đź“… 2 November 2021
Virtual
Journalists around the world face targeted attacks putting their safety at risk – attacks ranging from stigmatization, hate speech, trolling, to violence, rape, and even murder. Between 2006 and 2019, close to 1200 journalists have been killed for reporting the news and bringing information to the public. In nine out of ten cases, the killers go unpunished. Impunity leads to more killings and is often a symptom of worsening conflict and the breakdown of law and judicial systems.
On the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, UNESCO, the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations, and the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists (co-chaired by Greece, France, and Lithuania) are organizing a High-level event, titled “Hate-speech and the Safety of Women Journalists”.
The event will take place virtually on 2 November, between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. New York time. Following high-level opening remarks, a moderated panel discussion will aim to address why, when it comes to online violence and harassment, the gaps in properly investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists are particularly significant.
Moderated by Guy Berger, Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development of UNESCO, the panel will be joined by journalist Ms. Jineth Bedoya Lima via a video message. Ms. Bedoya Lima will discuss her case that recently received a historic ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, pronouncing the state of Colombia responsible for the violation of the rights to personal integrity, personal freedom, honor, dignity, and freedom of expression that the journalist suffered two decades ago. Judge Ricardo PĂ©rez Manrique from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights will also be joining the panel via a video message to address this significant step towards ending impunity for crimes against journalists around the world.
Furthermore, the event will provide a platform for the presentation of a Joint Statement on the Political Leaders’ Narratives about the Press, by Mr. Pedro Vaca, OAS Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.
Prior to the panel discussion, a high-level segment will feature the participation of H.E. Mr. Nikos Dendias, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. AntĂłnio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
