A/HRC/15/54
24.
Some delegations recommended that the Human Rights Council play a
complementary and supportive role to the work of the Security Council and other
international bodies and organizations to protect journalists in armed conflict, by focusing
on human rights aspects of violence against journalists around the world, such as violations
of the right to freedom of expression, arbitrary arrest and detention and reprisals against
journalists. Delegations and panellists also stressed that documentation of violations, for
example through the Human Rights Council, the Security Council and UNESCO, played a
key role in overcoming cultures of impunity and ensuring accountability. Suggestions were
also made to have a comprehensive report to document attacks on journalists worldwide,
and for the United Nations Secretary-General to present a specific report on the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1738.
25.
Some delegations also welcomed the report on the issue of protection of journalists
submitted to the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and
protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and encouraged the Special
Rapporteur to enhance his cooperation with human rights treaty monitoring bodies and
other organizations, including regional organizations and non-governmental organizations,
to promote the rights of journalists to perform their job in a safe as possible environment in
areas of armed conflict.
26.
Noting that the creation of robust democratic institutions and adequate judicial and
administrative mechanisms enhanced the ability of States to protect and secure the rights of
all individuals, including journalists, a recommendation was also made to the Human
Rights Council to assist States emerging from armed conflict to rebuild their legal and
institutional frameworks and to create conditions to promote and protect the right to
freedom of expression.
27.
Several delegations also noted the need to address the protection of journalists in all
situations, not limited to armed conflict, and suggested that the Human Rights Council
consider holding a further panel discussion on that topic as follow-up.
28.
In his concluding remarks, the Vice-President of the Council stated that the panel
was an exceptional opportunity to bring to light the perils encountered by journalists in
armed conflict. He noted that the recommendations formulated through the panel should
serve as guidance in devising concrete action, including an appropriate response by the
Human Rights Council.
7
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