"We condemn the killing of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh"
Statement by the UN Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists on the killing of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh - 23 May 2022
The UN Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists condemns in the strongest terms the killing of the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the Palestinian city of Jenin on 11 May 2022. We also condemn in the strongest ways the violence that took place during her funeral procession.
We welcome the statements made on the matter by the United Nations Secretary-General and the UNESCO Director-General.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Abu Akleh’s family, and our wishes for a speedy recovery to her fellow journalist, Ali Samoudi, who was wounded in the same incident.
We call for an impartial and transparent investigation into the incident; accountability must be ensured. Under UNSCR 2222, journalists must be able to carry out their work freely, without harassment, intimidation or fear of being targeted, injured, or killed. We must do everything in our power to avoid violence, safeguarding journalists’ freedom of expression, and fortifying public trust in the credibility of journalism, in line with UNGA Resolution 76/173 on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity.
The 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” is protected by Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Journalists are protected persons under international humanitarian law; and they must be protected by international human rights law.
Journalists and media workers play a crucial role in the free flow of information, opinions, and ideas and are indispensable to inclusive and tolerant societies, fortifying intercultural dialogue, as well as understanding and cooperation.
The Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists reiterates its condemnation of all violations and abuses committed against journalists and media workers worldwide. Also, we underline that the strong support and protection for women journalists is critical.
Shireen Abu Akleh death is a tragic loss and an insult to media freedom.