Journalists record the passage of Israeli troops through a refugee camp in Gaza / Photo: EFE
The war launched by Israel against Gaza is the deadliest conflict for journalists in several decades, UN Secretary General António Guterres said this Friday through his spokesman, and underlined the need to protect the voices of journalists from Loop.
On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which will be celebrated on Saturday, Secretariat spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that journalists have been murdered in Gaza “at a level never seen in any conflict.” of modern times.”
“In recent years, we have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones, especially in Gaza, where there has been the highest number of murders of journalists and media workers in a war in decades,” he said. Dujarric.
How many journalists have died in the conflict in Gaza?
The International Federation of Journalists has documented the violent deaths of 133 journalists and media professionals in Gaza since the war began, a number that the Palestinian Journalists’ Union raises to 146. Virtually all of them are Palestinian nationals.
Dujarric also pointed out that the current ban that prevents international journalists from entering Gaza – except for rare cases of those invited to join the Israeli army – “further stifles the truth.”
The spokesperson recalled that impunity is common when a journalist is killed, in any conflict and country, and cited the latest report made public today by UNESCO, according to which 85% of all journalists have been violently killed in the world since 2016. They have become unsolved cases.
“In 2022 and 2023, a journalist was killed every four days just for doing his job of seeking the truth, and in most cases, no one was held accountable,” declared UNESCO director Audrey Azoulay this Friday.
United Nations / EFE
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**Interview with Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Stéphane. With the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists approaching, the situation for journalists in Gaza has become increasingly concerning. Can you give us an overview of the current state of journalism in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza?
**Stéphane Dujarric:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the current conflict in Gaza is presenting unprecedented challenges for journalists. As you noted, this conflict has become the deadliest for journalists in several decades. We’ve witnessed a shocking number of fatalities which is alarming for the international community and raises serious questions about the safety of journalists operating in such hazardous conditions.
**Editor:** What specific statistics can you share regarding casualties among journalists in this ongoing conflict?
**Stéphane Dujarric:** According to the International Federation of Journalists, we are seeing death tolls at levels never seen before in modern conflicts. Throughout this war, a significant number of journalists have lost their lives while doing their jobs. It underscores the urgent necessity to protect these vital voices, especially amidst crises where information is critical for the public.
**Editor:** During the upcoming 6-7 November event themed “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies,” what message does the UN aim to convey?
**Stéphane Dujarric:** The message is one of urgency and solidarity. We are highlighting the need for the global community to stand against impunity. Journalists must be able to report freely and safely, especially in conflict zones. This theme aims to draw attention to the risks faced by journalists and call for stricter safeguards and accountability regarding their protection.
**Editor:** What actions can be taken to ensure the safety of journalists in these high-risk areas?
**Stéphane Dujarric:** It starts with recognition and support from governments and international organizations. We need to implement comprehensive protection mechanisms, provide training, and ensure that those who harm journalists face justice. The media’s role in informing the public is vital, and protecting those who undertake this mission is not just a moral obligation but a crucial element of sustaining democracy and freedom of expression.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Stéphane. It is clear that the safety of journalists is not only a pressing issue in Gaza but globally concerning the freedom of expression.
**Stéphane Dujarric:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. It’s crucial that we all remain vigilant and advocate for the safety and rights of journalists everywhere.