UN Pays Tribute To Truth-Seeking Media Men

The United Nations today (November 2, 2016) paid tribute to the courage of all media personnel who put their lives on the line for the sake of truth.

In this vein, the world body has called for immediate action to secure justice in cases where journalists are attacked, harassed or killed.

Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said in his message at the UN headquarters in New York today to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists that "attacks on journalists violate the human rights of individuals and undermine freedom of information and expression across societies".

He therefore expressed concern that the impunity, which makes this terrible situation worse, had become rampant.

To buttress his point, the Secretary General said that “out of the 827 documented killings of journalists over the past decade, the information at hand showed that only eight percent of perpetrators were held to account”.

Moving forward, he called for concrete actions to ensure that all media personnel are guaranteed the space they need to operate free from any form of harassment or intimidation, saying that "we will strengthen public access to information, which is key to the Sustainable Development Goals. Informed participation in decision-making by all advances sustainable development, building resilient, stable and just societies".

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the Secretary General said was also mobilizing all partners to implement the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. Success hinges on cooperation to create a culture of freedom of expression, where those who restrict the work of journalists are sanctioned and all who attack them are punished.

He urged all countries to observe this Day, especially where journalists are under threat, adding that "Let us resolve to do all we can to contribute to a safer environment for journalists and a freer society for all".

Commemorative activities are being held in a variety of places around the world to mark the Day.