A/HRC/14/23 to the protection of the reputation of individuals, while religions, like all beliefs, cannot be said to have a reputation of their own.” The Special Rapporteur reiterates that, in his point of view, it is conceptually incorrect to present the issue of “defamation of religions” in an abstract manner as a conflict between the right to freedom of religion and belief and the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 86. The Special Rapporteur notes and deeply regrets the continuing existence in the world of stereotypes and prejudice against ethnic, racial, linguistic and religious groups that are the result of racism and discrimination or of the erroneous application of national security and anti-terrorism policies. It is essential that this problem be recognized and that it be countered by a developing culture of peace based on intercultural dialogue and tolerance which promotes respect in intercultural relationships. 87. The Durban Review Conference outcome document made an important contribution to our understanding of freedom of opinion and expression in the context of the effort to combat discrimination and racism in its paragraph 58, which: “Stresses that the right to freedom of opinion and expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic, pluralistic society, and stresses further the role that right can play in the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance worldwide.” D. Protection of journalists and freedom of the press 88. The right to be informed and to receive information from various media is a key factor in the development of social groups. This right is a cornerstone of democracy and supports the construction of more democratic societies peopled by active citizens who hold informed opinions about the situation in their country and have the capacity and opportunity to propose and contribute to public policies and to demand transparency. 89. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned that providers of information have become targets for threats, assaults and even assassinations. It is deplorable that, between 2008 and 2009, there was an increase in the number of killings, assassinations, assaults and incidents of ill-treatment against persons associated with journalism and mass communication. 90. According to the NGO Reporters Without Borders, in 2009 around 76 journalists were killed in the exercise of their profession. This figure represents an increase of at least 26 per cent over the 2008 level.7 91. The Special Rapporteur calls on the Philippines, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan, the Russian Federation and Mexico8 (the States accounting for the greatest number of journalists’ deaths, in descending order) to adopt the measures necessary to guarantee the protection of journalists. 92. The high-risk conditions in which journalists carry out their work, as evidenced by the threats and assaults to which they constantly fall victim, are also a matter of concern. 93. A particular concern is the fact that a high percentage of the killings for which the motives have been confirmed were connected to investigations into corruption, organized crime and political crime that the journalists in question were conducting at the time. 7 8 16 Reporters Without Borders, “Wars and disputed elections: the most dangerous stories for journalists”, 30 December 2009, www.rsf.org/Wars-and-disputed-elections-The.html. Committee to Protect Journalists, “71 Journalists Killed in 2009/Motive Confirmed”, cpj.org/killed/2009/. GE.10-13049