The conference underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to protect journalists, particularly in conflict and crisis zones.
The statistics shared by UNESCO reveal a troubling trend in the safety of journalists, indicating that while there has been some progress in reducing impunity, significant challenges remain.
The focus on women's safety in journalism during crises highlights a critical area of concern that requires targeted strategies and support.
Increased international dialogue and collaboration may lead to more effective measures for protecting journalists in conflict zones.
There may be a rise in advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by women journalists, potentially resulting in more comprehensive safety protocols.
The ongoing discussions could influence policy changes at both national and international levels, fostering a safer environment for media professionals.
The international conference titled "Safety of Journalists during Crises and Emergencies" commenced in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on the protection of journalists amid crises. Organized by UNESCO and the African Union Commission, this event marks the tenth anniversary of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, established in 2014. The conference gathers hundreds of journalists, media professionals, and representatives from over 40 countries, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by journalists worldwide.
UNESCO's Assistant Director-General, Tawfik Jelassi, emphasized that journalism remains a perilous profession, with an 85% impunity rate for crimes against journalists reported this year. Despite a slight reduction from previous years, the statistics reveal a grim reality: 162 journalists were killed globally from January 2022 to December 2023, with over half of these deaths occurring in conflict zones, marking a 38% increase compared to the prior two years.
The conference also served as a platform for discussions on the future of journalism in Africa, with calls from leaders like Omar Farouk Osman, President of the African Federation, to confront the harsh realities faced by African journalists who often endure violence and intimidation. Sessions focused on the role of the international community in safeguarding journalists during conflicts and the specific challenges faced by women journalists in crisis situations.
