As data shows that 2006 was the deadliest year for the press, civil society organisations advocating for the rights and protection of people in the media welcomed the United Nation’s (UN) move to adopt the landmark Resolution 1738, condemning the attacks against journalists and other media professionals in conflict situations. The document called on all warring parties to prevent abuses against journalists and respect their professional independence and rights. According to Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, at least 81 journalists and 32 media assistants were killed across 21 countries in 2006 alone. These only counted deaths directly linked to their work and excluded dozens more cases whose motives for the murders were still unknown.

Most dangerous countries

Iraq remained the world’s most dangerous country for the press, with 64 journalists and media assistants (drivers, translators, security staff, fixers, technicians) killed last year. Since 2003 when the fighting began, 139 members of the press have been killed in Iraq, more than twice the number of journalist deaths during the 20-year Vietnam War.

The Philippines is the second most dangerous country with six murders and a number of attempts recorded last year, mostly against journalists investigating corruption and giving outspoken criticism against government authorities. Some officials exposed by the media filed charges against journalists, closed down radio stations, and even had some of them detained with prison sentences for defamation.

“Devastating numbers of journalists are being killed in the Philippines and something urgently needs to be done to stop these killings,” International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) President Christopher Warren said. “It is disgraceful that after so many senseless murders…the government of the Philippines is still not making a stand to put an end to these targeted killings. The impunity for those that attack, maim, and murder journalists must come to an end,” Warren added.

A few of the killers have certainly been brought to justice; the policeman who shot dead a radio commentator criticising him on air had been arrested, and another police officer, Guillermo Wapile, had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of a journalist. However, most of the murders are still unsolved, and even with the triggermen jailed, the people giving orders still walk free.

The situation is no less grim in Sri Lanka where journalists continue to suffer at the hands of authorities. Media personnel are assaulted by the police, taken into custody without charges, and had their cameras and other equipment destroyed.

“It is a deeply concerning sign of a new low in Sri Lanka, where members of the police force and military are using their powers to control and dominate journalists, instead of fulfilling their duty to uphold and protect a free and independent media,” Warren said.

“The IFJ calls on the government of Sri Lanka to take swift action to send a message to all parties that the rights and safety of journalists must be respected at all times,” he added.

Equally important

The advocacy of the IFJ and of the other watchdogs protecting the rights of media personnel is given a boost by another emphasis in the Council’s Resolution 1738. The document also invites States to become parties to Additional Protocols I and II of 1977 to the Geneva Convention as soon as possible. These protocols provide for the protection of victims of international and non-international armed conflicts, and ratification of these is seen to impact on the advocacies of these organisations.

Deeply concerned

According to news release, the UN Security Council is deeply concerned at the acts of violence and deliberate attacks against the press in many parts of the world. With Resolution 1738, the Council holds the States accountable to end impunity and prosecute those responsible for violations. Journalists and other media personnel are to be considered civilians, and under international law, states are obligated to protect civilians in armed conflict.

The resolution—unanimously adopted in the Council’s meeting on December 23, 2006—also condemned all incitements to violence against civilians, and called for bringing into justice those who incite such violence. When authorising peacekeeping missions, the Council shall also consider steps responding to media broadcasts inciting genocide, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Sources:
“Analysis: Press pays heavy toll in 2006” from C. Salhani, posted on January 2, 2007, <http://www.upi.com/InternationalIntelligence/view.php?StoryID=20070101-081407-1564r>.
“IFJ slams Philippines' government for inaction, after a month of murders, attacks and death threats against journalists” from International Federation of Journalists, http://www.ifj-asia.org/.
“Press freedom round-up 2006” from Reporters without Borders, posted on December 31, 2006, <http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=20286>.
Reporters without Borders (Philippines—Annual Report 2006), http://www.rsf.org/country-50.php3?id_mot=666&Valider=OK>.
“Security Council condemns attacks against journalists in conflict situations, unanimously adopting Resolution 1738 (2006)” from United Nations Security Council, posted on December 23, 2006, http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8929.doc.htm>.
“’Shocking violations’ of journalists’ rights continue in Sri Lanka” from International Federation of Journalists, posted on December 6, 2006, <http://www.ifj-asia.org/page/srilanka0612061.html>.

World figures on the situation of the press in 2006*

* Does not include the number of journalists kidnapped (at least 56 in 12 countries).

Number of journalists (per country) killed in 2006

Source: “Press freedom in 2006” from Reporters without Borders, posted on December 31, 2006, <http://www.rsf.org/IMG/pdf/bilan2006_eng.pdf>.