A/HRC/RES/21/12 Acknowledging the particular role played by journalists in matters of public interest, including by raising awareness of human rights, Underlining the importance of voluntary professional principles and ethics developed and observed by the media, Recognizing that the work of journalists often puts them at specific risk of intimidation, harassment and violence, Acknowledging the specific risks faced by women journalists in the exercise of their work, and underlining, in this context, the importance of taking a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists, Taking note of the good practices of different countries aiming at the protection of journalists, as well as, inter alia, those designed for the protection of human rights defenders that can, where applicable, be relevant to the protection of journalists, Underlining the important role of regional and subregional organizations in the safety of journalists, Welcoming the important work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for the safety of journalists, Taking note of the International Conference on Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations, held on 22 and 23 January 2012 in Doha, 1. Recalls, in the context of this resolution, the rights contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular article 19, which states that: 1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference; 2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice; 3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals; 2. Takes note of the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression 1 and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions,2 presented to the Human Rights Council at its twentieth session, and the interactive dialogue thereon; 3. Expresses its concern that violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression continue to occur, including increased attacks against and killings of journalists and media workers, and stressing the need to ensure greater protection for all media professionals and for journalistic sources; 1 2 2 A/HRC/20/17 and Add.1-3. A/HRC/20/22, Corr.1 and Add.1-4.