The UN Human Rights Council has affirmed for the first time the importance of journalist safety as a fundamental element of freedom of expression.
The 47-member body passed the resolution, which was sponsored by Austria. It calls on all states to "promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently" and to ensure "impartial, speedy, and effective investigations" into acts of violence against journalists.
The International Press Institute issued a statement saying it was pleased that the Human Rights Council "highlighted the impact of journalist safety on the right of citizens in all countries to be informed."
The 47-member body passed the resolution, which was sponsored by Austria. It calls on all states to "promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently" and to ensure "impartial, speedy, and effective investigations" into acts of violence against journalists.
The International Press Institute issued a statement saying it was pleased that the Human Rights Council "highlighted the impact of journalist safety on the right of citizens in all countries to be informed."
