A/HRC/24/23 31. Moreover, States noted initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists through the sharing of practices. For instance, in November 2012, the InterAmerican Press Association held a meeting in Honduras that brought together officials from Honduras and Mexico to share relevant practices. B. United Nations bodies 32. The issue of safety of journalists has been addressed by United Nations organs and agencies through a variety of initiatives.33 1. Security Council and General Assembly 33. The General Assembly has emphasized the need for States to ensure the respect for and protection of journalists while working in situations of armed conflict. 34 In its resolution 1738 (2006), the Security Council condemned attacks against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in situations of armed conflict, recalling, inter alia, that such persons should be considered civilians and thus respected and protected as such. The Council urged States and other parties to armed conflict to do their utmost to prevent violations of international humanitarian law against civilians, including journalists, media professionals and associated personnel. It also called for an end to attacks, and emphasized the responsibility of States to ensure accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law. In its resolution, the Council also decided to address the issue of protection of journalists under the agenda item on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and requested the Secretary-General to include, as a subitem in his reports on protection of civilians in armed conflict, the issue of safety and security of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel.35 34. In his latest report on protection of civilians, the Secretary-General highlighted the dangers for journalists working in the Syrian Arab Republic and during the conflict in Libya, reminding States of their obligation to prevent attacks against journalists and to prosecute those responsible for such attacks. The Secretary-General also welcomed the initiatives being pursued in the Human Rights Council by the Government of Austria and some human rights special procedures mandate holders to ensure better protection of journalists.36 2. Human Rights Council 35. Since its establishment in 2006, the Human Rights Council has regularly addressed the issue of safety of journalists in the context of the right to freedom of expression and opinion.37 Resolution 21/12 was the first Council resolution to have a specific focus on safety of journalists.38 In that resolution, the Council expressed, inter alia, its concern 33 34 35 36 37 38 10 In response to a note verbale sent to United Nations agencies, programmes and funds, and other international and regional organizations, as well as a request for information sent to a large number of non-governmental organizations, responses were received from the Centre for Freedom of the Media, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Journalists and the International Labour Organization. See for example General Assembly resolutions 2673 (XXV), 2854 (XXVI) and 3500 (XXX) . See also Security Council resolutions 1973 (2011), 2096 (2013) and 2093 (2013). S/2012/376, paras 14-15. See also S/2010/579 and S/2009/277. See Human Rights Council resolutions 7/36, 12/16, 16/4, 19/35 and 21/12. See also Commission on Human Rights resolution 1993/45. See also Human Rights Council resolution13/24 on the protection of journalists in situations of armed conflict.