,

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with journalists 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, 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.

“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

After 8 years without justice, in Mexico, 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, 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. 

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, since 2012, at least 50 National Protection Mechanisms for the safety of journalists have been established, including in the Philippines and in Colombia, 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 and impunity

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