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Israel has killed 160 journalists in about a year

By 5 Mins Read
An infographic shows images of 173 journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 [Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu Agency]

We passed a year of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and in recent weeks, we saw the same genocidal practice of Israel in Lebanon. However, they cannot claim any Israeli hostages there. When UNESCO yesterday published a report on the killing of journalists worldwide, you would expect Israel’s world record in repression and killing of journalists to be at least mentioned in their press release.

Not so, but again, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, is named 30th in Jerusalem Post’s list of the world’s most prominent Jews.

Wikipedia: The killing of journalists in the Israel–Hamas war, along with other acts of violence against journalists, marks the deadliest period for journalists in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict since 1992 and the deadliest conflict for journalists in the 21st century.[1] As of September 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists counted 116 journalists who were killed (111 Palestinian, 2 Israeli, and 3 Lebanese),[2] and the International Federation of Journalists counted 134 journalists and media workers who were killed (127 Palestinian, 4 Israeli and 3 Lebanese)[3] A July 2024 count by the Gaza government media office placed the number of Palestinian journalists killed at 160.[4][5]

UNESCO ???

Journalism 101: If someone says it’s raining, and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. Your job is to look out of the fucking window and find out which is true.

Haaretz Editorial: If It Looks Like Ethnic Cleansing, It Probably Is

UNESCO Press release November 2. 2024

85% of journalist killings remain unpunished worldwide (UNESCO report)

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, UNESCO calls on all states to act on their commitments to end impunity for killing journalists. According to a new UNESCO report, the impunity level is still shockingly high, at 85%, down only 4 points in six years.

PR 2024 Impunity Day Journalists

In 2022 and 2023, a journalist was killed every four days simply for doing their vital job to pursue truth. In most of these cases, no one will ever be held accountable. I call upon all our Member States to do more to ensure these crimes never go unpunished. Prosecuting and convicting the perpetrators is a significant lever to prevent future attacks on journalists.

UNESCO Director-General

Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General
[Jerusalem Post: 50 Influential Jews: AndrĂ© and Audrey Azoulay – No. 30]

UNESCO’s new report notes the persistence of a very high rate of impunity for the killings of journalists: 85% of all killings recorded by the Organization since 2006 are considered unresolved. While UNESCO notes an improving trend – the rate was 89% six years ago and 95% twelve years ago – States must significantly increase their efforts to deter new crimes against journalists.]

Killings of women journalists highest in 7 years

In the biennium covered by the UNESCO report (2022-2023), a total of 162 journalists were killed. Almost half of the deaths took place in countries experiencing armed conflict, compared with 38% in the previous two years (2020-2021). 

In other countries, most journalists were killed for covering organized crime and corruption or while reporting on public demonstrations. The report moreover raises the alarming fact that the number of female journalists killed is at its highest level since 2017, with 14 killed. 

New UNESCO tools for prevention and recovery 

To advance advocacy against impunity, UNESCO is launching its annual campaign today. The campaign will feature in newspapers worldwide and raise awareness of the issue. This year’s theme is “There’s a story behind the story.”

On 6 November, UNESCO and the African Union will hold a global conference on the Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies in Addis Ababa. UNESCO will present its Global Repository of National Safety Mechanisms for Journalists, which consists of 56 national mechanisms for protecting journalists and at least 12 national action plans. 

UNESCO will also publish a guide for psychologists working with journalists in emergencies in partnership with the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF). It is designed to provide psychologists with practical tools to offer immediate psychological support during crises, with a particular focus on the needs of women journalists. The goal is to stabilize emotional and cognitive processes disrupted by traumatic events, enabling journalists to make rational decisions critical for their survival while minimizing impulsive actions that could place them at greater risk. 

The Organization is also organizing dozens of other dedicated events around the world.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: www.unesco.org

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