A/HRC/27/35 delegation also argued that there might be a need for an independent, international mechanism to effectively combat impunity for violence against journalists. Another suggested that there could be a need for a specific international code of action for the protection of foreign journalists from arbitrary actions of authorities in countries where the legal system lacked independence, strength and impartiality. Mr. Engida considered, however, that existing international instruments sufficed to protect journalists. What was missing was action on the ground, political commitment and will. Ms. Mijatović stated that, in the light of the dramatic situation on the ground, it was imperative to act rather than to develop new international conventions. She also referred to the second edition of the OSCE guidebook on safety of journalists, which had just recently been published and included recommendations for Governments. C. New forms of journalism 36. Several delegates referred to new forms of journalism, in particular those that had emerged with the widespread use of the Internet. Delegations pointed out that the digital age had brought unlimited opportunities for the dissemination of information, but also challenges to media freedom. The emergence of mass communication technologies, social networks and the blogosphere had led to greater vulnerability of the media, including illegal interference in the personal lives and activities of journalists. Such interference was to be condemned and the independence of the traditional and digital media supported. 37. Speakers noted that bloggers, online journalists and citizen journalists played an important role in the promotion of human rights. Threats and attacks against such actors, including through their unlawful or arbitrary detention, were condemned. Delegates stated that the protection of journalists should cover all news providers, both professional and non-professional. One delegation, however, cautioned against the arbitrary expansion of the concept of journalists. 38. Ms. Mijatović argued that there was no need to engage in discussions to redefine the term “journalism” or to determine who was a journalist. Everyone had a right to express themselves freely (a right that comes with limits and responsibilities), and rights were the same online as offline. This being said, she stated that, in many countries, a witch hunt was being conducted against people who engaged online to share information and contribute to the public debate. D. Political will, accountability and combating impunity 39. Many delegations pointed out that the issue of impunity had time and again been recognized as the biggest obstacle for effectively ensuring the safety of journalists. States were called upon to ensure accountability for threats and attacks against journalists by investigating any allegation, bringing perpetrators to justice in accordance with international human rights standards and providing adequate remedies to the victims. A zero tolerance approach was defended, and some underlined the fact that punishment could make an essential contribution to prevention by deterring potential attackers. 40. Many delegations also concurred with the panellists that, unfortunately, lack of political will to address the issue was a real challenge. Moreover, attacks on journalists were often committed at the State’s behest or with its tacit consent. Delegations supported the view of the High Commissioner and the panellists that unequivocal political commitment to ensuring that journalists could carry out their work safely was a critical prerequisite to any system of protection. They noted that international experts regularly 11