December 10, 2008
Widespread Violations of Journalists' Rights, Says IFJ
The
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today sounded the alarm at the
widespread violation of journalists' rights to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"Journalists
are witnessing the steady erosion of the respect for their rights, in
particular the most basic ones such as the right to life and to press freedom,"
said Paco Audije, IFJ Deputy General
Secretary. "Each year, the IFJ records unacceptably high numbers of journalists
from around the world who are killed, detained and intimidated for the lawful
exercise of their profession."
The
IFJ is further deeply disturbed by frequent incidents where journalists who
cover armed conflict and other dangerous situations are victims of deliberate
attacks, in violation of provisions under international law banning such acts.
The
International Federation of Journalist is calling, in particular, for the
strict compliance with - and enforcement of- the United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1738 which urges all parties to armed conflicts to respect
the rights of journalists, media professional and associated personnel.
"This
60th anniversary should serve as wake-up call for all concerned to
respect journalists' rights to work in safe conditions and to access
information without undue interference," added Audije.
On this anniversary, the IFJ
wants to underscore its commitment to recognition of journalists' rights to
personal safety by joining its affiliate members from countries such as the Philippines
and Mexico,
some of the most dangerous places for the exercise of journalism in 2008, to
demand protection for journalists.
The National Union of Journalists
of the Philippines is
marking the anniversary by holding a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of
slain journalists. In the city of Mexico, IFJ affiliate the Sindicato
Nacional de Redactores de la Prensa and other journalists' organizations
have called for demonstrations to condemn the continued killings of
journalists.
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists
in 123 countries worldwide
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