***13.05.2013. TURKEY. In a written contribution, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls again on the Human Rights Council’s attention to the situation of journalists’ rights, and the severe conditions Kurdish journalists have to face in their country. Almost three-quarter out of the more than 200 journalists imprisoned in Turkey are from the medias that criticize the governmental policy towards the Kurdish people.

Press Emblem Campaign calls on again the Human Rights Council’s attention to the situation of journalists’ rights, and the freedom of press and information in Turkey. Our organization already alerted the Council at its 21st and 22nd sessions[1], during the general debate on Agenda item 4, on the severe conditions Kurdish journalists have to face in their country. Almost three-quarter out of the more than 200 journalists imprisoned in Turkey are from the Medias that criticize the governmental policy towards the Kurdish people.

While last February the 15th Chamber of the Istanbul Appeal Court ordered the release of seven employees of Kurdish media, "given the time already spent in detention" and "the state of evidence", in 2012, seventeen cases were opened against Ibrahim Güvenç, the editor of the only Kurdish daily newspaper, Azadiya Welat. Mr. Güvenç had to resign from his post and is now threatened, like his predecessors, Mr. Vedat Kursun and Mr. Ozan Kilinç, with imprisonment for his coverage of the Kurdish question.

According to different sources, 72 journalists, including six chief-editors and co-owners are still in detention. Among them are at least 48 Kurdish journalists including 18 reporters from news agency DIHA, 13 journalists from Azadiya Welat eight of Özgür Gündem, two of Demokratik magazine Modernity and the news agency Firat. Freedom of expression and rights of journalists to freely investigate, report and criticize government policies are excessively restricted in Turkey.

It has to be highlighted here that from 1959 to 2011, out of 479 cases brought to the European court of human rights under freedom of expression, 207 originated from Turkey.

Despite the recent opening of negotiations between the Turkish government and representatives of the PKK, last April a trial was held in Silivri (80 km. west from Istanbul) against 44 Kurdish journalists, prosecuted for membership of an alleged “media committee” created by the outlawed Union of Communities in Kurdistan (KCK), a Kurdish non-governmental organization accused of backing the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK).

Surprisingly, after a short introduction of the President of the Court, the reading of the indictment (more than 800 pages) was made by a Turkish well-known television announcer. Finally, only two journalists (Zeynep Ceren Kuray of the Firat news agency and Sadik Topaloglu of the Diha news agency) were released. The Court will hold its next session of hearings from 17 to 19 June and will take decisions on other requests for provisional release. At the same time other arrest warrants have been issued against Kurdish journalists.

Mrs. Kuray criticized the court board for ordering the release of only two journalists, adding that, “KCK operations and trials are targeting not only Kurdish journalists but also Kurdish identity. Journalists working for the mainstream media can go to Kandil for interviews but we are standing trial for doing the same work. Namık Durukan (journalist working for Milliyet daily) has been awarded for his report on the so called Imrali Protocols, while we have been criminalized because of the similar reports we wrote”[2].

In this context it is interesting to note that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in adopting a resolution on 23rd April 2013, decided not to consider PKK as a terrorist organization. In the same resolution, PACE spells out the steps Turkey still needs to take if it is to successfully complete its reform program, such as further reform of the Constitution and continuing revision of the Criminal Code, as well as progress on freedom of expression, pre-trial detentions, local and regional decentralization and resolving the Kurdish question[3].

It is always fundamental to recall that the Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2003/42 on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, adopted without a vote, « mindful of the need to ensure that unjustified invocation of national security, including counter-terrorism, to restrict the right to freedom of expression and information does not take place », urged States « to refrain from using counter-terrorism as a pretext to restrict the right to freedom of expression in ways which are contrary to their obligations under international law. »

Mr. Martin Scheinin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, in his report on the visit to Turkey[1] (16 to 23 February 2006), among other recommendations, already stressed «… that only full definitional clarity with regard to what acts constitute terrorist crimes can ensure that the crimes of membership, aiding and abetting and what certain authorities referred to as “crimes of opinion” are not abused for other purposes than fighting terrorism…»

The Human Rights Council, in adopting by consensus Resolution A/HRC/RES/21/12 on “Safety of journalists” acknowledged the particular role played by journalists in matters of public interest, including by raising awareness of human rights and recognized that the work of journalists often puts them at specific risk of intimidation, harassment and violence. At the same time, the Human Rights Council condemned in the strongest term all attacks and violence against journalists, such as arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment.

Recently, the Turkish Parliament discussed changes in the legislation known as the Fourth Legislative Package, but apparently the governmental proposal falls short to the expectations and the definition for the term "terrorist" needs a more clear-cut. On the other hand, in early March, the Constitutional Court granted the prime minister's office authority to order temporary media censorship in extraordinary circumstances and situations in which national security makes the ban a must. The law allows the Prime minister to stop news broadcasting on issues regarding national security such as war and terrorist attacks when it is strongly possible that the public order is to be seriously disrupted.

In light of the above elements, the Press Emblem Campaign calls on the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to monitor the proceedings of the collective trial against the Kurdish journalists in Turkey and to report to Human Rights Council.

[1] E/CN.4/2006/98/Add.2
[1] See also PEC written contribution A/HRC/22/NGO/90[2] http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/zeynep-kuray-kck-trials-target-kurdish-identity.htm[3] Doc. 13160 - Report of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee)

***06.05.2013. MEXICO. PEC strongly condemns the murder of two children of journalists on Sunday in the city of Chihuahua 

Gunmen executed the sons of two prominent Mexican journalists in the northern city of Chihuahua, a spokesman for the state attorney general's office said Sunday..

Brothers Alfredo Paramo, 20, and Diego Paramo, 21, were shot dead Saturday in Chihuahua after being chased through the streets by gunmen in a car, said spokesman Carlos Gonzalez.

They are the sons of well-known Mexican financial journalist David Paramo, who hosts a radio show, appears on TV Azteca and has a national newspaper column, and Martha Gonzalez, editor of the local El Peso newspaper.

PEC condemns these appalling murders and calls for a full investigation to clarify the circumstances and prosecute the authors. 

On April 28, hundreds of journalists and human rights defenders staged marches in 14 Mexican states at the request of many NGOs to demand an end to the barbarity that targets them, and an end to impunity. The date chosen was the first anniversary of the murder of Regina Martínez, the newsweekly Proceso’s correspondent in the eastern state of Veracruz. Just four days before the marches, the dismembered body of Daniel Martínez Bazaldúa, a photographer for the newspaper Vanguardia, was found in the northern state of Coahuila. Another journalist, Gerardo Blanquet of the Radio Grande group, went missing in Coahuila on 30 April.

A law approved by the Mexican congress on 25 April, making it easier for crimes against freedom of information to be addressed by the federal authorities, is a step forward but is not enough. 

Spanish: La PEC condenó el asesinato de los jóvenes y exigió justicia y una pronta investigación para llevar a los responsables de sus muertes ante la justicia.

Dos jóvenes que eran hijos del periodista mexicano David Páramo y su pareja, también comunicadora, fueron asesinados a tiros por sicarios la madrugada del domingo en la ciudad de Chihuahua, en el norte de México, informaron las autoridades locales. Las víctimas del crimen fueron identificadas como Alfredo David y Diego Alejandro Páramo González, de 20 y 21 años, informó la Procuraduría General de Justicia de Chihuahua.

Las primeras versiones de los hechos apuntan a que ambos fueron atacados a tiros cuando circulaban a bordo de su automóvil por la colonia Arboledas de la capital de Chihuahua, explicó a Efe Carlos González, portavoz de la Fiscalía General de Chihuahua.

Explicó que los jóvenes son hijos de la editora del diario El Peso, Martha González Nicholson, y de David Páramo, titular del espacio radiofónico “No tires tu dinero”, del Grupo Imagen, del programa “Poder financiero” en Proyecto 40, y de la columna “Personajes de renombre” del diario Excelsior.

El portavoz aseguró que el asesinato no está relacionado con la actividad profesional de sus padres. Tras conocerse la noticia el presidente de México, Enrique Peña Nieto, expresó su pésame a la pareja de periodistas, vía Twitter.

***02.05.2013. On World Press Freedom Day, PEC honors the media workers killed in the line of duty (French and Arabic versions below) (for SYRIA see more on OTHER NEWS)

Geneva, May 2 (PEC) – On World Press Freedom Day, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) honors all media workers killed in the line of duty because they were performing their profession.

According to the PEC figures the number of journalists killed from the beginning of 2013 stands at 39.

Pakistan leads the tally with 9 journalists killed in four months, followed by Somalia 5, Syria 4  and 4 in Brazil.

Two journalists were shot to death in Guatemala, 2 in Mexico and 2 in Paraguay. One journalist was killed in the following countries: Ecuador,  Haiti, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Central African Republic, Russia, Tanzania and Yemen.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that progress has been made last year when the UNESCO action plan was adopted, and a resolution on the safety of journalists was also adopted by the UN Human Rights Council.

He added that in a number of countries, killings and intimidation of journalists decreased and serious enquiries have been launched.

Lempen said that regrettably, the situation remains grim in other countries. Problems of access to zones of conflict and of impunity are major challenges.

Syria has been for two years a permanent dilemma for media across the globe where journalists take the risks to go in order to witness the massive human sufferings, thus endangering their lives, or they cover from the borders and give up on informing directly the general public.

At least 4 brave foreign journalists are missing in Syria and the worst is feared. PEC calls for their immediate release if they have faced the fate of abduction.

The situation has dramatically deteriorated in Pakistan from one year to the other ahead of the general polls.

In Latin America the situation is very worrying for journalists in countries like Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Paraguay, Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi, said there is still no concrete and efficient action by the international community though many members of which have lost journalists in conflict zones.

She hopes that the forthcoming report prepared by the UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) for the September session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva will establish best practices and that the international community will be able to work on this basis  to move forward on the issue of the protection of journalists.

According to the PEC tally, 2012 was a record year for journalists killed: 141 for the whole year. 

Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse: la PEC rend hommage aux travailleurs des medias tués dans l'exercice de leur fonction

Genève (PEC), 2 mai - A l'occasion de la Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse, la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) rend hommage aux travailleurs des médias tués dans l'exercice de leur fonction. Selon les recherches de la PEC, 39 journalistes ont été tués depuis le début de cette année.

Le Pakistan est le pays le plus dangereux avec 9 journalistes tués depuis janvier, suivi par la Somalie (5 victimes), la Syrie (4) et le Brésil (4 également).

Deux journalistes ont été mortellement visés au Guatemala, 2 au Mexique et 2 au Paraguay. Un journaliste a été tué dans chacun de ces pays: Equateur, Haïti, Inde, Kenya, Nigeria, Pérou, Philippines, République centrafricaine, Russie, Tanzanie et Yémen.

Le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen a relevé que des progrès ont été réalisés l'an dernier avec l'adoption d'un plan d'action par l'UNESCO et d'une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes par le Conseil des droits de l'homme.

Il a ajouté que dans quelques pays, les meurtres et menaces à l'encontre des journalistes ont diminué et que des enquêtes sérieuses ont été lancées.

Blaise Lempen a en même temps déploré que la situation reste sombre dans d'autres pays. Les problèmes d'accès aux zones de conflit et d'impunité sont des défis majeurs.

La Syrie représente depuis deux ans un dilemme permanent pour les medias du monde entier: soit les journalistes prennent le risque d'aller y témoigner des terribles souffrances humaines endurées par la population, au risque de leur vie, soit ils observent l'évolution du conflit de l'autre côté de la frontière en renonçant à informer directement l'opinion publique.

Au moins 4 journalistes étrangers courageux sont portés disparus en Syrie. Le pire est à craindre. La PEC lance un appel pressant pour leur libération immédiate s'ils ont été enlevés..

La situation s'est gravement détériorée d'une année sur l'autre au Pakistan avant des élections générales. En Amérique latine, la situation des journalistes est très préoccupante dans des pays comme le Brésil, Cuba, l'Equateur, le Guatemala, le Honduras, le Mexique et le Paraguay.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a souligné qu'il n'y a toujours pas d'action concrète efficace de la communauté internationale bien que beaucoup d'Etats déplorent la perte de leurs journalistes dans des zones de conflit.

Hedayat Abdelnabi a émis l'espoir que le rapport préparé par le Haut Commissariat aux droits de l'homme à la demande du Conseil pour le mois de septembre va établir de meilleures pratiques et que la communauté internationale va pouvoir utiliser cette base pour avancer sur la question de la protection des journalistes.

Selon le décompte de la PEC, 141 journalistes ont été tués l'an dernier dans le monde, un record.

 
قبيل يوم الصحافة العالمي: حملة الشارة الدولية تحي ذكري من سقطوا و هو يؤدون عملهم 

 
جنيف 2 مايو (حملة الشارة) – قبيل الاحتفال الجمعة بيوم الصحافة العالمي فإن حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي تحي ذكرى من سقطوا من الصحفيين لأنهم يؤدون عملهم. 
 
طبقاً لأرقام حملة الشارة فإن عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا منذ بداية العام 39 صحفياً. 9 في باكستان، و 5 في الصومال و 4 في سوريا و 4 في البرازيل. 

و قتل صحفيان رمياً بالرصاص في جواتيمالا و 2 في المكسيك و 2 في باراجواي. 
 
كما قتل صحفي في كل من إكوادور و هايتي و الهند و كينيا و نيجيريا و بيرو و الفلبين و جمهورية افريقيا الوسطي و روسيا و تنزانيا و اليمن.

 أكد سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان أنه قد تحقق بعض التقدم بتبني برنامج عمل اليونسكو و كذلك تبني القرار الخاص بسلامة الصحفيين في مجلس حقوق الإنسان، مشيراً إلى أن التقدم انعكس أيضاً في خفض عدد القتلى من الصحفيين و من عمليات ترهيبهم، كما بدأت عمليات تحقيق جادة في مقتل البعض منهم. إلا أنه أضاف أن الوضع مازال رمادياً في دول أخرى كما تستمر مشاكل وجود الصحفي في بؤر النزاع كما تستمر ظاهرة الافلات من العقاب و كل هذه الأمور تمثل تحديات حقيقية.  
 
ظلت سوريا لمدة السنتين الماضيتين معضلة دائمة للإعلام في كل أنحاء العالم فبعض الصحفيين يخاطرون بالدخول من أجل تغطية معاناة إنسانية واسعة و من ثم تعريض حياتهم للخطر، أو يقومون بالتغطية من على الحدود و بالتالي يتخلون عن التغطية المباشرة لنقل المعلومات للرأي العام. 
 
حتى الآن يوجد على الأقل 4 صحفيين أجانب يتسمون بالشجاعة اختفوا و ما خفي كان أعظم. و تطالب حملة الشارة بالإفراج عنهم فوراً في حال تعرضهم للاختطاف.  
 
لقد تدهورت ظروف العمل الصحفي في باكستان سنة بعد أخرى و قبيل الانتخابات العامة. 
 
 و تدعو الحالة في أمريكا اللاتينية إلى قلق شديد بالنسبة للعمل الصحفي في البرازيل و كوبا و المكسيك و باراجواي و إكوادور و جواتيمالا و هندوراس.
 
وقالت هدايت عبد النبي، رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية، الأيام تمر و الشهور و السنوات و لا توجد خطوات ملموسة من قبل المجتمع الدولي على الرغم من أن صحفيين بارزين من دوله قد قتلوا في الميدان.  
 
و أضافت بأنها تأمل أن يؤدي تقرير مفوضية الأمم المتحدة لحقوق الإنسان و الذي يناقش في جلسة سبتمبر القادم من مجلس حقوق الإنسان في جنيف إلى التوصل لمبادئ لأفضل السبل للتعامل مع قضية حماية الصحفيين و أن يتمكن المجتمع الدولي من خلال نتائجه أن يحسن الموقف في قضية حماية الصحفيين. 

طبقاً لأرقام حملة الشارة فقد شهد العام الماضي أعلى رقم للقتلى بين الصحفيين و هو 141 صحفيا لعام 2012. 

 للاطلاع على قائمة الضحايا و أخر الأنباء برجاء الرجوع إلى  

***30.04.2013. Veteran Italian war correspondent missing in Syria

(PEC/Agencies) An Italian journalist has been missing in Syria for 20 days, his newspaper La Stampa says.
Domenico Quirico, 62, an experienced war reporter, entered Syria on 6 April.

The Turin newspaper's website on Tuesday said Domenico Quirico, an experienced war reporter, entered Syria on April 6 from Lebanon. La Stampa said it has been working with the Italian Foreign Ministry in an effort to find him, but so far with no results. Quirico planned to report on the Homs area. His last contact was a text message sent on April 9 to an Italian colleague from state TV, saying he was on the road to Homs.

Earlier this month, four Italian journalists were released after being detained in rebel-controlled northern Syria for about 10 days.

The conflict in Syria has made it one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work in.

La Stampa's editor-in-chief, Mario Calabresi, said the Turin-based paper decided to publicise Mr Quirico's disappearance after a search for the correspondent failed to turn up any leads.

"We had hoped that keeping quiet would help bring about a solution," said Mr Calabresi.

"Unfortunately this has not been the case, and for that reason we have decided to make his disappearance public."

The Italian foreign ministry has activated its crisis unit to try to trace Mr Quirico.

The journalist has reported on conflicts in Sudan, Uganda and Libya.

At least three other foreign journalists, including two Americans, are still missing in Syria. 

***29.04.2013. PAKISTAN. PEC worried by the death of a ninth journalist since January ahead of general polls

ISLAMABAD: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) while condemning the killing of a Pakistani journalist Mr. Arif Shafi in a terrorists’ attack in Pakistan’s Northwestern city of Peshawar has expressed serious concern on the journalists’ poor safety in the country ahead of general polls scheduled on May 11.
 
In a motorbike blast on the busy University Road, at least 10 people including two afghan diplomats and the journalist killed while five dozens others sustained injuries on Monday morning. 
 
Arif Shafi, 35 hailing from Peshawar had been working on the English desk of the Afghan news agency ‘Pajhwok’ as assistant editor in Afghanistan capital Kabul for last several years. He was on leave and was to return in a few days to resume his duty.   

On April 29 in the morning, after dropping his son at school on 29 April, he was on his way to city cantonment area and as he stopped at University road to buy a newspaper from a stall in the meantime the incident occurred that took his life. He had three children including two daughters Maleeha (8), Yusra (3) and son Khizar (5).

Besides, Ayesha Ali, daughter of another Peshawar based journalist Gohar Ali and student of eleven-grade at a local college was among the injured, but now her condition is stable.

“As general polls are round the corner and scheduled to be held on 11th of May, in a situation when suicidal attacks on the political rallies are on the rise, in such a situation the government should take appropriate measures to provide security to journalists while covering these political activities” the PEC demanded. 

It is worth mentioning that this is the second journalist the provincial capital lost in last two-week time. Earlier on April 16, a journalist Tariq Aslam Durrani also lost his life in a suicide bomb attack on a political party rally in Peshawar.

In a statement, Peshawar Press Club (PCC) president Nasir Hussain and General Secretary Yousaf Ali condemned the attack and said that government fail to protect the life of journalist, adding that in Pakistan eight journalists were killed this year in which three journalist were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). They demanded of the government to provide security to the journalist and also announced Shaheed Package for the bereaved family of the journalist.

This was the 17th journalist from KP and FATA who fall victim to the ongoing wave of terrorism in the country.

A top police officer told the PEC that about five kilogram of explosives was used in this attack and which was planted on the back seat of the bike. The suicide bomber struck his motorbike into a police van, the moments after Police Commissioner Sahibzada Mohammad Anis drove past the road.

On the PEC ticking clock, this is the ninth Pakistani journalist killed since Jan 2013. This has jacked up the total casualties of journalists round the globe to 39.

Israr Khan, PEC Representative in Islamabad

***26.04.2013. PARAGUAY. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is worried by the second murder of a journalist in the north-east of Paraguay this year - an alarming trend

The PEC joins the Journalists' Union of Paraguay (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) who condemns the murder of journalist Carlos Artaza (photo), in Pedro Juan Caballero. Artaza worked for the press department in the Amambay governor's office and was targeted in a premeditated attack during which he was shot six times. On the morning of 25 April 2013 he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

26 April is the national Day of the Journalist, commemorating the 1991 murder of journalist Santiago Leguizamón. SPP is saddened that on the eve of this day another journalist has been killed. The organisation offers its condolences to Artaza's family and calls for a rigorous investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for this terrible killing.

Artaza participated in a political event on the night of 24 April and when he returned home, was attacked by people driving a motorcycle.

This incident is the latest in a line of incidents, most recently the repeated death threats against journalist Aníbal Gómez Caballero. Cándido Figueredo, an ABC Color correspondent in Pedro Juan Caballero, has also received threats recently.

SPP calls on the local authorities to put more emphasis on the safety of journalists, with the aim of protecting them, especially in regions where there is unrest such as in towns near the border.

The organisation pledges that, for the sake of Artaza's wife and children, they will not let his murder go unpunished. To do this, SPP will take the necessary steps to punish those who are spreading this message of violence against journalists and the general population. SPP calls for an end to impunity and for justice for Carlos Artaza.

Carlos Artaza is the second journalist to be killed this year in Pedro Juan Caballero, a city on the Brazilian border that is the capital of Amambay department, following radio station owner and manager Marcelino Vazquez February 6.
Threats marked the campaign for the 21 April general election.

According to the PEC Ticking clock, 12 journalists were killed in Latin America since January this year, 5 only in April, an alarming trend.

***17.04.2013. PAKISTAN. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONDEMNED THE SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK IN PESHAWAR WHICH KILLED A PAKISTANI JOURNALIST AND INJURED TWO OTHERS

PAKISTAN: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), which is fighting for the protection of journalists has strongly condemned the suicide bomb attack on a political party rally in Pakistan’s Northwestern city of Peshawar in which among others, a Pakistani print journalist was killed and two other media persons sustained injuries.

The incident took place on April 16 late evening in Yakatoot, a crowded neighbor of Peshawar city soon after the party senior leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour came to the gathering, however he escaped. In this happening, two children, and six police officials among 16 people killed and dozen more including women and children were injured.       
 
Mr. Tariq Aslam Durrani (photo), 46 a sub-editor with Urdu language ‘the Daily Pakistan’ was killed while covering the rally of the Awami National Party (ANP) along with other media persons. Besides, a news editor of the same newspaper Mr. Azhar Ali Shah and Mr. Ehtisham Khan a reporter with the Express television sustained injuries who were shifted to hospital, however they are out of danger now, doctors said.  

The deceased has left four kids, a widow and was living in rented house, his close relatives told the PEC. 

Amid the country is preparing to hold general polls on May 11, this is the fourth deadly attack on politicians or political parties in last three days which is much alarming. 
 
In such a situation, doing journalism is becoming much difficult not only in terrorists hit tribal areas of Pakistan, but even in major urban centers. 
 
Latter, the spokesman of the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Ehsanullah Ehsan while talking to a private television channel on phone claimed the responsibility of the blast. 
 
It is worth mentioning that according to the PEC record, during Jan-March 2013, Pakistan remained the most ‘dangerous country’ for journalists to do journalism. During this period seven journalists were been killed with impunity followed by Syria with four journalists’ casualties and Somalia and Brazil with three each.

This quarterly report for 2013, number of journalists killed in the first three months of the year clocked at 28 in 15 countries, has gone down to near 10 percent as compared with the same period last year, however the situation still grim in most parts of the world.
 
During April 2012, so far three journalists have been killed including Mr. Durrani of Pakistan. This has led the total number on the PEC ticking clock to 31. Earlier this month, one each journalist was killed in Guatemala and Russia. 
 
ISRAR KHAN
PEC representative in Pakistan

***08.04.2013. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONDEMNS EFFORT TO SILENCE NEWS COVERAGE IN SYRIA BY A SYRIAN BUSINESSMAN AND DETENTION OF FOUR ITALIAN JOURNALISTS BY A REBEL GROUP

(Agencies/PEC) A Kuwait-based Syrian businessman has announced a monetary reward for any individuals who capture and turn over to security forces journalists affiliated with the pan-Arab channels Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya, according to news reports. In a phone interview with Syrian state television on March 30, the pro-regime businessman Fahim Saqr accused international journalists of misleading the Syrian and Arab people and said he would offer 10 million Syrian liras (about US$95,000) to anyone who helped journalists from Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya get arrested, news reports said.

News accounts reported that Syrian rebels have also begun to demand that international journalists working in the country use translators and drivers provided by the rebels themselves. Local journalists said they have noticed increased attempts by the opposition to restrict unflattering coverage.

Al-Jazeera issued a statement (read below) in which it reported receiving increased threats in recent weeks, and filed a complaint to the Kuwaiti General Prosecutor's office accusing Saqr of "threatening and inciting against Al-Jazeera correspondents in Syria". Faisal Qenaei, secretary general of the Kuwaiti Journalists Association, expressed solidarity with Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya correspondents in Syria and urged Kuwaiti authorities to launch an investigation against the Syrian businessman.

Al Jazeera Media Network condemns threats against their staff posted on social media sites.
Doha – April 4, 2013
 
Al Jazeera Media Network denounces the threats made recently by some Syrian regime supporters against presenters and correspondents of Al Jazeera Channel and other Arab channels.
 
Threats levied against Al Jazeera staff on social media and other outlets in recent weeks were made to put pressure on the network to change its professional editorial line with regards to the conflict in Syria and other regions of conflicts. “Al Jazeera prides itself on honest and objective reporting, people who feel Al Jazeera does not reflect their point of view have no basis for any argument when they use threats of intimidation and violence through social media portals like Facebook and Twitter,” said Ibrahim Helal, Director of News for Al Jazeera Arabic.

“The fact that our staff have been targeted with messages of hate has no place in any plural society,” said Helal.

In the wake of recent incitement against its staff members, Al Jazeera Media Network emphasises that it has already initiated a legal case against those who made these threats. Furthermore, it will not save any efforts seeking all legitimate actions, regardless of the status of sources of threat, in order to protect its journalists, and correspondents, and employees.

Al Jazeera Media Network has stressed out that it stands behind all its employees in such confrontation to their personal and ethical wellbeing to these kinds of threats.

April 5. Four Italian journalists have been kidnapped in the north of Syria, on the border with Turkey, the Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed late Friday. 

The foreign ministry confirmed the report “indicating that it has followed the developments from the very beginning,” according to the ANSA news agency. It also called for “maximum discretion,” stressing that “the physical safety of the hostages remains the absolute priority.”

According to various reports, the abducted are three freelance journalists Andrea Vignali, Elio Colavolpe and Susan Dabbous and one reporter working for the Italian public broadcaster RAI Amedeo Ricucci.

The newspaper said the journalists were kidnapped “by a rebel group” while out filming.

In February, an Italian citizen and two Russians kidnapped on December 12 in the west of Syria were freed as part of an exchange for militants.

Last month, a Ukrainian journalist escaped from her kidnappers in Syria. Abductions for religious, political or purely financial reasons are becoming increasingly frequent in war-torn Syria.

PEC strongly condemns the kidnapping by any group in Syria and calls for the immediated release of the four italian journalists.

***03.04.2013. PEC report for the first 3 months of 2013: 28 journalists killed in 15 countries // rapport de la PEC pour les trois premiers mois de 2013: 28 journalistes tués dans 15 pays // desde el primero de enero, 28 periodistas fueron asesinados en 15 países (English, French, Spanish, Arabic)

Number of journalists killed down by near 10 percent in 3 months
 
Geneva, April 3 (PEC) – According to the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) quarterly report for 2013 published Wednesday the number of journalists killed in the first three months of the year, 28 in 15 countries, has gone down to near 10 percent as compared with the same period last year.

Pakistan leads the tally with 7 journalists killed in three months, followed by Syria 4 killed, Somalia 3 killed and three in Brazil.

One journalist was killed in the following countries: Guatemala, India, Haiti, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Central African Republic, Tanzania and Yemen.

The difference between 2012 and 2013 is that in Syria 5 journalists less were killed in 2013.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that unfortunately this improved statistics does not reflect a better security situation in the field for the media, but could be traced to less journalists taking the risk to go to Syria to witness the ongoing violence. Lempen adds that Syria is in agony in a massive indifference.

The latest from Syria is that Jörg Armbruster, a correspondent for the German public broadcaster ARD, was seriously injured by gunfire during a military clash in Aleppo on March 29, 2013. After emergency surgery inside Syria on the same day, Armbruster was transferred by ambulance to Turkey, where he was treated by an emergency medical team, he was evacuated to Stuttgart on Monday April 1.

The situation in Pakistan has deteriorated from one year to the other. Three of the killed journalists lost their lives in a bomb attack in Baluchistan and the others were targeted in the tribal zones where they are particularly threatened by secessionist groups and extreme militants.

The situation remained dangerous in Somalia and Brazil. They still are in the group of the four most dangerous countries for media work as they were last year.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi, said that though this decrease is welcome yet a lot has to be done. The PEC reiterates its call to UN member states to start the process of negotiations on new binding guidelines to protect journalists in conflict zones and dangerous situations. Last year, journalists were killed in a record number, 141 for the whole year. 

Baisse de 10% du nombre de journalistes tués en 3 mois en 2013

Genève, 3 avril 2013 (PEC) Le nombre de journalistes tués les trois premiers mois de 2013 a baissé de près de 10% par rapport à la même période de l'an dernier. Depuis le 1er janvier, 28 journalistes ont été tués dans 15 pays, a affirmé mercredi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC).

Le Pakistan arrive en tête des pays les plus dangereux avec 7 journalistes tués en trois mois. Suivent la Syrie avec 4 journalistes tués, la Somalie (3 tués) et le Brésil (3 tués également).

Un journaliste a été tué dans chacun des pays suivants: Guatemala, Haïti, Inde, Kenya, Mexique, Nigeria, Paraguay, Pérou, République centrafricaine, Tanzanie et Yémen.

La différence entre 2012 et 2013 vient de la Syrie, où cinq journalistes de moins ont été tués cette année par rapport aux trois premiers mois de 2012.

"Malheureusement, cette embellie statistique ne vient pas d'une amélioration des conditions de sécurité sur le terrain quant à la protection des medias, mais probablement résulte du fait que beaucoup moins de journalistes ont pris le risque de se rendre en Syrie pour y témoigner des violences", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen. "La Syrie agonise dans une indifférence croissante", a-t-il ajouté. Dernier épisode en date, le 29 mars, un reporter expérimenté de la chaîne publique allemande ARD Jörg Armbruster a été grièvement blessé par des tirs à Alep, opéré en urgence, puis évacué en Turquie et à Stuttgart le 1er avril. 

La situation s'est détériorée d'une année sur l'autre au Pakistan. Trois journalistes sont morts lors d'une attaque à la bombe au Baloutchistan et les autres ont été visés dans les zones tribales, où ils sont particulièrement menacés par des groupes sécessionnistes et militants extrémistes.

La situation est restée également périlleuse en Somalie et au Brésil, qui figurent parmi les quatre premiers pays les plus dangereux, comme l'an dernier.

Pour la présidente de la PEC, Hedayat Abdelnabi, la baisse du nombre de journalistes tués au premier trimestre est bienvenue, mais il y a encore beaucoup à faire avec en moyenne 2 journalistes tués chaque semaine. La PEC réitère son appel aux Etats membres de l’ONU d’entamer le processus de négociations sur des principes contraignants afin de mieux protéger les journalistes dans les zones dangereuses. L'an dernier, un record de 141 journalistes a été tué dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions.


Baja un 10% el número de periodistas asesinados en primer trimestre de 2013

Ginebra, 3 abril 2013 (PEC) El número de periodistas asesinados durante los tres primeros meses de 2013 se ha reducido en un 10% en relación con el mismo período del año anterior. Desde el primero de enero, 28 periodistas fueron asesinados en 15 países, ha afirmado el miércoles  la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC).

El monitoreo realizado por la PEC refleja que en este primer trimestre Pakistán encabeza el grupo de países de mayor peligrosidad, con 7 periodistas asesinados en tres meses, seguido de Siria con cuatro, Somalia (3) y Brasil (igualmente tres).

En cada uno de los siguientes países, la PEC ha tenido conocimiento del asesinato de un periodista, a saber Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, México, Nigeria, Paragua, Peru, República Centroafricana, Tanzania y Yemen.

La diferencia entre 2012 y 2013 está dada por la situación en Siria, donde se reportaron cinco periodistas menos en este trimestre en comparación con igual período del año 2012.

« Desafortunadamente, esta mejora en las estadísticas  no corresponde a una mejoría de las condiciones de seguridad sobre el terreno en cuanto a la protección de los medios, pero probablemente sea la resultante del hecho de que muchos menos periodistas han corrido el riesgo de trasladarse a Siria para dar testimonio de las violencias”, ha declarado el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen. “Siria agoniza en una creciente indiferencia », ha agregado Lempen.

La situación se ha deteriorado considerablemente de un año al otro en Pakistán. Tres periodistas han muerto durante un ataque con bombas en Balotchistan y otros  fueron atacados en zonas tribales, donde son particularmente amenazados por grupos secesionistas y militantes extremistas.

En Somalia y en Brasil la situación e mantiene igualmente peligrosa, por lo que ambos países figuran entre los cuatro primeros más peligrosos para el ejercicio de la profesión, al igual que en el año precedente.

Para la presidente de la PEC, Hedayat Abdelnabi, la cifra de 28 periodistas asesinados en tres meses, aún cuando sea inferior a la de 2012, es todavía sumamente elevada.  Esto corresponde a un promedio de dos por semana. El año pasado, se llegó a la cifra de 141 periodistas asesinados en el ejercicio de sus funciones.

انخفاض مقتل الصحفيين بنسبة تقترب من 10 بالمائة

جنيف 3 إبريل (حملة الشارة) – أعلنت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي في تقريرها الربع السنوي عن انخفاض عدد القتلى بين الصحفيين بنسبة تقترب من 10 بالمائة في الفترة من أول يناير إلى 31 مارس 2013 حيث قتل 28 صحفياً في 15 دولة.

باكستان تتصدر الدول بمقتل 7 صحفيين، ثم سوريا 4، فالصومال 3 و 3 في البرازيل.

و قتل صحفي في كل من جواتيمالا و الهند و المكسيك و نيجيريا و باراجواي و بيرو و جمهورية إفريقيا الوسطى و تنزانيا و اليمن و هايتي و كينيا. 
 
و يذكر أن الفارق الوحيد بين أرقام السنة الماضية و الحالية هي انخفاض عدد الصحفيين القتلى في سوريا بـ 5 في 2013.
 
و صرح سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان بأنه و للأسف فإن التحسن في الإحصائيات لا يعكس وضع أمني أفضل في الميدان للصحفيين و لكنه يرجع إلى أنه ربما إلى صحفيين أقل يواجهون مخاطر الذهاب إلى سوريا و تغطية العنف الدامي هناك. و شدد ليبمان على أن سوريا تمثل ألماً بسبب الصمت و لامبالاة ضخمة.

 و طبقاً لأخر أنباء سوريا فقد أصيب الصحفي الالماني يورج أرمبروستر خلال تغطية للأحداث في حلب في 29 مارس و بعد جراحة في سوريا رحل إلى تركيا و بعد استقرار حالته عاد إلى شتوتجارت بألمانيا في أول إبريل.

و قالت حملة الشارة أن الوضع في باكستان قد تدهور من سنة إلى أخرى. فقد قتل ثلاثة صحفيين في تفجير في بالوشيستان و تم استهداف أخرين في المناطق القبلية حيث المخاطر و بصفة خاصة من قبل المجموعات الانفصالية و متطرفين. 
   
و ظلت الحالة خطرة في الصومال و البرازيل، و لازالوا في مجموعة الدول الأربع الأكثر خطراً للعمل الصحفي كما كان الحال في العام الماضي. 
 
و ترى حملة الشارة أن مقتل 28 صحفياً في 15 دولة - رغم أنه أقل عن العام الماضي في نفس الفترة - لكنه مازال مرتفعاً للغاية و هو بمعدل مقتل صحفيين في الأسبوع، بالمقارنة بـ 2011 التي قتل فيها 21 صحفياً أي أقل بخمسة عن العام الحالي، و وصل إجمالي الصحفيين الذين قتلوا في العام الماضي إلى 141 صحفيا و هم يقومون بمهام مهنتهم. 

أكدت رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية هدايت عبد النبي بأننا نرحب بهذا الخفض إلا أن علينا أن ننجز الكثير و أعادت اطلاق نداء حملة الشارة الذي أطلق مراراً و تكراراً من قبل بأن تقوم الدول الأعضاء في الأمم المتحدة ببدء عملية صياغة خطوط عريضة ملزمة لحماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح و الأحداث و المناطق الخطرة. 

Twitter: PRESSEMBLEMCAMPAIGN

Facebook: Press Emblem Campaign 

***27.03.2013. RWANDA. Rwandan editor, jailed for opinion piece, fails in appeal - the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns targeting journalists in Rwanda

An appellate court judge in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, on Monday upheld the criminal conviction of an editor who is serving a one-year prison sentence in connection with an opinion column, according to local journalists.
A judge presiding in the Gasabo Intermediate Court said Stanley Gatera, (photo) editor of Kinyarwanda-language independent weekly Umusingi, should be held accountable for a June 2012 opinion piece that suggested that men might regret marrying an ethnic Tutsi woman solely for her beauty, according to local journalists.

Police arrested Gatera, 22, in August 2012 after they said they received complaints from Tutsi women's groups. In November 2012, a lower court convicted Gatera on charges of "inciting divisionism" and "gender discrimination." The author of the piece fled the country amid the controversy and was never charged.

Gatera's defense argued that the journalist should not be punished for a column he did not write, local journalists said. The defense also noted the journalist had published an apology in the following issue. It was not immediately clear whether Gatera's defense team will pursue its appeal to the Supreme Court, local journalists said.
"This opinion piece might have offended readers, but that should not constitute a criminal offense," . "This ruling sends the message that Rwandan journalists must censor opinions if they want to stay out of jail."

Authorities have routinely targeted Umusingi and its journalists in recent years. In early 2011, the country's sole printing house, which is government owned, refused to print an edition of the paper that carried an interview with a dissident former Rwandan colonel, according to news reports. The paper's founder and former managing director Nelson Gatsimbazi, fled the country in August 2011 after being told of his impending arrest on charges of divisionism based on a complaint filed by another journalist in 2008. In December 2010, the presidential security advisor publicly accused Gatsimbazi of working with "enemies of the state," according to news reports.

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns targeting journalists in Rwanda and calls for the immediate release of the journalist.

***19.03.2013. PEC statement delivered by the PEC UN Representative Gianfranco Fattorini at the Human Rights Council - Press Emblem Campaign said there were places in all regions of the world where journalists were confronted in a vicious climate created by States that ultimately led to the killing of journalists and the establishment of a culture of impunity.  Promoting the safety of journalists and fighting impunity must not be constrained to after-the-fact, but required prevention mechanisms to address the root causes of violence.  

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
22nd session

Item 8 -     Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
 
General debate
 
Mr. President,

In adopting the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action[1], the international community as a whole and every single State made the pledge to guarantee freedom and protection for the media. In adopting Resolution A/HRC/RES/21/12 last September, this very Council condemned in the strongest term all attacks and violence against journalists, such as torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment.

Nevertheless, too many States act inconsistently with the international commitments. Besides the particular cases of Syria, Turkey and Palestine/Israel, about which we talked respectively during the interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab republic and the general debates on item 4 and 7, there are places, in all regions of the world, where journalists are confronted to a vicious climate created by the State’s authority that can ultimately lead to the killing of journalists and the establishment of a culture of impunity.

In our written contribution, published under symbol NGO/57, we highlight the very detrimental practices employed in Chile, Guatemala, Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, Lebanon, Nepal, Thailand and in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Unfortunately, the list is not exhaustive and we could also mention the case of Togo where, last week, the authorities violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration of the media workers against a new law which gives the power to a simple administrative authority[2] to suspend or even withdraw the license to a media without any possibility of appeal to the courts.

Mindful that promoting the safety of journalists and fighting impunity must not be constrained to after-the-fact action but requires prevention mechanisms to address some of the root causes of violence against journalists and of impunity, the Press Emblem Campaign is still convinced of the necessity to set up an international mechanism of inquiry to investigate crimes of attacks against journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.

I thank you for your attention.

19th March 2013

[1] A/CONF.157/23[2] Haute autorité de l’audiovisuel et de la communication (HAAC)

***18.03.2013. PEC statement delivered at the Human Rights Council on Palestine. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is deeply concerned about the difficulties Palestinian journalists have to face in carrying out their duty

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
22nd session

Item 7 -    Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

General debate
 
Mr. President,

The PEC is deeply concerned about the difficulties Palestinian journalists have to face in carrying out their duty. While the Israeli Occupation Forces pursue a repressive policy to prevent journalists from covering the events in different areas of the West Bank, the Hamas Internal Security Services (ISS) in Gaza, sometimes summon and arrest journalists.

In his Mission report presented at the 20th session of the Human Rights Council[1], the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. La Rue, underlined that despite the provisions of articles 19 and 27 of the Palestinian Basic Law, providing freedom of opinion and expression and media freedom, provisions in the Press and Publications Law of 1995 unduly restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

The PEC believes that there is a need for the enactment of a new Access to Information Law in Palestine as journalists have routinely faced great difficulties in accessing the necessary information so as to undertake their work adequately and efficiently.

Mr. La Rue highlighted that the work of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is particularly hindered by the restrictions to movement, as documenting and collecting information is central to their work. He further stated that local journalists in the occupied Palestinian territory face difficulties in undertaking their work due to arbitrary arrests and detention, physical attacks and raids of their offices by the security personnel of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the de facto authorities in Gaza.

In light of the essential role journalists play in providing independent information to the public, the PEC calls on the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories Occupied since 1967 to dedicate a chapter of his annual report to the violations of the fundamental freedoms and rights of the media workers in the OPT.

I thank you for your attention.

18th March 2013
[1] A/HRC/20/17/Add.2

***14.03.2013. PEC statement delivered at the Human Rights Council on the Universal periodic review of Switzerland (en français ci-dessous)

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
22nd session

Item 6 -   Universal Periodic Review

Switzerland

Mr. President,

The PEC wishes to address the issue of the particular moral responsibility of Switzerland, as Depositary State of the Geneva Conventions, in ensuring respect for humanitarian law and in playing a proactive role in this regard. This responsibility goes beyond the obligation enshrined in Article I of the Conventions.

We are currently witnessing in Syria, but also in other contexts of violence, massive and almost daily violations of the Geneva Conventions.

The Press Emblem Campaign was created to strengthen the protection of journalists in conflict zones. In principle, journalists are protected by the Geneva Conventions as all other civilians and it is forbidden to attempt on their lives. But we note however that this obligation, which applies to all signatories of the Conventions, has repeatedly not been observed in recent years. Last year, a record number of 141 journalists have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The PEC calls upon Switzerland, as Depositary State of the Geneva Conventions and Host Country of the Movement for the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, as well as of the Human Rights Council, to consult the High Contracting Parties before the submission of its next periodic report to the Council. The purpose of this consultation would be to identify means to strengthen the protection of journalists and media workers in conflict zones through concrete and effective mechanisms complementing the general provisions of the Geneva Conventions.

The presence on the field of independent witnesses is indispensable for documenting violations of humanitarian law, human rights as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity, so as to denounce and stop those heinous crimes.

I thank you for your attention.

14th March 2013

Déclaration de la PEC au Conseil des droits de l'homme à l'occasion de l'adoption du rapport de la Suisse pour l'examen périodique universel:

Monsieur le Président,

La PEC souhaite aborder la question de la responsabilité morale particulière de la Suisse, en tant qu'Etat dépositaire des Conventions de Genève, de faire respecter le droit international humanitaire et de jouer un rôle proactif à cet égard. Cette responsabilité va au-delà de l’obligation prévue à l’article premier des Conventions.

Nous assistons actuellement, en Syrie, mais aussi dans d'autres contextes de violences, à des violations massives et quasi-quotidiennes des Conventions de Genève.

La Presse Emblème Campagne a été créée pour renforcer la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit. En principe, les journalistes sont protégés par les Conventions de Genève comme tous les autres civils et il est interdit d'attenter à leur vie. Nous constatons cependant que cette obligation, qui s'applique à tous les Etats signataires des Conventions, n'a pas été respectée ces dernières années à plusieurs reprises. L'an dernier, 141 journalistes, un record, ont perdu la vie dans l'exercice de leur métier.

Nous demandons à la Suisse, en tant qu'Etat dépositaire des Conventions de Genève et Etat hôte du Mouvement de la Croix-Rouge et du Conseil des droits de l'homme, de consulter les Hautes Parties contractantes des Conventions de Genève, d'ici la présentation de son prochain rapport périodique devant le Conseil. Le but de cette consultation serait de déterminer les moyens de renforcer la protection des medias dans les zones de conflit par des mécanismes concrets et efficaces complétant les dispositions générales des Conventions de Genève.

La présence sur le terrain de témoins indépendants est en effet indispensable pour documenter les violations des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire, crimes de guerre et crimes contre l'humanité, les dénoncer et y mettre fin.

Je vous remercie de votre attention
14 mars 2013

***12.03.2013. PEC statement delivered at the Human Rights Council on detention of journalists in Turkey

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
22nd session

Item 4 -   Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

General debate

Mr. President,

The PEC in referring to its written contribution published under symbol NGO/90, draws the attention of the Council on the severe restrictions on freedom of expression and the extremely difficult conditions in which some journalists can carry out their mission in Turkey, particularly those of Kurdish origin. According to all the professional organizations, Turkey has one of the largest numbers of journalists imprisoned (49) while more than one hundred are detained awaiting months for their trial; to which one can also add dozen of bloggers.

The persecution of journalists in Turkey began with the adoption of the Anti-terror law in 2005, which criminalizes the propaganda in the name of terrorist organizations; without defining the term of propaganda. The law was amended last year after it was subject to severe criticism at international level, but despite the reform, no significant changes have been observed in the practice.

In the month of January 2013, eleven journalists were imprisoned on charges of belonging to the banned Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C). Evidences presented in court were not disclosed to their lawyers. Six members of PEN Turkey, a writers’ association, are currently being investigated for “insulting the state”[1].

The PEC welcomes the recent presentation by Prime Minister Erdogan of a reform of the Penal Code aiming at reducing the definition of “terrorist propaganda” and encourages the Turkish Parliament to adopt it in the speediest possible way.

Mr. President,

The Press Emblem Campaign calls on the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to monitor the proceedings of the collective trial against the Kurdish journalists in Turkey and to report to Human Rights Council.

I thank you for your attention.

11th March 2013
[1] A/HRC/22/NGO/144

***11.03.2013. SYRIA. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL 22nd session. Debate on the report of the independent international commission of inquiry. PEC statement delivered by the PEC UN Representative Gianfranco Fattorini

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
22nd session

Item 4 - Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Report of the Independent international commission of inquiry on the situation in the
Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/22/59)

Mr. President,

First of all, we thank the Commission of Inquiry for dedicating a section of Annex XII to the violence against media workers. We wish to inform the Council that in 2012, 37 professional media workers were killed in the Syrian Arab Republic, while dozens of civilians providing information to the public, mainly through electronic means, have lost their lives. In 2013, as of today, 4 professional media workers have been killed. According to the Media Freedom Committee of the Syrian Journalists Association, a total of 29 professional and non-professional media workers have been killed in 2013.

As the Commission of Inquiry has stressed in its report, journalists have been treated as military objectives by both sides to the conflict and viewed in terms of strategic gain. Besides the killed ones, journalists are also kidnapped or arbitrarily detained either by the Governmental forces or the civilian militias. Today, at least 4 foreign journalists are arbitrarily detained or are missing: journalists have the duty to inform and denounce all human rights violations, particularly when they could constitute crimes of war or crimes against humanity. In the absence of any images of those atrocities it is very difficult to mobilize the public opinion in order to stop the massacres.

We wish to draw the Council’s attention to the case of Mazen Darwish, Director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, who was arrested in February 2012. Darwish and his two colleagues Hani Zitani and Hussein Al Ghurair are still held in arbitrary detention. According to recent findings, they were transferred to Adra central prison near the capital Damascus.

Mr. President,

In the report it is rightly said that “Under international humanitarian law, attacks against journalists are prohibited. Journalists exercising their professional activities in relation to an armed conflict must be protected” and that “Investigations are on-going as to the deliberate targeting of journalists by Government forces and by anti-Government armed groups.”: could we know who is investigating? Could we be informed on the measures taken by the various parties to the conflict to protect media workers and to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted? Which judicial procedure could be used in order to effectively insure that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted?

I thank you for your attention.

11th March 2013

***08.03.2013. PAKISTAN. PEC appreciates and supports ‘the International Friends of Media Alliance on Safety’ and UN action Plan in Pakistan

PEC Representative in Pakistan and reporter Israr Khan (right), here in discussion with Abdul Basit, M&E Officer of Intermedia, took part in the two-day international conference in Islamabad (photo pec) 

ISLAMABAD (8 March 2013) - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) while fully endorsing the outcomes of the two-day international media conference in Islamabad, appreciated the effort of forming an ‘alliance’ by more than a dozen international media development and support organizations including itself to coordinate their efforts on media safety and protection in Pakistan. It also strongly resolved to do all our efforts for the protection and safety of journalists in Pakistan which is one of the most dangerous countries on the globe for journalists.  

The United Nations Action Plan Against Impunity in Pakistan was also launched, which seeks to support efforts to promote security and safety of journalists in the country. Pakistan is one of five pilot countries of the UN Action Plan with the objective of building the country’s capacity to deal with safety of journalists.

PEC is also one of its major advocators with the hope that it will definitely have an impact on the Pakistani society, political parties and governments in ending impunity against journalists.  

The organizations who established ‘the International Friends of Media Alliance on Safety’ at the end of the two-day international conference comprised of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), Article IX, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Freedom House (FH), International News Safety Institute (INSI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Media Support (IMS), UNESCO, International Press Institute (IPI), Internews Network, International Federation of Freedom of Expression (IFEX), Amnesty International (AI), World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), Fojo Institute and Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

The PEC which participated in this conference has also pledged for playing its vibrant role to support this international Alliance and the UN action plan to promote security and safety of journalists in Pakistan.

Guy Berger, the Head of the Freedom of Expression Division at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris launched the UN Action Plan elaborated by Director UNESCO-Pakistan Kozue Kay Nagata. The Action Plan will serve to support existing efforts to promote actions against impunity in Pakistan by facilitating coordination and collaborative actions by various national and international media support and defence groups.

The conference also resulted in launching the ‘Pakistan Coalition of Media on Safety (PCOMS)’, an alliance of media stakeholders in the country seeking to promote a unified agenda of safety for journalists, media workers and media establishments in the country to take advantage of global UN plan against impunity in Pakistan. Key associations representing media workers, managers and owners, as well as media development groups will be members of the Coalition.  

The PCOMS will develop a “National Charter on Media Safety”, adopting the outcomes of the national consultation conducted by UNESCO and national conference on impunity against journalists conducted by Intermedia Pakistan – both in November 2012 – to outline priorities, collaborative and individual actions, develop resources, tools and mechanisms, to promote a unified agenda of safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments of Pakistan.  

Head of Asia Programs of IMS Lars Bestle said while the state of impunity against journalists in Pakistan is high, it is also significant that there exist wide support within the media, government, political parties and civil society in the country representing a consensus that can deliver dividends by way of collaborative responses to threats. 

Head of Media Program for Open Society Foundation Asad Baig said that coordination among media defence groups can help improve the response to threats and reduce the framework of risks that exist. 

Executive Director Intermedia Pakistan Adnan Rehmat said democracy is not safe when journalists are unsafe, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen media defence strategies. He also said that we will also take the cases of journalists to the court of law and follow them to get justice. We also demand of the government for the appointment of a special prosecutor who will follow and investigate the attacks and killing of journalists.

Israr Khan
PEC Representative in Islamabad
Sr, Staff Reporter
+92 346 9322611
International The News

FYI, documents of the conference:

UN Action Plan on Impunity Against Journalists and international alliance of media groups launched to reduce threats to journalists in Pakistan

PRESS RELEASE

ISLAMABAD (March 7, 2013): A two-day international conference concluded in Islamabad on Thursday launching the United Nations Action Plan Against Impunity, in Pakistan, which seeks to support efforts to promote security and safety of journalists in the country. Pakistan is one of five pilot countries of the UN Action Plan Against Impunity.  
 
The UN Action Plan was launched by Guy Berger, the Head of the Freedom of Expression Division at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and elaborated by Director UNESCO-Pakistan Kozue Kay Nagata. The Action Plan will serve to support existing efforts to promote actions against impunity against journalists in Pakistan by facilitating coordination and collaborative actions by various national and international media support and defence groups. 
 
The conference highlighted and raised awareness about the UN Action Plan Against Impunity in five pilot countries, including Pakistan, with the objective of building the country’s capacity to deal with safety of journalists.
 
The international conference was conducted by Intermedia Pakistan, a national media support and development group – with support from Open Society Foundation-Pakistan (OSF), International Media Support (IMS) and United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 

Significantly, the conference resulted in setting up of the Pakistan Coalition of Media on Safety (PCOMS), an alliance of media stakeholders in the country seeking to promote a unified agenda of safety for journalists, media workers and media establishments in the country. Key associations representing media workers, managers and owners, as well as media development groups will be members of the Coalition.   
 
The conference also resulted in the establishment of the International Friends of Media Alliance on Safety, a group of over a dozen international media development and support organizations aiming to coordinate their efforts on media safety in Pakistan. The Alliance includes Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), Article IX, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Freedom House (FH), International News Safety Institute (INSI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Media Support (IMS), UNESCO, International Press Institute (IPI), Internews Network, International Federation of Freedom of Expression (IFEX), Amnesty International (AI), World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), Fojo Institute, Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

Head of Asia Programs of IMS Lars Bestle said while the state of impunity against journalists in Pakistan is high, it is also significant that there exist wide support within the media, government, political parties and civil society in the country representing a consensus that can deliver dividends by way of collaborative responses to threats. 

Head of Media Program for Open Society Foundation Asad Baig said that coordination among media defence groups can help improve the response to threats and reduce the framework of risks that exist. 

Executive Director Intermedia Pakistan Adnan Rehmat said democracy is not safe when journalists are unsafe, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen media defence strategies. 

The conference was extended support by the Government of Pakistan, key political parties including Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Muslim League-N, Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Awami National Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf. 

The conference brought together all key stakeholders from within Pakistan and key international media defence groups to discuss ways of combating the violence against media and journalists in the country and what best lessons from the world Pakistan can partly adopt. 

The conference noted with concern that over 90 journalists have been killed in Pakistan since 2000 and at least 70 journalists in the last five years alone and hundreds attacked, injured, kidnapped, arrested and intimidated in a variety of ways. From 2007 to 2013 the average of journalists killed every year is 13 – one every 28 days. There has been no prosecution and conviction of any attacker – the prevalence of impunity is huge. Despite recent efforts by a variety of actors to combat this trend, the scale of impunity hasn’t been dented. 

The international conference extended support to local efforts to raise the public profile of impunity against journalists by bringing together all key stakeholders from within Pakistan and key international media defence groups to discuss ways of combating the violence against media and journalists in the country and what best lessons from the world Pakistan can adopt.  

PAKISTAN COALITION ON MEDIA SAFETY (PCOMS)

Declaration by Media Stakeholders on Combating Impunity

International Conference on Safety & Security of Pakistani Journalists

Islamabad, March 7, 2013 

The “International Conference on Safety and Security of Pakistani Journalists: Promoting Collaborative Approaches to Combat Impunity”, held in Islamabad on March 6-7, 2013 by Intermedia Pakistan with support of International Media Support (IMS), Open Society Foundations (OSF) and UNESCO, attended by representatives of leading national and international media houses, associations, platforms and media development organizations, and which expressed solidarity with the Pakistani media on the issue of impunity against Pakistani journalists, declared the following:
 
1.      The level of threats facing Pakistani media and its practitioners is unacceptable that have, according to Intermedia Pakistan and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, killed over 90 journalists since 2000 and resulted in injuries, assaults, arrests, kidnapping and other forms of serious intimidation faced by over 2,000 journalists in the same period.
 
2.      Urgent and extraordinary measures need to be coordinated, endorsed and adopted by all stakeholders of the media sector in Pakistan, including media owners, managers, practitioners and workers, as well as the other various stakeholders of the media stakeholders, to reduce the range of threats that journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan face. 
 
3.      The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” (PCOMS) is set up, in pursuance of the Declaration of the National Conference on Impunity Against Journalists held on November 8, 2012, that recommended setting up of such an alliance,  to serve as a platform for key stakeholders of the media sector in Pakistan to promote collaborative approaches, mechanisms and actions aimed at reducing risks, threats and attacks against the media and promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in the country.

4.      “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” (PCOMS) welcomes and supports the UN Action Plan Against Impunity and its focus on Pakistan as one of the pilot countries of the Plan – and seeks to both benefit and contribute to it in the interests of safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan.  
 
5.      A ‘Working Group’ was set up to approach key media stakeholders in Pakistan to create a Steering Committee for the “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” (PCOMS) that can take ownership of the Coalition. The conference proposed Hamid Mir, Adnan Rehmat, Owais Aslam Ali, Iqbal Khattak and Mazhar Abbas as members of the Working Group.
 
6.      The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” will develop a “National Charter on Media Safety”, adopting the outcomes of the national consultation conducted by UNESCO and national conference on impunity against journalists conducted by Intermedia Pakistan – both in November 2012 – to outline priorities, collaborative and individual actions, develop resources, tools and mechanisms, to promote a unified agenda of safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments of Pakistan.   
 
7.      The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” welcomes the establishment of the “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety”, and seeks to interact with it in the interest of pushing forward an agenda of safety of journalists, media workers and media establishments in the country. 
 
8.      The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” will seek to promote membership by all key stakeholders of the media sector in Pakistan to lend support to the cause of promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan.

9.      The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” will seek to establish networking, partnerships and collaborations with the international media community, including media development and support organizations, on the issue of promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan. 
 
10. The “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” will develop a “Roadmap of Safety and Security” that outline a series of prioritised actions aimed at promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan. 

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS OF PAKISTAN MEDIA
ALLIANCE ON SAFETY

Declaration by International Media Groups on Combating Impunity Against Journalists in Pakistan

International Conference on Safety & Security of Pakistani Journalists 
Islamabad, March 7, 2013 

The “International Conference on Safety and Security of Pakistani Journalists: Promoting Collaborative Approaches to Combat Impunity”, held in Islamabad on March 6-7, 2013 by Intermedia Pakistan with support of International Media Support (IMS), Open Society Foundations (OSF) and UNESCO, attended by representatives of leading national and international media houses, associations, platforms and media development organizations, and which expressed solidarity with the Pakistani media on the issue of impunity against Pakistani journalists, declared the following:
 
1.      A free media and open communications policies are central to promoting a democratic Pakistan.
 
2.      The level of threats facing Pakistani media and its practitioners is unacceptable that have, according to Intermedia Pakistan and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, killed over 90 journalists since 2000 and have resulted in injuries, assaults, arrests, kidnapping and other forms of serious intimidation faced by over 2,000 journalists in the same period.
 
3.      Urgent and extraordinary measures need to be coordinated, endorsed and adopted by all stakeholders of the media sector in Pakistan, including support to these measures by their international counterparts, to reduce the range of threats that journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan face. 
 
4.      An “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” is hereby set up to serve as a platform for international media support and development actors to promote collaborative approaches, mechanisms and actions aimed at reducing risks, threats and attacks against the media and promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan. 
 
5.      The “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” welcomes and supports the UN Action Plan Against Impunity and its focus on Pakistan as one of the pilot countries of the Plan – and seeks to both benefit and contribute to it in the interests of safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan.  
 
6.      The “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” welcomes the establishment of the “Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety” (PCOMS) and supports its objectives of promoting a unified agenda of safety for journalists, media workers and media establishments in the country. 
 
7.      The “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” agreed to coordinate and collaborate with groups and actors in Pakistan, including the Pakistan Coalition on Media Safety, collaboratively and individually, to support actions, development of resources, tools and mechanisms, to promote a unified agenda of safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments of Pakistan.   
 
8.      The “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” will seek to coordinate networking, partnerships and collaborations, wherever possible, on their work in Pakistan to share support, experiences and resources, on the issue of promoting safety and security of journalists, media workers and media establishments in Pakistan, including among other things, sharing advocacy, research and trainings materials online, a strategy for which will be worked out later.  
 
9.      The “International Friends of Pakistan Media Alliance on Safety” will initially include as members Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), Article IX, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Freedom House (FH), International News Safety Institute (INSI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Media Support (IMS), UNESCO, International Press Institute (IPI), Internews Network, International Federation of Freedom of Expression (IFEX), Amnesty International (AI), World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA), Fojo Institute, Press Emblem Campaign (PEC). Membership will be open to any media support organization or group working in Pakistan or seeking to work here. 

Media Defense groups voiced concern on the Pakistani government's weak resolve to combat impunity against journalists 

ISLAMABAD, March 6: International media support groups, representative from the UN organizations, Journalists unions and associations working on journalists’ safety and media freedom Wednesday gathered here in Islamabad and call upon Pakistani government for greater journalist’s protection and investigation and prosecution of the murderers of Journalists who had so far taken lives of more than 91 journalists in the country and hundreds are still under constant threats.
 
They also voiced concern on the government's weak resolve to combat impunity against journalists and urged it to act decisively to protect journalist, fight impunity and achieve justice. It was also noted that the high level of Impunity is the main cause encouraging crimes against media and putting the messengers’ lives in dangers. Unfortunately, so far, not a single journalist’s killer has been trialed and punished in Pakistan.

These were the apprehensions expressed by the media defense groups at the first day of the a two-day international conference conducted by Intermedia Pakistan, a national media support and development group—with the support from Foundation Open Society Foundation-Pakistan, International Media Support and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

The conference that was designed to highlight and raise awareness about a new UN Action Plan Against Impunity in five pilot countries including Pakistan, call for having a comprehensive approach towards safety, protection and combating impunity against journalists and also underlined the importance of safety trainings that focus on counter surveillance, movement and safety issues of journalists, especially in conflict areas.

Key international media support groups attended the conference include Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), Article 19, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Freedom House (FH), International News Safety Institute (INSI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Media Support (IMS), UNESCO, International Press Institute (IPI), Internews Network, International Federation of Freedom of Expression (IFEX), Amnesty International (AI),World Association of Newspapers (WAN), Freedom of the Press Foundation (FLIP), Fojo Institute, Press Emblem Campaign (PEC).

Writing and reporting about the warring groups in Balochistan, tribal areas and parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has almost impaired journalism due to certain serious threats pose to media persons and where the enemy is always unknown, said a speaker.

Weaknesses among the Pakistani journalists unions were pinpointed by the former secretary general of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Mazhar Abbas. He said, “We unions don’t follow the cases. Journalist Unions’ pressure on the government is also required, as most murder cases end up with the release of suspects.” He further said that militants in parts of Pakistan dictate what to cover and where to place the story even. We feel insecure in newsrooms and press clubs, because press cards are not being controlled. Citing a case, Abbas said that last year a terrorist was killed and a press card was recovered out of his pocket.

In Pakistan, prosecution failed to follow and solve the cases in which the suspects had been arrested, but latter freed due to weak prosecution.

Participants call for the systematic and long-term investigation into the journalists’ murder cases, as to bring the killers to task. The government should also put serious efforts behind this cause and also bring amendments to terrorism Act to protect media persons and address crimes against journalists. 
 
Completion among journalists for the breaking of the news is also one of the main reasons for the journalists’ deaths in Pakistan. Political parties having militant groups are also been termed as one of the major enemies of journalists. It was feared that in coming elections, we may see such incidents of party workers attacks on media.

Criminal Justice system is not strong enough in Pakistan to go with impunity; because of the impunity problem journalists are vulnerable as the criminals think that the law will not reach them.     
        
Guy Berger, Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development at UNESCO said, “If a Journalist is killed, it is a very visible sign that rule of law is not there.” In Pakistan a staggering number of journalists and media workers killed while performing their professional duties.
 
According to the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and other bodies striving for protecting journalists, Pakistan has been ranked third most dangerous place on the globe. This year three journalists killed in Quetta in January, another three in Sind, Balochistan and tribal areas very recently. Between 2007 and 2012, at least one journalist targeted every 28 days in Pakistan. 
 
Pakistani representative associations of media workers, owners and professionals and media defence groups such as Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), Pakistan Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA), Pakistan News Agencies Council (PNAC), among others; the government; security agencies and civil society representatives, etc.

For the PEC Israr Khan
  

***01.03.2013. PAKISTAN: PEC ALARMED - THREE JOURNALISTS KILLED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS IN ONE WEEK

Pakistani journalists hold placards and banners during a protest rally against the killing of Mehmood Jan Afridi, who worked for the Urdu-language Intekhab daily in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar, on March 2, 2013. Unidentified gunmen shot dead a journalist on Friday in Balochistan - the third journalist killed in one week, PEC Representative in Islamabad Israr Khan reported

PAKISTAN, March 1, 2013: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has strongly condemned the killing of another Pakistani journalist Mr. Mehmood Jan Afridi in Southwestern Pakistan’s insurgency hit province of Balochistan on 1 March and expressed serious concern on the worse state of journalism in the country.

Mehmood Jan Afridi, 38, had worked for the Urdu-language The Daily Intekhab for the last two decades. He was also working with a television channel ‘News One’, According to Essa Tareen, President of the Balochistan who spoke to the PEC by phone.

Essa Tareen while condemning this incident and state of impunity told PEC, “Now, we are feeling shame to only condemn and demand for arrest of the killers of every journalist gets killed in the line of duty in the province, as we know the government is neither doing something for our protection nor even it had investigated a single case and brought the killers to justice.”

Tareen strongly condemned the incident and called on the government and law enforcement agencies to arrest the killers forthwith. Journalists are being targeted with impunity in Pakistan and the government has failed to check this “dangerous trend”.

According to police sources, Afridi was sitting in the evening at a Public Call Office in Kalat district which is about 145 kilometers south of provincial capital Quetta, when unidentified assailants fired at him and killed at the spot. Afridi was also president of the Kalat Press Club.

No one has claimed responsibility for the murder.

He was the third journalist killed in Pakistan in one week.

Since January 2013, 20 journalists have been killed round the world. In Pakistan, the number has reached 7 among which four have been killed in Balochistan province.

Pakistani Journalists are under threat, especially in terrorism-hit areas including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. Secessionist groups, religious militants and a weak government response have combined to make journalists in Pakistan victims of target killings.

“The government does just lip service and nothing else. We demand of the authorities to take concrete steps to curb the killings of journalists that are continuing unabated,” President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Pervaiz Shaukat said.

PFUJ Secretary-General Amin Yousuf said Kalat, Khuzdar and Turbat are particularly dangerous for journalists, and most of the media persons who have been killed in Balochistan were based in these districts. The provincial government has failed to maintain law and order in Balochistan. We demand immediate protection of journalists who are being targeted with impunity,” Yousuf added.

Previously, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) strongly condemned two Pakistani journalists’ killings during last three days in separate incidents, one in lawless Northwestern tribal region and another in Karachi city.

The PEC also expressed its deep concern over the unfortunate incident in Swat valley where three journalists survived attempt on their life as they were fired at outside Swat Press Club Tuesday night. Journalists Fayyaz Zafar, Shahzad Alam and Murad Ali said that they were on way to the press club after dinner when armed men traveling in a white car opened fire on them.

Swat, which was once the stronghold of militants, has been though cleared of militant after a full-fledged military operation, yet the incidents of target killing are continuing.

The PEC that fights for the protection of journalists round the globe said that attacks on journalists in Pakistan is alarmingly increasing. This unabated violence against the media in Pakistan is due to a history of uninvestigated incidents of journalists’ killings and where no culprit has been so far brought to justice.  The watchdog urged the Pakistani government for an immediate investigation into these killings to identify the killers.

Malik Mumtaz, a senior journalist who was associated with the Jang group of newspapers and later with its Urdu language Geo television channel for the past two-decade was shot dead by unidentified attackers on Wednesday late afternoon in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan, bordering Afghanistan.  

So far, no group has claimed responsibility. The Pakistani Taliban condemned the killing of Mumtaz who was recently elected the Chairperson of the Miranshah Press Club. He survived by his wife, two sons and daughter.

In another incident late night Monday, a senior Journalist Mr. Khushnood Ali Shaikh, who was the Chief Reporter of the state-run news agency the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) in its Karachi bureau was killed in a ‘dubious’ hit-and-run car accident when he was crossing a road near his home in Gulistan-e-Johar,Karachi.

The doubts shrouded Sheikh’s death because he got life threats from some extortionists that forced him to relocate himself and his family to Islamabad where he spent many weeks.

The PEC expressed it deep sorrow and grief over these killings of journalists and called the government for inquiry into these cases, as to bring culprits to task.

Meanwhile in a statement, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) secretary general Amin Yousuf and Chairman All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation (ANPEC) Nasir Naqvi expressed its concern on this sad incident and demanded of the government, “A high-level committee should be set up to investigate Khushnood death so that the real cause could be established,”

In Karachi, extortion mafia has become so strong that even government and law enforcement agencies are helpless. Sheikh was also received a receipt of a million rupees (US$10,100) from this mafia. 

The relatives of the deceased journalist are terming his death in a road accident as “target killing”. They say that since he recently built a new house in Karachi, then he has been receiving receipts of extortion money and threats. Resultantly, the journalist got himself transferred to Islamabad, but the threats not stopped.

Sheik had come to Karachi these days and on Monday he came out of his car to purchase milk when a speeding vehicle ran him over. Eyewitnesses denied it was an accident and said that the car had deliberately hit him. According to the people living in Johar area, building a house in the area is an extremely difficult task as the owner of a house gets extortion receipt as soon as the construction work begins.

While condemning the killings of journalists, senior television anchors and journalists said, “In Pakistan, there is no media law that provides for complete protection to the journalist community, as the country has become one of the most dangerous places for journalists. The government had totally failed to provide safety and protection to journalists.” 

 Senior Jaournalist/anchor Hamid Mir while speaking to Geo news said, “Mumtaz had been receiving threats.” 

The PFUJ former secretary general Mazhar Abbas said, “The government’s performance in protecting journalists was regrettable.” President of the PFUJ, Pervaiz Shaukhat said, the government should find and punish those behind this attack. 

Israr Khan, PEC REP in Pakistan 

***25.02.2013. SYRIE. LA PEC EST CONSTERNEE PAR LA MORT DU PHOTOGRAPHE FRANçAIS OLIVIER VOISIN, GRIEVEMENT BLESSE EN SYRIE, ET REND HOMMAGE A SON COURAGE PROFESSIONNEL 

Un quatrième journaliste français a trouvé la mort sur le front syrien. Le reporter-photographe français indépendant, Olivier Voisin (photo), grièvement blessé en Syrie jeudi, a succombé à ses blessures dans un hôpital en Turquie, a indiqué dimanche une porte-parole du ministère des Affaires étrangères. Il avait 38 ans. Olivier Voisin avait été grièvement blessé à la tête et au bras droit par des éclats d'obus jeudi alors qu'il couvrait les opérations d'une katiba (groupe armé d'opposition) dans la région d'Idlib (nord de la Syrie). Transféré à l'hôpital international d'Antakya puis à Istanbul, son état était jugé critique malgré une intervention chirurgicale.

Né en mars 1974 en Corée, Olivier Voisin a été adopté par une famille française. Outre la Syrie, il avait réalisé de nombreux reportages en Libye, en Somalie ou encore au Brésil. Le photographe travaillait pour de nombreux journaux parmi lesquels Libération, Le Monde ou The Guardian. Il avait publié des photos pour l'AFP en janvier sur les combats dans la ville d'Alep et sur le camp de réfugiés syriens à Azaz, près de la frontière turque.

Le Huffingtonpost.fr publie le dernier mail d'Olivier voisin envoyé à une amie italienne, Mimosa Martini, la veille du jour où il a été blessé. Cette dernière a publié ces écrits sur le profil Facebook d'Olivier Voisin. Ce mail en dit long sur la guerre qui sévit en Syrie mais également sur les conditions du métier de photographe : "Putain, j'ai eu la trouille de me faire pincer et de faire le mauvais pas. Et puis d'un coup le copain syrien qui m'attend et que je retrouve comme une libération". Le photographe continue : "Les conditions de vie ici sont plus que précaires. C'est un peu dur!", avant d'ajouter : "Aujourd'hui je suis tombé sur des familles qui viennent de Hamah et qui ont perdu leur maison. Ils vivent sous terre ou dans des grottes. Ils ont tout perdu. Du coup ça relativise de suite les conditions de vie que j'ai au sein de cette compagnie".

Après Gilles Jacquier et Rémi Ochlik en 2012 puis Yves Debay le mois dernier, Olivier Voisin est le quatrième journaliste français à périr sur le sol syrien. La PEC rend hommage à son courage professionnel et adresse ses condoléances à la famille de la victime. Elle appelle encore une fois la communauté internationale, et en particulier dans ce cas la France, à prendre les mesures nécessaires pour faire en sorte que le droit à l'information du public soit respecté dans les situations de conflit et que les travailleurs des médias puissent informer, sans risquer leur vie, des terribles souffrances endurées par les civils.

La PEC, inquiète des conditions de travail des photographes dans les zones de guerre, partage le point de vue du SNJ-CGT et reproduit son communiqué ci-dessous pour information:

Olivier Voisin : mort pour vivre (SNJ-CGT)

Le reporter-photographe Olivier Voisin, grièvement blessé en Syrie, est décédé en Turquie où il avait été transporté.

Sa mort va allonger la trop longue liste des journalistes morts pour informer ; notamment dans les zones de conflit.

Mais, au-delà de la profonde émotion suscitée par la perte d’un collègue, soucieux d’aller au plus près de l’actualité pour informer complètement, ne faudrait-il pas s’interroger sur les conditions d’exercice de la profession, surtout en zone de guerre.

En effet, Olivier Voisin était indépendant. Pourquoi ?

Parce que les éditeurs n’embauchent plus de reporters-photographes permanents, s’en remettant de plus en plus à des journalistes dits indépendants parce que les employeurs se refusent à leur appliquer le statut, dont ils prétendent qu’il est exorbitant du droit commun. La réduction des frais rédactionnels et, corollaire, l’augmentation des profits sont à ce prix.

Assurance et achat d’un matériel de plus en plus sophistiqué (et donc cher) supportés par le reporter, rémunération (de plus en plus chiche) à la photo publiée, acquis sociaux non servis (le reporter n’étant pas reconnu comme salarié), mais exigences inouïes en matière de fourniture de photos de grande qualité et selon les besoins, etc., bref le quotidien du reporter-photographe est de plus en plus précaire. Aussi, pour s’assurer que les « clients » prendront les photos, le journaliste est amené à prendre de plus en plus de risque ; il ne va pas seulement là où sa conscience professionnelle lui dicte d’aller pour traquer l’information : il franchit fréquemment les limites.

La dernière lettre électronique d’Olivier Voisin à une amie italienne est, à cet égard, terriblement accusatrice ; il écrit, en effet :

« Je fais les photos et je suis même pas sûr que l'AFP les prennent. »

Puis, il ajoute :

« Je ne suis que le petit Olivier, qui crève la dalle avec eux (les insurgés, NDLR) et qui les emmerde car les combats directs se font attendre. Le problème, c'est ce que demande l'AFP. Moins j'en fais, moins je gagne aussi et ce que je gagne c'est déjà pas fabuleux et plus les jours passent c'est autant de photos qu'on me demande de faire que je ne fais pas. »

Le SNJ-CGT salue la mémoire d’Olivier Voisin.

Pour honorer sa mémoire et celle des autres journalistes morts en zone de conflit (et notamment, les reporters-photographes), le SNJ-CGT continuera à œuvrer pour la résorption de la précarité et l’application du statut de journaliste à tous, sans exception.

SNJ CGT 
Montreuil le 24/2/2013

***21.02.2013. SYRIA. REMEMBER - Mazen Darwish detained over a year - Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik killed at Homs one year ago - PEC renews its call for the release of Mazen Darwish and his colleagues with immediate effect

The Press Emblem Campaign PEC condemns the methods of the Syrian regime curbing freedom of opinion and expression by killing journalists, abducting activists and torturing them, and calls for the release of Mazen Darwish and his colleagues with immediate effect.

Syria media and human rights activist Mazen Darwish has spent more than one year in solitary confinement by the Syrian regime with other members of his Center the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of expression.
16 February 2012, Mazen and 14 of his colleagues were abducted by Syrian security forces from the Center to Prison.

Two foreign journalists: Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik were killed at Homs coincidental with the abduction of Mazen and his colleagues. 

Reports confirm that Mazen has been subjected to torture. Two other activists still remain abducted Hani Al Zeitani and Hussein Al Ghari. Twelve others were released. Another activist was killed under torture Moustafa Ghazoul.

Others activists were subject to arbitrary detention: Syrian writer Hussein Eissawi, media activist Shebl Ibrahim, film writer Adnan Zerai, and activist Ibrahim Hegi Al Halabi. All detained over a year ago except for Al Halabi who was detained on 12 May 2012.

Mazen Darwish was honored by the PEC Prize for the protection of journalists June 2012.

On the anniversary of Marie Colvin’s death, PEC supports a new campaign launched by journalists - please visit: www.adaywithoutnews.com

The purpose of this campaign is to draw sharper attention to the growing numbers of journalists who have been killed and injured in armed conflict, in some cases as a result of direct targeting by the belligerents; to develop a public diplomacy, institutional and legal agenda to combat this more effectively; and to investigate and collect evidence in support of prosecutable cases in this area.

***20.02.2013. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) submitted two written statements to the attention of the 22nd session of HRC, under agenda item 4 and agenda item 8

Press Emblem Campaign calls on the Human Rights Council’s attention to the situation of journalists’ rights, and the freedom of press and information in Turkey. Our organization already alerted the Council at its 21st session, during the general debate on Agenda item 4, on the severe conditions Kurdish journalists have to face in this country.

According to different sources, as of December 2012, Turkey is the world's worst jailer of journalists with 49 journalists imprisoned. Freedom of expression, and rights of journalists to freely investigate, report and criticize government policies, have declined significantly during the last years.

In addition, the Human Rights Association in Diyarbakir reported about 33 legal cases against Kurdish journalists, carried out under the Koma Civakên Kurdistan[1] (KCK) operations file. Dozens of other journalists and columnists remain in pre-trial detention all around the country.

Most journalists are arrested and brought to trail under sweeping anti-terrorism laws by which they risk long imprisonment sentences. A number of court indictments against detained journalists, reviewed by civil society organizations, confirm state prosecutors regularly and systematically accuse journalists who express dissenting political views of being directed by, and linked to, terrorist groups. High government officials even accused international non-governmental organizations of having links to “terrorist activists”, when they released alarming reports on press freedom in Turkey.

The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2003/42 on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, adopted without a vote, « mindful of the need to ensure that unjustified invocation of national security, including counter-terrorism, to restrict the right to freedom of expression and information does not take place », urged States « to refrain from using counter-terrorism as a pretext to restrict the right to freedom of expression in ways which are contrary to their obligations under international law. »

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Mr. Martin Scheinin, in his report on the visit to Turkey[2] (16 to 23 February 2006), among other recommendations, already stressed «… that only full definitional clarity with regard to what acts constitute terrorist crimes can ensure that the crimes of membership, aiding and abetting and what certain authorities referred to as “crimes of opinion” are not abused for other purposes than fighting terrorism…»

In his Addendum[3] to the report, the Special Rapporteur underlined that «…journalists and publishers continue to be prosecuted under articles related to terrorism. In the view of the Special Rapporteur, this large caseload related to terrorism may be a sign of the notion of terrorism having lost its distinctive force. » and added «Prosecutions against journalists, writers and publishers who publish information related to investigations linked to alleged terrorist crimes or who write material referring to the situation of various ethnic groups in Turkey also run a significant risk of being prosecuted. »

The Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo), in his report[4] to the Commission on Human Rights in 2002 expressed his concern about «the recent trend among Governments to adopt, or to contemplate the adoption of, counter-terrorism and national security legislative or other measures that may infringe upon the effective exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. As highlighted above, the arguments of national security and anti-terrorism are being increasingly resorted to in many countries all over the world, with the intended or indirect effect of restricting the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in particular for media professionals,… »In his report to the Human Rights Council[5], Mr. Ligabo underscored that «…Counter-terrorism and national security legislation approved in recent years have on many instances exceeded the bounds of what is permissible under international law and resulted in human rights violations. In this context, the right to freedom of opinion and expression is particularly vulnerable to legislation that de facto legitimates

limitations on the free circulation and expression of ideas and opinions, directly affecting the work of media professionals, human rights defenders, political groups and civil society more broadly. Journalists and media professionals have become common targets of unlawful attempts to restrict freedom of expression. »

Furthermore he highlighted the fact that «The restrictions brought about by counter-terrorism legislation on human rights in general, and the right to freedom of opinion and expression in particular, have taken many forms…banning the publication of information that is, without justification, defined as being threatening to national security;…»

The Human Rights Council, in adopting, by consensus, its resolution on “Safety of journalists” acknowledged the particular role played by journalists in matters of public interest, including by raising awareness of human rights and recognized that the work of journalists often puts them at specific risk of intimidation, harassment and violence. At the same time, the Human Rights Council condemned in the strongest term all attacks and violence against journalists, such as arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment.

In light of the above elements, the Press Emblem Campaign calls on the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to monitor the proceedings of the collective trial against the Kurdish journalists in Turkey and to report to Human Rights Council.

[1] Union of Communities in Kurdistan[2] E/CN.4/2006/98/Add.2[3] A/HRC/4/26/Add.2[4] E/CN.4/2003/67[5] A/HRC/7/14

PEC WRITTEN STATEMENT SUBMITTED TO HRC UNDER AGENDA ITEM 8

In paragraph 39 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action[1], the World Conference on Human Rights encouraged the increased involvement of the media, for whom freedom and protection should be guaranteed.

The World Conference also reaffirmed that the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the first responsibility of Governments.

Today, in too many countries, notably those experiencing a war or troubled situation, journalists and media workers not only they do not enjoy the security and protection they should be entitled to, but they have to face a climate of suspicion, intimidation, repression and even violence created by the State authorities which is fundamentally inconsistent with the international commitments.

In Chile, throughout the year 2012, a wave of intimidation and violent acts falls on journalists investigating on the police and intelligence services role during the military dictatorship.

In Guatemala, the General Telecommunications Law adopted on 19th November 2012, creates a discriminatory system that penalize small radio stations, notably those of the indigenous communities, which fear to be confiscated or forced to close.

In Uganda, the recent crackdown on radio stations and newspapers due to an alleged excess of criticism to the governmental activities is worrying. The Minister in charge of the presidency, Frank Tumwebaze, argued that the government was out to monitor and restore sanity within the media. At the end of January, two journalists (Sulaiman Kakaire and David Tash Lumu) covering the Parliament debates were suspended by the Speaker of Parliament (Mrs.Rebecca Kadaga) who found “inaccurate and annoying” the stories the journalists wrote.

In Somalia, where journalists and media workers are too often targeted and killed, at the beginning of February a freelance journalist (Mr. Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim) was sentenced to one year imprisonment because he interviewed an alleged raped woman, although he even did not publish the interview.

In Eritrea, the Government issued a decree on 1st February 2013 in order to forbid anyone to access to the Qatari TV Channel Al-Jazeera; public places, such as hotels and restaurants were particularly targeted. This governmental decision followed the broadcasting of reportage on the manifestation of Eritrean opponents in front of several Eritrean diplomatic missions around the world.

In Sudan, since 2012, the security and intelligence services have targeted media which have to face a disturbing practice leading to the seizure or the closure of the newspapers that are politically motivated.

In Libya, since the access to power of the new authorities last July, journalists and media workers are confronted with several barriers to the smooth running of their mission such as difficulties in obtaining entrance visa, filming bans, arbitrary arrest and deportation. The behaviour of the Supreme Security Committee it is certainly not adequate to a country that wishes to build a democratic society.

The incident occurred last February 1st in front of the National Congress, when a reporter (Salah Abu Za’tar), his cameraman (Mus’ab Ali Al-Harari) and his driver (Abdelfatah Mansour Mohammad Al-Danouni) were physically brutalized by some guards is just another example of the State sponsored climate of threat and violence against journalists and media workers. As of the submitting of this contribution, no concrete action has been taken to punish those responsible.

In Lebanon, a well known Lebanese journalist (Rami Aysha), who use to work with international paper press, has to face a trial in a martial court in Beirut on a charge of “purchasing firearms,” while he was researching for an illegal arms trafficking.

In Gaza, the Israeli army continues to target deliberately buildings hosting journalists and last November it has deliberately killed three Palestinian journalists under the pretext that they were from media close to Hamas.

In Turkey, the world's worst jailer of journalists with 49 journalists imprisoned at the end of the year 2012, the Government authorities enforces very broadly the anti-terrorism law against any Kurdish journalist who openly criticize government policy.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, just at the beginning of 2013 the authorities visited several newspaper offices, arrested many journalists and issued warrants for many others apparently solely for having contacts with foreign media and non-governmental organisations. At least 40 journalists were already jailed in Iran before the last raid. The forthcoming legislative elections of June 2013 may incite the authorities to reinforce the repression against journalists and media workers.

In Nepal, although Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of the press at the 43rd annual meeting of the Press Council, more than 20 journalists were forced, at the end of January 2013, to leave Dailekh District due to the threats made by cadres of the ruling Unified Communist Party of Nepal (UCPN). This was because of the calls on prompt investigation and condemnation of those responsible for the kidnapping and killing of a journalist (Dekendra Raj Thapa). Members of the ruling party, publicly threatened journalists and warned some of them they could face the same fate as their colleague Thapa.

In Thailand, the sentence to 11 year jail on Somyot Prueksakasemsuk editor of the magazine “Voice of Thaksin” for publishing articles that supposedly defamed the King and the monarchy can be interpreted as a political move to censor any critic to the Government as the editor was affiliated to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the movement also known as the Red Shirts.

These few examples illustrate the many ways Governments have to silence the press and to undermine the safety and protection of journalists and media workers which are conducive to the culture of impunity in relation to journalists and media workers killing; this being fundamentally contrary to the spirit of the resolution the Council adopted by consensus at the 21st session[1] which calls “for States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference”.

At the 2nd UN Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, held in Vienna (Austria) on 22-23 November 2012, UN agencies, Governments and NGOs finalized a concrete Implementation Strategy 2013-2014 for the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity that was endorsed by the UN Chief Executives Board in April 2012.

In its introductory remarks, the UN Plan of action[2] clearly recognize that without freedom of expression, and particularly freedom of the press, an informed, active and engaged citizenry is impossible and that the curtailment of their expression deprives society as a whole of their journalistic contribution and results in a wider impact on press freedom where a climate of intimidation and violence leads to self-censorship.

Mindful that the UN Plan of action is geared to the country level and that promoting the safety of journalists and fighting impunity must not be constrained to after-the fact action but requires prevention mechanisms and actions to address some of the root causes of violence against journalists and of impunity., the Press Emblem Campaign is still convinced of the necessity to set up an international mechanism of inquiry to investigate crimes of attacks against journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.

[1] A/CONF.157/23[2] A/HRC/RES/21/12
[3) http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/CI/CI/pdf/official_documents/un_plan_action_safety_en.pdf

***09.02.2013. PAKISTAN. A FOURTH JOURNALIST KILLED.  Adam Khan, Journalist killed at the spot after the terrorists’ planted remote control bomb went off on Friday 

ISLAMABAD: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has condemned the killing of another Pakistani Journalist Mr. Adam Khan in a remote control bomb attack planted by terrorists in a market in northwestern Pakistan that killed 12 people and injured more than two dozen others.

The incident took place on Friday (Feb 8) when people were leaving the mosque after Friday prayer in Kalaya, the major town of Orakzai Tribal area and where the Pakistani security forces have been battling with militant insurgency for about last three years.

Adam Khan 26, was a local journalist working as freelancer with various newspapers. He was not on the payroll of a specific media house; however he was the member of the Orakzai Union of Journalists (OUJ) and Orakzai Press Club.

President of the Orakzai Union of Journalists Mr. Saleh Din Orakzai told the PEC, “Adam Khan along with working as a freelancer was also running a grocery store situated close to the offices of the political administration and security forces in Kalaya, headquarter of Orakzai Agency. He had also been receiving various life threats from terrorists which he reported to the OUJ, but this time terrorists planted the bomb in his store that took his life.”

“Tribal journalists are playing a frontline role in this war on terror and so far 13 journalists have lost their lives in line of duty in the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) region bordering Afghanistan. Unfortunately there is no security to us and we are providing news to the world on our own risk.” Journalists’ leader of the region said. He also complained that the government has also not provided any compensation or relief to these slain journalists.

A government administrative official in the area told the PEC on the condition of anonymity, “Yes, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed the responsibility for the bomb attack in which the insurgents used about five kilogram of explosives.”

“Mr. Khan was the prime target of the TTP, as it had threatened him several times not to file stories against them. He was also working as a fixer with local and foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs).” the official said.

This is the fourth casualty of a Pakistani journalist this year, as earlier last month in January Pakistan lost three journalists in twin successive terrorists bomb blasts in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. This latest sad demise of a journalist has raised the total Journalists casualties in the world to 13 on the PEC ticking clock during Jan-Feb 8, 2013.

Israr Khan PEC Rep in Pakistan

***08.02.2013. MEXICO. LLAMA PEC AL GOBIERNO MEXICANO DETENER MATANZA DE PERIODISTAS Y RESPALDAR LA LEY DE PROTECCION // PEC CALLS ON MEXICO’S NEW REGIME TO STOP PRESS KILLINGS AND HONOR THE NEW LAW TO PROTECT THEM (Spanish version below)

PEC CALLS ON MEXICO’S NEW REGIME TO STOP PRESS KILLINGS AND HONOR THE NEW LAW TO PROTECT THEM 

TERROR IN MEXICO: Martínez' body was found in her home in Xalapa, the capital of the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz, on 28 April 2012. She had been badly beaten around the face and ribs and had been strangled to death. Martínez (photo) had worked for the national magazine Proceso for more than 10 years and was known for her in-depth reporting on drug cartels and the links between organized crime and government officials. PEC welcomed the naming of “Regina Martinez Perez” to a street in Oviedo, Spain, on February 6 2013.

GENEVA, 8 February 2013 (PEC). The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the Senate’ Special Commission to address violence against journalists and mass media in Mexico established yesterday, as a “due time” measure for Mexican institutions to halt criminality against communicators which registers 93 murders since 2000; Mexico is the most dangerous country for journalists in America and second of all in the world, says the watchdog for the protection of journalists based in Geneva.
 
The Special Commission will follow up aggressions which mount up to no less than 843 consigned ones since 1999; 81 per cent of this complains remain unresolved creating a context of impunity for criminality during last 12 years, said Javier Tapia Urbina, from the National Commission for Human Rights.
 
Complains addressed mainly to State’s institutions: the General Prosecutor, the Federal Police, the Army, among others.
 
PEC also welcomed the naming of “Regina Martinez Perez” to a street in Oviedo, Spain, on February 6, homage to the Mexican journalist murdered in Veracruz on April 28, 2012 “to vindicate her commitment to freedom”. She was an investigative journalist for the weekly Proceso on corruption and narcotraficking in the country.
 
On this occasion, PEC calls on the Mexican government to address the serious situation of murdering journalists and harassing media: it is “now” when journalists have to be protected in “real time” in Mexico. 79 of the 93 journalists killed happened since 2008.
 
President Enrique Peña Nieto has yet to come up with a renewed commitment to advance and respect last June 2012 Law for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists. Right now when there is a “white bill” during the first two months of the new regime on massacring journalists it is the time to endorse the whole protection of communicators and avoid the new law –signed by his predecessor, from a different political party- to become “dead letter” with financial and human resources to comply with the task ahead to guarantee journalists, their families and colleagues physical integrity.
 
PEC believes that addressing impunity in Mexico and enhancing justice is one way to deal with the problem of press killings; eradicating corruptions is a must.
 
15 out of 32 States of Mexico are subjected to crimes against journalists: Veracruz, Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Nuevo León, Sonora, Estado de México, Sinaloa, Distrito Federal, Michoacán, Coahuila, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Baja California, Tabasco. Press killings started February 1, 2000 and reached an overall 93 deaths in 2012; since the launching of the “war against organized crime” in 2008, no less than 70,000 people have died, 65 journalists murdered and 12 disappeared.
 
Journalists in Mexico are now caught in a macabre situation where there are targeted both by State institutions and the organized crime. 

LLAMA PEC AL GOBIERNO MEXICANO DETENER MATANZA DE PERIODISTAS Y RESPALDAR LA LEY DE PROTECCION
 
GINEBRA. Campaña Emblema de Prensa dio bienvenida a la nueva Comisión Especial del Senado de la República Mexicana, establecida ayer, que investigará agresiones a los periodistas, como “oportuna” medida para detener la criminalidad contra los comunicadores que registra desde 2000, 93 asesinatos; México es el país más peligroso para periodistas en toda América y segundo en el mundo, de acuerdo a estadísticas de esta organización no gubernamental con la misión de promover protección a periodistas.
 
81 por ciento de las 843 quejas registradas por la Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos desde 1999 siguen sin investigar; están dirigidas principalmente a la Procuraduría General de la República y a otras instituciones gubernamentales como la Secretaría de Seguridad Pública, el Ejército y las fiscalías en estados como Veracruz y Oaxaca. El contexto es de impunidad en los últimos 12 años, dijo Javier Tapia Urbina, Quinto Visitador de la CNDH.
 
Campaña Emblema de Prensa también hace reconocimiento a la decisión del 6 de febrero pasado, de la municipalidad de Oviedo, España, de nombrar “Regina Martínez Pérez” a una calle de la ciudad (hermanada con Veracruz, México) en homenaje a la periodista asesinada el 28 de abril de 2012 “para honrar su compromiso con la libertad”. La periodista veracruzana trabajaba para el semanario Proceso, investigando corrupción y narcotráfico en México. Su crimen no ha sido resuelto.
 
PEC (por sus siglas en ingles) llama al gobierno mexicano a enfrentar la seria situación de las matanzas de periodistas y de acoso a medios de información: es “ahora” cuando los periodistas deben ser protegidos, en “tiempo real”. De 93 asesinatos a sangre fría de comunicadores, 79 ocurrieron desde 2008.
 
El Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto debe refrendar el compromiso de respetar y hacer valer la Ley para la Protección de Personas Defensoras de Derechos Humanos y Periodistas promulgada en junio de 2012 . Ahora, a dos meses de su gobierno, cuando se tiene un “saldo blanco” de crímenes contra la prensa, es el mejor momento para endosar la protección total de todos los comunicadores y evitar que la ley sea “letra muerta” por falta de recursos financieros y humanos para llevar a cabo la tarea de proteger y prevenir crímenes y garantizar la integridad física de los periodistas, sus familiares y compañeros de trabajo.
 
Campaña Emblema de Prensa considera que enfrentar la impunidad y promover la justicia pondrá coto a los asesinatos de periodistas; erradicar la corrupción es esencial.
 
En 15 de los 32 estados de México han ocurrido asesinatos de prensa: Veracruz, Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Nuevo León, Sonora, Estado de México, Sinaloa, Distrito Federal, Michoacán, Coahuila, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Baja California, Tabasco. El primero, el 1 de febrero de 2000; desde 2008 con la “Guerra contra el crimen organizado” se han registrado 70 mil muertos, 65 periodistas asesinados y 12 desaparecidos.
 
Los periodistas en México están en la macabra situación de ser blanco directo tanto de instituciones del Estado como del crimen organizado. PEC considera que es ahora cuando México debe dejar de ser el país más peligroso para los periodistas en el continente americano.
 
En 2012 ocurrieron 141 asesinatos de prensa en 29 países, cifra récord desde que PEC inició el dramático conteo con el Ticking Clock en 2008. Siria, Somalia y Pakistán encabezaron el año pasado la lista mundial seguidos por México.
 
Los diez países más peligrosos para los periodistas durante el periodo 2008-2012 son Filipinas, México, Pakistán, Iraq, Siria, Somalia, Honduras,  Brasil, Rusia y la India. En total 571 periodistas asesinados, un promedio de 114 por año o dos por semana. 

For the PEC, Kyra Nunez-Johnsson

***04.02.2013. PEC publishes its annual report on its activities in 2012 - introduction below. To receive the full report (32 pages), please send a request to this email: pressemblem@bluewin.ch - PEC launches today on its website a new page dedicated to the fight against impunity. This page "NO IMPUNITY" (click left) will be updated regularly with the latest news from various sources on prosecutions following murders and attacks of journalists. The idea is to add pressure on national authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and to publicize the ongoing trials.

PEC REPORT ON ACTIVITIES IN 2012

INTRODUCTION

Dear Madame, Dear Sir, Friends and Colleagues,

On numerous occasions in 2012, the attention of the PEC executive committee was drawn to tumultuous current events, dominated by the Syrian conflict.

Last year, the Press Emblem Campaign:

-- issued 49 statements;

-- intervened 12 times in public sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva;

-- participated in the international conference on the protection of journalists in dangerous situations, held in Doha (Qatar) on 22 and 23 January;

-- participated in the meeting on the safety of journalists organized by UNESCO in Vienna on 22 and 23 November;

-- met with the president of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 12 September;

-- was honored by receiving the 2012 Special Nicolas Bouvier Prize for Journalism on 28 November;

-- on 4 June at the Swiss Press Club awarded the annual prize for the protection of journalists to Mazen Darwish and Syrian militants imprisoned while fighting for press freedom;

-- issued three quarterly reports and an annual report on the number of victims among journalists, reports picked up several hundred times by media sites throughout the world in four languages (English, French, Spanish, Arabic);

-- registered at the end of the year over 19,000 different individual visits to the PEC internet site: www.pressemblem.ch - with an average of 200 contacts per day throughout the year;

-- reelected for two years its PEC Executive Committee, currently comprising 12 members, at a meeting of its general assembly on 4 June 2012.

The PEC's accounts are in order with a positive balance of CHF 12,130 as of 31 December 2012, in comparison with a year-end balance of CHF 11,411 as of 31 December 2011.

Established in 2004, enjoying special consultative status with the United Nations since 2010 and devoted to the protection of journalists in areas of conflict and internal violence, the PEC is deeply dismayed to have to report that the number of journalists killed continues to increase throughout the world.

Its mission, four-fold, is thus all the more necessary: alert and sensitize public opinion and governments; denounce the most serious violations of press freedom; bring pressure to incite governments to take measures to facilitate the work of the media in dangerous situations and to fight impunity; reinforce the protection of journalists through legal means, including through a specific international convention.

You will find in the following pages detailed information on our activities in 2012.

We warmly thank for their support governments, private and public entities, media organizations, NGOs and individuals.

The PEC General-Secretary,
Blaise Lempen

Geneva, 31 January 2013

***29.01.2013. PAKISTAN. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) expressed its solidarity with the Pakistani journalists and family members of the slain journalists who staged a sit-in outside the country’s parliament on Jan 28 demanding for the arrest of journalists’ killers and provision of compensation to their families.    

ISLAMABAD: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), an international watchdog striving for journalists’ protection round the globe has expressed its solidarity with the Pakistani journalists and family members of the slain journalists who staged a sit-in outside the country’s parliament on Jan 28 demanding for the arrest of journalists’ killers and provision of compensation to their families.    
 
It is worth mentioning that the PEC has ranked Pakistan as one of the most dangerous countries ranked third in the world for journalists where 12 were killed in 2012. This year already, two journalists and a cameraman have been killed in a bomb blast in Quetta on January 10.
 
The civil society members also participated in this sit-in with the journalists who came from across the country to the capital Islamabad to strive for their rights, however after getting assurance from the government that their major demands will be addressed in a week time, they differed their sit-in now to February 7, 2013.
 
President of Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) Mr. G.M. Jamali at this occasion said, “Though the government has been assuring the journalists and announcing compensations, yet not much has been materialized.” He added, “Apart from the Saleem Shazad commission, not a single enquiry has been made into the killings of journalists. Unfortunately, even the chief justice of Pakistan has not taken these issues seriously.”
 
The sit-in was organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and demanded of the recompilation of the 8th Wage Award by including journalists working in the electronic media and insurance cover for media persons, bring reporters and camerapersons under insurance coverage, and pay compensation up to Rs2.5 million – equivalent to the amount being paid to the law enforcement officials killed in terror attacks – to journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty. They also demanded end of non-payment of salaries to journalists by various media houses.
 
It is a worst case that cameras and other equipment are insured, but the management of electronic media are least bothered to provide insurance cover to the camerapersons or the reporters standing in front of it,” said PFUJ president Mr. Pervaiz Shaukat.
 
Secretary General of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Mr. Bilal Dar said, “Cameraman Israr was hit by a stray bullet while he was covering a gunfight between the law enforcement agencies and militants at Lal Masjid, Islamabad in 2007. Now after so many years when he has been restricted to a wheelchair, the announced compensation of Rs500,000 has not been paid to him.” Dar added, “When this is the case with a media person in the federal capital, we can only imagine what’s going on in remote parts of the country.”
 
Federal information minister Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira while assuring the journalists said, their main demand – establishment of the 8th Wage Board – would be met within one week. He added, “It will take three to four days for the discussions and the board would be notified within this week.” He also assured that a revolving fund of Pakistani rupees 50 million for the welfare of journalists would be established soon and TORs of the fund have been finalized and it would be announced in a day or two to compensate the journalists and camerapersons killed in targeted or terror attacks.
 
Regarding the demand for compensation to journalists equal to those given to law enforcement personnel, the minister said the matter required legal consultations. “But for those channels and newspapers who delay salaries of their employees or where there is no insurance policy, I assure you that we will discuss these points with the managements of the media houses,” information Minister said.
 
After the minister’s speech, Secretary General of the PFUJ Mr. Amin Yousuf said, “This does not mean that we can be fooled by anyone. If the issues are not resolved as promised, we will come back to show our determination.”
 
He added: “If we can stay alert for 24 hours in the line of reporting and capturing footages in the worst kind of weather or insecure environment, we can also bear the cold weather of Islamabad for our cause.” 

Israr Khan, PEC Rep in Islamabad

***18.01.2013. SYRIA. TWO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN SYRIA - THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) SADDENED AND DISMAYED BY THE DEATHS OF BELGIAN-BORN FRENCH JOURNALIST YVES DEBAY IN ALEPPO, ONE YEAR AFTER THE KILLING OF GILLES JACQUIER IN HOMS, AND ANOTHER REPORTER AL-JAZEERA CORRESPONDENT

Geneva, January 19 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the heinous targeting of journalists in Syria while they are on duty covering the civil war. Two journalists were killed in 24 hours, Yves Debay, a French national was shot in the heart on Thursday in Aleppo, and Mohammed El Horani (Mohammed Al-Massalma)who works for aljazeera was shot at in Deraa, both by pro-government snipers.

The PEC joins hands with French President Francois Hollande in his condemnation of the killing of Debay. "France condemns this heinous act and expresses to the family and friends of Yves Debay its condolences, sympathy
and solidarity," Hollande said in a statement. Hollande added that "France pays tribute to Yves Debay and other
journalists who, in Syria, pay with their lives for their commitment to freedom of information."

It is the hope of the PEC that with the second French journalist killed in Syria, France, a P5 country, will endorse the PEC efforts.

The current tally for journalists in 2013 stands at 11 including the killing of a Shabelle Media Network radio and TV presenter Abdihared Osman Adan who was fatally shot three times by unidentified gunmen while on his way to work in Mogadishu. He died on Friday at the city’s Medina Hospital as doctors were about to operate.

Last year, 141 were killed in the line of duty, including 37 in Syria.

The only way forward, the PEC believes is a short cut to endorse the draft convention which is a legal instrument to save journalists and fight impunity.

Yves Debay (58) created the magazine Raids in 1986 and Assaut, another magazine specializing in military matters, in 2005. Yves Debay was covering clashes between rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar Assad when he was shot by a regime sniper on Thursday, according to the Aleppo Media Center, a network of anti-regime activists in the city. It said the sniper was positioned on the roof of the Aleppo central prison near the Museilmeh district.

Syrian rebels reportedly brought him across the border to Turkey, where a Foreign Ministry official said he was pronounced dead on arrival at the state hospital in the border province of Kilis early Friday. He had been shot in the heart, according to an initial autopsy report, the Turkish official said. 

Syria was the most dangerous country in the world to work in last year. Among the journalists killed while covering Syria are one year ago French TV reporter Gilles Jacquier, photographer Remi Ochlik and Britain's Sunday Times correspondent Marie Colvin. 

Al Jazeera freelance reporter Mohamed Al-Massalma, who used the pseudonym of Mohamed Al-Horani, was shot three times while covering the front lines in the town of Busra Al-Harir in the countryside of Daraa, the news channel said Friday. 

***17.01.2013. PEC participated in a live panel organized by Harvard University: Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research - Targeting the Truth: IHL and the Protection of Journalists in Conflict Zones

Invited as a panelist PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi walked through the process that led to highlighting the need for an international convention to protect journalists. Go to this link for the event:  

http://hpcrresearch.org/events/targeting-truth-ihl-and-protection-journalists-conflict-zones-live-web-seminar-50

***11.01.2013. PAKISTAN. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) strongly condemned the twin successive terrorists' bomb attacks in Southwestern Pakistan that have killed three journalists

ISLAMABAD: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), which fights for the protection of journalists, has strongly condemned the twin successive terrorists’ bomb attacks in Southwestern Pakistan that have killed at least 69 people including a private television channel cameraman, a journalist and a photographer of a news agency.

Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan province on Thursday evening rocked with two bomb blasts in which besides killings, 120 people also injured.

The first suicide bomber detonated his device inside a crowded snooker club and after receiving information about this happening, soon police and rescue team and media rushed to the blast site. As rescue work was underway and media persons were covering this event then another bomb planted outside the building went off which was sever than the first one, police sources said. The interval between these blasts was about 10 minutes. 

In this incident a SAMAA television cameraman Imran Sheikh and photographer Mohammad Iqbal of News Network International (NNI) a private news agency were killed, while photographer of another news agency Independent News Pakistan (INP) and Saifur Rehman, a senior reporter with SAMAA TV (photo), were seriously injured and the engineer of the same channel Jamil Ahmad also sustained minor injuries. Besides, a cameraman of another popular private channel GEO TV was also injured.  Saifur Rehman then died at a local hospital. 

These are the three first casualties of Pakistani journalists in 2013, which has raised the total casualties in entire world during this New Year to seven. 

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president Pervaiz Shaukat in a statement said the ongoing violence in Balochistan was a matter of concern. The journalists were particularly at risk in the province and a number of journalists and media persons have lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We have particularly been focusing on training journalists in performing their duties during blasts. The aim of our trainings has always been how to report and cover disasters, blasts and conflicts,” Shaukat added.

PFUJ Secretary-General Amin Yousuf also condemned the twin blasts saying, “We will tolerate government’s continued apathy to the loss of precious lives. We demand immediate protection of journalists,” he added.

Independent media experts have term this incident as another terrorists attack on Pakistani media in the province, as earlier many journalists have been killed here in the line of their duties.  

It is worth mentioning that according to the latest PEC database, Pakistan has been the third most dangerous place for journalists on this planet. During last five years (Jan 2008 to Dec 2012) 571 journalists have been killed, with highest casualties in Philippines 62, followed by Mexico 59, Pakistan 53, Iraq 39, Syria 39, Somalia 37, Honduras 26, Brazil 22, Russia 20, India 17. 

Last year (2012), 141 journalists killed in which Syria was again most dangerous country for Journalists where 37 journalists killed, followed by Somalia 19 and Pakistan with 12 casualties.

This underlining the need for special safety precautions by media professionals in the light of this incident wants for safety training for journalists which should focus on the whole range of insurgent and extremist strategies and seek to impart the skills and knowledge to counteract all these.

(Israr Khan, PEC Representative in Pakistan)

***03.01.2013. UPDATE PEC report - Two more journalists killed, one in Syria, one in India - Record number of journalists killed in 2012: 141 in 29 countries - a fourth journalist missing in Syria

Most dangerous countries in 2012: Syria (37 journalists killed), Somalia (19), Pakistan (12), Mexico (11), Brazil (11), Philippines (6), Honduras (6), Bangladesh (4) and India (4). By region, the Middle East was severely hit in 2012 with 45 journalists killed, Latin America in second position with 35 victims. Asia 32, Africa 28. Only one casualty was registered in Europe.
Click left on our page Ticking Clock for the list of casualties with names and dates.

Geneva, January 3rd (PEC) -- According to the last figures compiled by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) until December 31, 141 journalists in 29 countries were killed during the course of 2012, a record number. This figure represents a 31 percent increase as compared to the 2011 figures. 

At least 37 journalists, among them 13 working for foreign media, were killed since January of this year in Syria. This figure does not include media activists, pro-opposition citizens who occasionally inform the world of current developments. Four journalists are reported missing or detained: Ukrainian journalist Anhar Kochneva, Jordanian-Palestinian correspondent Bashar Fahmi, freelance U.S. reporter Austin Tice and another American reporter James Foley.

The situation in Somalia has deteriorated dramatically, where 19 were killed when targeted by military groups that oppose criticism. 

Pakistan comes third in the PEC ranking of most dangerous countries for media work, with 12 journalists killed. The tensions in Baluchistan and the tribal zones explain those numbers. 

Three Latin American countries follow among the most dangerous countries:

Mexico where 11 journalists were killed, due to clashes between the military and drug dealers. There are cases still unclear and therefore the figure could rise. 

Never before have so many journalists been killed in Brazil, 11, and 6 were killed in Honduras. 

The Philippines ranks number 7 with 6 killed, followed by Bangladesh with 4 killed and India (4). 

Three journalists were killed in the following countries: Eritrea (3 killed in prison), Iraq, Nigeria, and Gaza during the Israeli attacks. Two journalists were killed in each of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bolivia and Colombia. 

One journalist was killed in Bahrain, Cambodia, Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, Panama, Russia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Thailand. 

By region, the Middle East was severely hit in 2012 with 45 journalists killed, Latin America in second position with 35 victims, Asia 32, Africa 28. Only one casualty was registered in Europe. 

Over five years, more than 2 journalists killed every week 

Since January 2008 the number of journalists killed reached 571, on average 114 annually, or more than 2 per week.

The most ten dangerous countries for media work during the period 2008-2012 are in the following ranking: The Philippines 62 where 32 were killed in one shot in the Ampatuan massacre 23 November 2009, Mexico 59, Pakistan 53, Iraq 39, Syria 39, Somalia 37, Honduras 26, Brazil 22, Russia 20, and number 10, India where 17 journalists were killed. In those ten countries journalists killed represent two thirds of the total during the period 2008-2012.   

***17.12.2012. PEC report 2012 - Record number of journalists killed this year: 139 in 29 countries (French, Spanish and Arabic versions below) 

Most dangerous countries in 2012: Syria (36 journalists killed), Somalia (19), Pakistan (12), Mexico (11), Brazil (11), Philippines (6), Honduras (6), Bangladesh (4). By region, the Middle East was severely hit in 2012 with 44 journalists killed, Latin America in second position with 35 victims. Asia 31, Africa 28. Only one casualty was registered in Europe. 
Click left on our page Ticking Clock for the list of casualties with names and dates.

Geneva, December 17 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) announced Monday that 139 journalists in 29 countries were killed during the course of 2012, a record number. According to the PEC annual report this figure represents a 30 percent increase as compared to the 2011 figures. 

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that 2012 was a terrible year for media casualties because of the Syrian crisis, it started with the death of Gilles Jacquier and Marie Colvin, and since a number of journalists have been targeted by both sides in this conflict, which is particularly difficult to cover due to the intensity of fighting in urban zones and the inability to distinguish between civilians and the military. After Iraq from 2003 to 2006, the conflict in Syria has become the bloodiest for journalists since the beginning of this century. 

At least 36 journalists, among them 13 working for foreign media, were killed since January of this year in Syria. This figure does not include media activists, pro-opposition citizens who occasionally inform the world of current developments. Three other journalists are reported missing or detained. 

The situation in Somalia has deteriorated dramatically, where 19 were killed when targeted by military groups that oppose criticism. 

Pakistan comes third in the PEC ranking of most dangerous countries for media work, with 12 journalists killed. The tensions in Baluchistan and the tribal zones explain those numbers. 

Three Latin American countries follow among the most dangerous countries:

Mexico where 11 journalists were killed, due to clashes between the military and drug dealers. There are cases still unclear and therefore the figure could rise. 

Never before have so many journalists been killed in Brazil, 11 so far, and 6 were killed in Honduras. 

The Philippines ranks number 7 with 6 killed, followed by Bangladesh with 4 killed. 

Three journalists were killed in the following countries: Eritrea (3 killed in prison), India, Iraq, Nigeria, and Gaza during the Israeli attacks. Two journalists were killed in each of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bolivia and Colombia. 

One journalist was killed in Bahrain, Cambodia, Ecuador, Egypt, Haiti, Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, Panama, Russia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Thailand. 

By region, the Middle East was severely hit in 2012 with 44 journalists killed, Latin America in second position with 35 victims. Asia 31, Africa 28. Only one casualty was registered in Europe. 

Over five years, more than 2 journalists killed every week 

Since January 2008 the number of journalists killed reached 569, on average 114 annually, or more than 2 per week.
The most ten dangerous countries for media work during the period 2008-2012 are in the following ranking: The Philippines 62, Mexico 59, Pakistan 53, Iraq 39, Syria 38, Somalia 37, Honduras 26, Brazil 22, Russia 20, and number 10, India where 16 journalists were killed. In those ten countries journalists killed represent two thirds of the total during the period 2008-2012.

Since January 2008 the number of journalists killed reached 569, on average 114 annually, or more than 2 per week.

The most ten dangerous countries for media work during the period 2008-2012 are in the following ranking: The Philippines 62 where 32 were killed in one shot in the Ampatuan massacre 23 November 2009, Mexico 59, Pakistan 53, Iraq 39, Syria 38, Somalia 37, Honduras 26, Brazil 22, Russia 20, and number 10, India where 16 journalists were killed. In those ten countries journalists killed represent two thirds of the total during the period 2008-2012.

Lempen stressed that if 2012 was the bloodiest for journalists since the Second World War it was also marked by a strong international reaction to strengthen the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity. An international conference took place in Doha, Qatar, whose recommendations were sent to the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council adopted unanimously a resolution in September to strengthen the safety of journalists, UNESCO spearheaded the UN effort to launch a country plan of action to be implemented in five pilot countries during the coming years.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi stressed that events in the field whether it be military conflicts or civil disorder have shown the need to provide journalists with an internationally accepted and agreed upon legal document to safeguard their protection in dangerous situations. Abdelnabi expressed her hope that in 2013 the international community will focus on ways and means of cure to this global epidemic.

For the list of casualties, please go to our page Ticking Clock
Twitter: PressEmblemCampaign
Facebook: Press Emblem Campaign

2012 was the bloodiest year since the PEC registered the number of journalists killed on its Media Ticking Clock in 2006: 139 journalists were killed in 2012, an increase of 30% compared to 2011, mainly due to Syria, Somalia and Brazil.
Last year 107 journalists were killed, 110 in 2010, 122 in 2009, 91 in 2008, 115 in 2007 and 96 in 2006. The vast majority of them were killed on duty in conflict zones or during civil disorders. 
Very few investigations were conducted for many reasons: no political will of authorities in charge, no access to the conflict zone, no State to enforce the law.

If 2012 was the bloodiest for journalists since the Second World War it was also marked by an international reaction to strengthen the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity. An international conference took place in Doha, Qatar, whose recommendations were sent to the UN General Assembly, the Human Rights Council adopted unanimously a resolution in September to strengthen the safety of journalists, UNESCO spearheaded the UN effort to launch a country plan of action to be implemented in five pilot countries during the coming years. PEC called the international community to adopt an international binding convention and create an international commission of enquiry to fight impunity.

Rapport annuel de la PEC - Record du nombre de journalistes tués en 2012

Genève, 17 décembre 2012 (PEC) - Un nombre record de journalistes a été tué en 2012, a affirmé lundi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Au moins 139 journalistes ont péri dans l'exercice de leur fonction dans 29 pays, en hausse de 30% par rapport à l'année précédente, selon le rapport annuel de l'ONG.

"L'année écoulée a été une année terrible en raison de la crise en Syrie. Elle a commencé par la mort de Gilles Jacquier et Marie Colvin. Depuis, un grand nombre de journalistes ont été visés par les deux camps lors de ce conflit, particulièrement difficile à couvrir en raison d'affrontements dans des zones urbaines et de l'absence de distinction entre civils et militaires", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen. Après l'Irak dans les années 2003 à 2006, la Syrie est le conflit le plus meurtrier pour les journalistes depuis le début du siècle.

Au moins 36 journalistes, dont 13 travaillant pour des medias étrangers, ont été tués depuis janvier en Syrie - ce chiffre ne tient pas compte des "media activists", c'est-à-dire des sympathisants des rebelles qui informent occasionnellement. Trois autres sont détenus ou portés disparus.

La situation en Somalie s'est fortement détériorée cette année, avec 19 journalistes tués. La plupart ont été ciblés par des groupes armés n'acceptant pas des voix critiques.

Le Pakistan arrive en 3e position, avec 12 victimes. Les tensions persistantes au Baloutchistan et dans les zones tribales proches de l'Afghanistan expliquent ce bilan.

Trois pays latino-américains suivent parmi les pays les plus dangereux.

Au Mexique, au 4e rang, au moins 11 victimes sont à déplorer, en raison des violences opposant l'armée aux trafiquants de drogue. Des cas ne sont pas encore éclaircis et ce bilan pourrait en fait être plus lourd encore.

Jamais autant de journalistes que cette année ont été tués depuis le début du siècle au Brésil, où 11 travailleurs des medias ont été assassinés. Au Honduras, six journalistes ont été assassinés.

Les Philippines arrivent au 7e rang avec six tués, devant le Bangladesh (4).

Trois journalistes ont été tués dans chacun des pays suivants: Erythrée (3 morts en prison), Inde, Irak, Nigeria et à Gaza lors de l'attaque par
Israël.

Deux journalistes ont été tués dans ces pays: Afghanistan, Bolivie et Colombie.

Enfin, une victime est à déplorer dans les pays suivants: Bahreïn, Cambodge, Egypte, Equateur, Haïti, Indonésie, Népal, Ouganda, Panama, Russie, Soudan du Sud, Tanzanie et Thaïlande.

En 2012, le Moyen-Orient a été la région la plus touchée, avec 44 victimes au total. L'Amérique latine a suivi au second rang, avec 35 victimes, devant l'Asie, 31 victimes. L'Afrique suit avec 28 victimes. Une seule victime a été recensée sur le continent européen.

Bilan sur 5 ans: plus de 2 tués par semaine en moyenne

Sur cinq ans, depuis le 1er janvier 2008, 569 journalistes ont été tués - près de 114 en moyenne par année, soit plus de 2 par semaine.

Sur la période 2008-2012, les dix pays les plus dangereux ont été dans l'ordre: les Philippines (62 journalistes tués, dont 32 en un seul jour lors du massacre d'Ampatuan en novembre 2009), le Mexique (59), le Pakistan (53), l'Irak (39), la Syrie (38), la Somalie (37), le Honduras (26), le Brésil (22), la Russie (20) et, au 10e rang, l'Inde (16). Ces dix pays ont cumulé sur cinq ans près des deux tiers des victimes.

"Si l'année 2012 a été la plus meurtrière pour les journalistes depuis la Seconde guerre mondiale, elle a aussi marqué un réveil de la communauté internationale pour renforcer la protection des journalistes et lutter contre l'impunité", a relevé Blaise Lempen. Une conférence internationale a eu lieu en janvier au Qatar, dont les conclusions ont été transmises à l'Assemblée générale de l'ONU, le Conseil des droits de l'homme de l'ONU a adopté en septembre une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes et, en novembre, l'ONU a lancé un plan d'action pour les deux prochaines années dans cinq pays.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a souligné que les événements sur le terrain, qu'il s'agisse de conflits armés ou de désordres civils, ont démontré la nécessité d'améliorer la sécurité des journalistes et leur travail dans les zones dangereuses par l'adoption d'une convention internationale. Hedayat Abdelnabi a exprimé l'espoir qu'en 2013 la communauté internationale intensifiera son action pour trouver le moyen de traiter cette épidémie globale.

Liste des victimes sur notre page Ticking Clock

Informe PEC 2012 - Número récord de periodistas asesinados en el 2012

Ginebra, 17 de diciembre (PEC) - La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció este lunes que un numero récord de 139 periodistas de 29 países perdieron la vida durante el transcurso de 2012. Esta cifra representa un aumento del 30 por ciento, en comparación con las cifras de 2011, según el informe anual de esta ONG basada en Ginebra.

"El año que está por concluir fue terrible en razón de la crisis en Siria. Esta situación comenzó con la muerte de Gilles Jacquier y Marie Colvin. Desde entonces, un buen numero de periodistas han sido víctimas de este conflicto, mismo que es particularmente dificil de cubrir debido a la intensidad de los combates en las zonas urbanas; así como por la incapacidad de distinguir entre civiles y militares", declaró el Secretario General de la PEC, el suizo Blaise Lempen. Después de Irak de 2003 a 2006, el conflicto en Siria se ha convertido en el más sangriento para los periodistas desde el comienzo de este siglo.

Al menos 36 periodistas, de los cuales 13 trabajaban para medios extranjeros, murieron desde principios de este año en Siria. Esta cifra no incluye a los "activistas de los medios", es decir, a los simpatizantes de los rebeldes que informan ocasionalmente al mundo de los acontecimientos actuales. Otros tres periodistas están reportados como desaparecidos o detenidos.

La situación en Somalia se ha deteriorado dramáticamente, donde han muerto 19 personas. La mayoría de ellos fue el blanco de grupos militares que se oponen a las voces críticas.

Pakistán ocupa el tercer lugar en el ranking de la PEC con 12 periodistas muertos. Las tensiones persistentes en Baluchistán y en las zonas tribales cercanas a Afganistán explican estos números.

Tres países latinoamericanos siguen entre los países más peligrosos: En México, ubicado en el cuatro rango, al menos hay 11 periodistas asesinados, debido a la violencia de los enfrentamientos entre el Ejército y los narcotraficantes. Hay casos todavía no esclarecidos, por lo que la cifra podría aumentar.

Nunca antes tantos periodistas habían sido asesinados en Brasil (11) hasta ahora, y 6 más en Honduras.

Filipinas ocupa el sitio número 7 con 6 muertos, delante de Bangladesh (4). Tres periodistas fueron asesinados en los siguientes países: Eritrea (los 3 muertos en prision), India, Irak, Nigeria, y en Gaza durante los ataques israelíes.

Dos periodistas fueron asesinados en cada uno de los siguientes países: Afganistán, Bolivia y Colombia.

Finalmente, una víctima es deplorada en cada uno de los siguientes países: Bahrein, Camboya, Ecuador, Egipto, Haití, Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, Panamá, Rusia, Sudán del Sur, Tanzania y Tailandia.

En el 2012, el Oriente Medio fue la región más afectada con 44 periodistas asesinados en total. América Latina viene en la segunda posición con 35 víctimas, delante de Asia (31) y África (28). Sólo una de las víctimas se registró en Europa.

En promedio más de 2 periodistas muertos cada semana

A lo largo de los últimos cinco años, desde el 1 de enero de 2008 hasta la fecha, el número de periodistas asesinados llegó a 569; lo que representa, en promedio, 114 al año, o sea, más de un 2 asesinados por semana.

Los países más peligrosos para el trabajo de los medios de comunicación durante el período 2008-2012 están en la siguiente clasificación: Filipinas (62 periodistas asesinados, de los que 32 fueron muertos en un solo día durante la masacre de Ampatuan en noviembre 2009), México (con 59), Pakistán (53), Iraq (39), Siria (38), Somalia (37), Honduras (26), Brasil (22), Rusia (20); y en el número 10, viene la India, donde 16 periodistas fueron asesinados. Estos diez países han acumulado, en cinco años, dos tercios del total de víctimas.

"Si el año 2012 fue el más sangriento para los periodistas desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial, él también se caracterizó por una fuerte reacción internacional para reforzar la protección de los periodistas y la lucha contra la impunidad", descacó Lempen.

Una conferencia internacional celebrada en Doha, Qatar, en enero de 2012 y cuyas recomendaciones fueron enviadas a la Asamblea General de la ONU, permitió que el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, en septiembre pasado, adoptara por unanimidad una resolución con el objetivo de reforzar la seguridad de los periodistas. Apenas en noviembre, la ONU lanzó un plan de acción para que se ejecutará en cinco países piloto durante los próximos dos años.

La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdelnabi, hizo hincapié en que los acontecimientos en el terreno, tratése de conflictos bélicos o de disturbios civiles, han demostrado la necesidad de mejorar la seguridad de los periodistas y de su trabajo en las zonas peligrosas mediante una convención internacional. Hedayat Abdelnabi expresó su esperanza de que, en el 2013, la comunidad internaciona reforzará su acción para encontrar los medios para cura esta epidemia global.

تقرير حملة الشارة 2012

الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي:

139 صحفيا قتلوا في 29 دولة خلال العام الحالي

جنيف 17 ديسمبر (حملة الشارة)- أعلنت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي أن 139 صحفياً قتلوا في 29 دولة في العام الحالي، وهو يعد رقماً قياسياً. ويمثل زيادة 30 بالمائة في عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا بالمقارنة لعام 2011.

أكد سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان أن عام 2012 كان عاماً سيئاً للضحايا من الإعلاميين بسبب الأزمة السورية، التي بدأت بمقتل "جيل جاكيه" و"ماري كولفين"، ومنذ ذلك الوقت سقط العديد من الصحفيين على جانبي المعركة، وهي معركة صعبة بسبب كثافة القتال في المناطق الحضرية، وعدم إمكانية التمييز بين المدني والعسكري.

وأشار ليمبان إلى أن التغطية الإعلامية في الأزمة السورية تمثل أكثر النزاعات الدموية للصحفيين خلال القرن الحالي، بعد العراق في الفترة ما بين 2003 و 2006.

وقد قتل على الأقل 36 صحفياً في سوريا من بينهم 13 يعملون مع الإعلام العالمي منذ يناير من العام الحالي. وهذا الرقم لا يشمل الناشطين الموالين للمعارضة الذين يقومون ببث أخبار سوريا للعالم من آن لآخر، وتشير الأنباء إلى اختفاء أو اعتقال 3 صحفيين من المعارضة السورية.

وفي نفس السياق قال ليمبان: إن الوضع في الصومال قد تدهور بشكل درامي حيث قتل 19 صحفياً استهدفوا من قبل مجموعات مسلحة ترفض النقد.

وتأتي باكستان في المرتبة الثالثة من حيث أسوأ مكان للتغطية الإعلامية حيث قتل هناك 12 صحفياً بسبب التوتر القائم في إقليم بلوشستان و المناطق القبلية.

ثم تأتي المكسيك حيث قتل 11 صحفياً بسبب العنف القائم بين القوات النظامية وتجار المخدرات، ولازالت هناك حالات لم تضح بعد مما يمكن أن يؤدي ذلك إلى ارتفاع هذا الرقم.

ولم تشهد البرازيل من قبل مقتل 11 صحفياً مثلما حدث هذا العام، وتأتي الفلبين في المرتبة السابعة حيث قتل 6 صحفيين، تليها هندوراس نفس الرقم حيث قتل 6 صحفيين، ثم بنجلاديش 4 صحفيين.

وقتل 3 صحفيين في كل من الدول التالية: إريتريا وقتلوا في السجن، الهند، العراق، نيجيريا وغزة أثناء العدوان الأخير عليها.

كما قتل صحفيان في كل من الدول التالية: أفغانستان، وبوليفيا وكولومبيا.

وقتل صحفي واحد في كل من البحرين، وكمبوديا، واكوادور ومصر (مصور صحفي أصيب في رأسه بخرطوش أثناء مظاهرات الأربعاء الحاشدة أمام قصر الرئاسة في مصر، وأعلنت وفاته في 12 ديسمبر الجاري"، وهايتي، وإندونيسيا، ونبال، وأوغندا، وبنما، وروسيا، وجنوب السودان، وتنزانيا، وتايلاند.

ضحايا المناطق الجغرافية

تصدرت منطقة الشرق الأوسط القائمة حيث قتل بها 44 صحفياً تليها أمريكا اللاتينية 35 ، وآسيا 31 ،وإفريقيا 28، وصحفي واحد في أوروبا.


حصيلة الخمس سنوات أكثر من صحفيين يقتلون أسبوعياً

منذ يناير 2008 وصل عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا 569 بمعدل 114 سنوياً، وأكثر من 2 أسبوعياً.

وكانت الدول العشر الأكثر عنفاً في الفترة من 2008 إلى 2012 هي الفلبين 62 صحفياً من بينهم 32 قتلوا في لحطة واحدة في مذبحة أمباتوان في 23 نوفمبر 2009، ثم المكسيك 59، وباكستان 53، و العراق 39، وسوريا 38، والصومال 37، وهندوراس 26 البرازيل 22، وروسيا 20، والعاشرة هي الهند حيث قتل خلال هذه الفترة 16 صحفياً. ويمثل عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا في هذه الدول العشر ثلثي كل الصحفيين الذين قتلوا في الفترة من 2008 إلى 2012.

رؤية الحملة

و أضاف ليمبان أنه إذا كانت سنة 2012 هي الأكثر دموية بالنسبة للعمل الصحفي إلا أنها شهدت صحوة على مستوى المجتمع الدولي بادراك أهمية توفير حماية أفضل للصحفيين العمل على عدم إفلات مرتكبي الجرائم ضد الصحفيين من العقاب.

وأشار إلى أن هذا الجهد قد بدأ في الدوحة بدولة قطر في يناير الماضي، ونقلت توصيات مؤتمر الدوحة إلى الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة، ثم اعتماد قرار لمجلس حقوق الإنسان في جنيف حول سلامة الصحفيين في سبتمبر من هذا العام، ثم الاجتماع الأممي بقيادة اليونسكو في فيينا في نوفمبر الماضي حيث طرحت مشروعات في الميدان لسلامة الصحفيين في خمس دول.

وصرحت هدايت عبد النبي، رئيسة الحملة من القاهرة، بأن الأحداث في الميدان سواء في اطار النزاعات العسكرية أو التوترات الداخلية قد أظهرت الحاجة إلى وثيقة دولية جديدة لحماية الصحفيين، معربة عن أملها في أن يتجه المجتمع الدولي في عام 2013 إلى التركيز على الطرق والوسائل لحل هذا المرض الوبائي في كل أنحاء العالم وهو استهداف الصحفيين.




لمزيد من المعلومات

***12.12.2012. UPDATE EGYPT. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is sorry to hear about the death of Egyptian journalist Al-Husseiny Abu Deif  

Al-Fagr newspaper photojournalist Al-Husseiny Abu Deif died Wednesday of injuries suffered while he was covering the clashes outside the presidential palace last week.

Abu Deif was taken to Al-Zahraa Hospital last Wednesday after being shot in the head while filming fighting between President Mohamed Morsy's supporters and opposition protesters. Al-Ahram newspaper reported last week that the 33-year-old was shot from about 2 meters away. Birdshot pellets fractured his skull, according to the hospital's medical report.
He was later transferred to Qasr al-Aini Hospital in a coma. His death was announced Wednesday afternoon by Abeer al-Saady, a member of the Journalists Syndicate council.

***07.12.2012. PEC condemns the targeting of journalists in Egypt, calls for an immediate inquiry (Arabic version below)

Wounded protester treated after clashes between supporters and opponents of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi outside presidential palace, Thursday (photo) - 33-year-old El-Hosseini Abul-Deif, a journalist at El-Fagr newspaper, is one of those who were shot and was critically injured during the clashes. Other journalists were injured:  Mohamed Azouz of the government newspaper Al-Gomhuria, Osama Al-Shazly of the daily Al-Badil, Islam Abdel Tawab of Al-Alam Al-Yawn, Sahar Talaat, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale’s Spanish service and Ahmed Khair Eldeen, a ON-TV journalist. Two journalists with Turkey’s TRT television, reporter Mehmet Akif Ersoy and cameraman Adil Ahmet, were attacked earlier in Tahrir Square.

Geneva-Cairo 7 December (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) while condemning in the strongest possible manner the targeting of  El-Hosseini Abul-Deif, a journalist at El-Fagr newspaper during the Wednesday demonstrations in Cairo, calls upon the Egyptian President Dr. Mohammed Morsi to instruct judicial authorities to start ASAP an immediate investigation into the shooting of Abul-Deif.

El-Fagr newspaper is strongly opposed to the Egyptian President. Abul-Deif was shot in the head and was critically injured during the clashes at the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis, Egypt on Wednesday. Doctors have decided to make a last ditched effort to revive him if both his blood pressure and heart beat remain stable, he will undergo surgery to remove the bullet in the head.

Scores of journalists have been attacked while covering the demonstrations against Morsi, including the team of Radio France International (RFI).

The PEC holds the Presidency and the Egyptian authorities responsible for the safety of journalists. Democracy and freedom of opposition which the President has pledged himself to uphold includes freedom of opinion and expression. Having opposing views to the President does not call on certain activists to gun down opposing journalists.

The Geneva based NGO, calls for an immediate trial for those responsible for targeting the Egyptian journalist and those who have intimidated and harassed other journalists. According to the Egyptian President a plot is in the making and that authorities know the planners, then it is easy to find who attacked journalists during the clashes on Wednesday.

While waiting for a process of inquiry to start in Cairo, the PEC prays that the Egyptian journalist will recover soon. Up to date since the beginning of the year 138 journalists have been killed.

حملة الشارة تدين استهداف الصحفيين المصريين و تطالب بتحقيق فوري

جنيف-القاهرة 7 ديسمبر (حملة الشارة) – أدانت اليوم و بقوة حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي استهداف الصحفي المصري الحسيني أبو ضيف، الذي يعمل مع صحيفة الفجر المعارضة للرئيس المصري محمد مرسي.

و طالبت، في بيان لها صادر اليوم الرئيس مرسي بإصدار تعليماته إلى الأجهزة القضائية من أجل إجراء تحقيق فوري في اطلاق النار على الصحفي المصري الذي يرقد الآن في المستشفى بين الحياة و الموت إلا أن الأطباء قرروا الانتظار لانتظام ضربات القلب و الضغط لإجراء جراحة لإزالة الرصاص من الرأس.

و كان أبو ضيف قد أصيب الأربعاء و هو يقوم بتغطية المظاهرات المعارضة للرئيس مرسي حول قصر الرئاسة في مصر الجديدة عندما تحولت المظاهرات إلى اشتباكات دامية.

لقد تعرض العديد من الصحفيين للاعتداء خلال هذه المظاهرات و من بنيهم فريق التليفزيون الفرنسي أر أف أي.

إن حملة الشارة تحمل الرئاسة المصرية و السلطات التابعة لها مسئولية حماية الصحفيين. إذ أن الرئيس مرسي التزم في تصريحاته أكثر من مرة باحترام الديمقراطية و الأصوات المعارضة. و الايمان بآراء تعارض الرئيس لا تدفع بعناصر نشطة لإطلاق النار على الصحفيين المعارضين.

و طبقا لخطاب الرئيس مرسي مساء الخميس فإن هناك مؤامرة تستهدفه و أن المسئولين يعرفون المخططين لها، إذن التوصل إلى الجاني في إطلاق الرصاص على الصحفي المصري ليست بمسألة صعبة.

و الحملة الدولية تطالب بتقديم مرتكبي الاعتداء ضد الصحفيين إلى محاكمة عاجلة.

لقد طالبت الحملة في منهج مستمر منذ أكثر من8 سنوات بالتوصل إلى شارة صحفية معترف بها دوليا لحماية الصحفيين في النزاع المسلح و الحالات الخطرة، و هو مقترح لاقى من بعض الدوائر الصحفية المعارضة، و ها نحن نشهد سقوط صحفي أخر.

و في الوقت التي تنتظر فيه الحملة بدء التحقيقات فهي تدعو للزميل الحسيني أبو ضيف بالعودة إلى الحياة.

و طبقاً لرصد الحملة فإن 138 صحفياً قد قتلوا منذ بداية العام و هو يؤدون عملهم. لمزيد من المعلومات

***28.11.2012. PEC receives the Nicolas Bouvier award for Journalism // La PEC reçoit le prix Nicolas Bouvier du Journalisme 2012 // حملة الشارة تحصل على جائزة بوفييه السويسرية للصحافة

for  more info and watch the video: 

http://www.pressclub.ch/conference/remise-du-prix-nicolas-bouvier-de-journalisme-3e-edition

Members of the jury announcing the Bouvier Award for Journalism at the Swiss Press Club in Geneva, from left to right: Eliane Bouvier, widow of the writer, Antoine Maurice, president of the jury, journalist, François Longchamp, State Councilor, Republic of Geneva and Guy Mettan, Director of the Swiss Press Club (photos PEC) 

François Longchamp (left), State Councilor of the Republic of Geneva, and Guy Mettan, Director of the Swiss Press Club, handing over the Bouvier Award to PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen at the ceremony November 28, 2012 in Geneva.
Below: Nicolas Bouvier en route from Geneva to the Middle East in 1954

Geneva, 28 November 2012 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) received today the prestigious Geneva award, the Nicolas Bouvier award for Journalism 2012. The award went to the PEC for its outstanding work defending journalists across the globe.

In a message to the award ceremony from where she resides, Cairo, Hedayat Abdelnabi, President and Co-founder of the Geneva based organization, said that she is convinced that the Bouvier award will stimulate the PEC committee to play a greater role across the world in favor of journalists in an attempt to end attacks against journalists.
However, she added, this goal is a long term goal and hence she expressed hope that the international community will establish an international inquiry commission to look into those crimes against journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Abdelnabi thanked the Swiss Press Club, and the Geneva Canton, as well as the Jury of the Bouvier Committee for supporting the PEC.

Blaise Lempen, PEC Secretary-General and Co-founder of the NGO, said that this important recognition is a remarkable encouragement that allows the PEC to continue on course. In his acceptance speech at the ceremony, Lempen noted that the Bouvier award is a very useful contribution, taking into account that the number of journalists killed this year has reached so far a record high, while it has become more difficult for journalists to access zones of conflict, as is the case in Syria.

Since January this year 131 media workers have been killed while exercising their duty especially in Syria, Somalia, Pakistan, Brazil and Mexico.

Lempen underlined that 2012 has witnessed serious endeavors by the international community to find solutions to the global problem of providing better protection to journalists and has achieved important progress, in Qatar in January, then at the level of the Human Rights Council in September endorsing a resolution on the Safety of Journalists, and in Vienna this month where the UN has endorsed a strategy for the safety and protection of journalists on the country level spearheaded by UNESCO.

However, both PEC Co-founders, Lempen and Abdelnabi, agreed that a lot remains to be done especially towards the adoption of an international convention for the protection of journalists in conflict zones.

They stressed that the proposed convention will be tasked with settling all aspects of this global problem.

The Nicolas Bouvier award for journalism is a biennium award and the selection of the recipients is by an independent Jury.

The PEC was founded in June 2004 in Geneva and enjoys UN special consultative status. It is supported by more than 50 professional media associations globally.

Une centaine de personnes ont assisté mardi 28 novembre à la cérémonie du Prix Nicolas Bouvier, doté de 30'000 francs suisses, partagés entre dix lauréats.

En recevant le prix au nom de toute l'équipe de la PEC, Blaise Lempen a affirmé que ce prix ne saurait mieux tomber, alors que le nombre de journalistes tués dans le monde n'a jamais été aussi élevé, en raison surtout du conflit qui se prolonge en Syrie.

Le secrétaire général de la PEC a remercié le jury pour l'encouragement qu'il fournit ainsi à la Campagne et sa contribution à la protection des journalistes.

Grand voyageur, Nicolas Bouvier pouvait se déplacer, au début des années 50, de la Suisse au Sri Lanka (Ceylan) en passant par la Yougoslavie, la Turquie, l'Iran, l'Afghanistan, le Pakistan et l'Inde sans encourir les risques affrontés par les journalistes aujourd'hui dans cette région du monde, a souligné Blaise Lempen. Son livre "L'Usage du monde" a été un best-seller mondial. (PEC)

La PEC reçoit le prix Nicolas Bouvier de Journalisme 2012

Genève (PEC), 28 novembre 2012 - La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) s'est vue décerner mardi le prestigieux Prix Nicolas Bouvier de Journalisme 2012. L'ONG basée à Genève a été récompensée pour son engagement en faveur de la protection des journalistes dans le monde.

Dans un message adressé du Caire, où elle réside, la présidente et co-fondatrice de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a déclaré: "Je suis confiante que le prix Bouvier va stimuler le comité directeur de la PEC pour travailler encore davantage afin de mettre un terme aux attaques visant des journalistes".

Elle a ajouté qu’il s’agit d’un but à long terme et que dans l’intervalle elle a exprimé l’espoir qu’une commission d’enquête internationale soit créée pour traduire en justice les responsables de ces crimes.

Hedayat Abdelnabi a remercié le Club suisse de la presse, le canton de Genève et le jury du prix Bouvier pour leur soutien à la PEC.

"Cette distinction est un formidable encouragement pour la poursuite de notre action", a déclaré le secrétaire général et co-fondateur de la PEC Blaise Lempen lors de la cérémonie de remise du prix au Club suisse de la presse à Genève.

"C'est une contribution vraiment utile, alors que le nombre de journalistes tués cette année a battu un record et que le problème de l'accès des medias aux zones de conflits est particulièrement aigu, comme le montre tous les jours la situation en Syrie", a-t-il ajouté.

Depuis janvier, 131 travailleurs des medias ont péri dans l'exercice de leur fonction, surtout en Syrie, en Somalie, au Pakistan, au Brésil et au Mexique.

Blaise Lempen a souligné que cette année la communauté internationale a fait d'importants progrès pour tenter de répondre à ce défi. Une conférence internationale a eu lieu en janvier au Qatar, le Conseil des droits de l'homme a adopté en septembre une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes et l'ONU a lancé il y a quelques jours un plan d'action pour les deux prochaines années sous l'égide de l'UNESCO.

Pour les co-fondateurs de la PEC, il reste beaucoup de travail en vue de l'adoption d'une convention internationale sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses, seule en mesure de régler d'une manière cohérente tous les aspects de cette problématique.

Le Prix Nicolas Bouvier de Journalisme est décerné tous les deux ans par un jury indépendant. Fondée en juin 2004 à Genève, dotée du statut consultatif à l'ONU, la PEC est soutenue par plus de 50 associations et organisations non gouvernementales à travers le monde.

 

حملة الشارة تحصل على جائزة بوفييه السويسرية للصحافة

جنيف-القاهرة – 28 نوفمبر (حملة الشارة) – حصلت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي على أرفع جائزة تقدم من جنيف إلى الصحافة و هي جائزة نيكولا بوفية للصحافة لعام 2012 و قد تسلم الجائزة في جنيف سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان.

و خصصت الجائزة كجائزة من نوع خاص لعمل الحملة في الدفاع عن الصحفيين في كافة أنحاء العالم.

و في رسالة من القاهرة في الاحتفال بتسلم الجائزة، قالت رئيسة الحملة و مؤسستها هدايت عبد النبي، أنها مقتنعة بأن الجائزة سوف تدفع بقوة عمل الحملة في ممارسة دوراً أكبر عبر العالم في صالح الصحفيين في محاولة لصد و وضع حد للهجمات ضد الصحفيين.  

إلا أنها أضافت أن هذا هدف طويل الأمد معربة عن أملها أن يشكل المجتمع الدولي لجنة تحقيق دولية للبحث في الجرائم ضد الصحفيين و تقديم مرتكبيها إلى المحاكمة. 

و شكرت نادي الصحافة السويسري بجنيف و هو الذي يقدم الجائزة كل عامين و حيث ولدت الحملة، و مقاطعة جنيف و لجنة تحكيم الجائزة. 

و صرح بليز ليمبان و هو الشريك المؤسس للحملة و هو يتسلم الجائزة أن هذا الاعتراف الهائل بدور الحملة سوف يدعمها في طريقها الصحيح مشيراً إلى أن عدد القتلى من الصحفيين قد بلغ هذا العام 131، مؤكداً على أن الصحفيين يعانون أكثر و أكثر بسبب صعوبة الوصول إلى مناطق النزاع المسلح و غيرها من المناطق الخطرة، مثلما هو الحال في سوريا.  

و اشار ليمبان أن العام الحالي قد شهد جهوداً موسعة من المجتمع الدولي لمعالجة قضية حماية الصحفيين بدءاً من مؤتمر الدوحة في يناير و مروراً بقرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان لحماية الصحفيين في سبتمبر ثم اجتماع الأمم المتحدة في فيينا لتطبيق استراتيجية لحماية الصحفيين تقودها اليونسكو.

إلا أن المؤسسيين للحملة ليمبان و عبد النبي قد اتفقا على أنه امامنا الكثير للإنجاز و بصفة خاصة من أجل التوصل إلى معاهدة دولية لحماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح و المناطق الخطرة. 

و قال ليمبان أن المعاهدة المقترحة تتضمن كل البنود الخاصة بمعالجة القضية.

يذكر أن بوفييه رحاله سويسري جاب العالم طولاً و غرباً و دون رحلاته في كتب.

لمزيد من المعلومات 
 

***23.11.2012. The PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) welcomes the outcome of the Vienna meeting on Safety of Journalists organized by UNESCO (PEC statement English, Arabic read below)

UNESCO PRESS RELEASE FYI

A UN system-wide plan to create a safer working environment for journalists has been given new momentum at a UNESCO-organized meeting that ended in Vienna today.The meeting, organized by UNESCO, brought together representatives from 15 United Nations bodies, including Frank Larue, the UN Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion, and Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. More than 40 non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, independent experts, media groups and professional associations also attended.

They pledged to work together and with relevant national authorities to ensure that the recommendations of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity were applied at country level.

The implementation strategy discussed at the meeting operates at global and national levels, and outlines more than 100 areas of work by different UN agencies and civil society groups to secure the safety of journalists.

They include:

· helping governments to develop laws on safeguarding journalists and mechanisms favorable to freedom of expression and information

· awareness-raising so that citizens understand the damage done when a journalist’s rights to freedom of expression is curtailed or terminated

· training courses for journalists in safety and e-safety; the provision of health care and life insurance;

· establishing real time emergency response mechanisms

· strengthening the safety of journalists in conflict zones

· decriminalizing defamation offenses

· encouraging adequate remuneration for both full-time and freelance employees

· enhancing protection for women journalists in response to the increasing incidence of sexual harassment and rape

“More than 100 journalists have been killed so far this year, making 2012 the deadliest year for media since UNESCO began keeping records on the killing of journalists” said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova in a message to the meeting.

Thirty-two of these victims lost their lives covering the conflict in Syria and another 18 were killed in Somalia. However, the majority of victims were not war correspondents, but local reporters covering illegal activities such as drug trafficking or illegal logging.

“And these attacks – not only the many murders and physical assaults, but also the countless abductions, the acts of harassment, the illegal arrests, the arbitrary detentions – have an impact that reaches well beyond the personal suffering the person involved,” said Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. “They chill press freedom and the right of everyone to live as informed citizens in peaceful societies. They aim to silence the journalist and, by extension, all of us.”

Civil society delegates issued a statement during the meeting welcoming and endorsing the Plan. They also recommended that it be implemented in a comprehensive manner in Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, South Sudan and Latin America.

“We are delighted that the United Nations recognizes that more needs to be done to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of attack,” said Larry Kilman, deputy CEO of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). However, he cautioned, “the key for the success of this plan will rest on the degree of cooperation from UN member states, who carry the responsibility of tackling a culture of impunity by bringing the attacks and killers of media professionals to justice. We hope the UN’s approach will contribute to more engagement from national authorities.”

This message was echoed at a parallel roundtable discussion organized by the International Press Institute at the Presse Club Concordia in Vienna, at which panelists concluded that governments worldwide must take responsibility for ending the threat to journalist safety .

Discussions over the two-days led to a rich exchange of experiences and ideas on ways to strengthen the role of the United Nations, establishing partnerships with governmental, intergovernmental and other organizations and groups, and working with civil society and media to heighten awareness and foster safety initiatives.

The second and final day of the meeting coincided with International Day to End Impunity for which the International Freedom of Expression Exchange network (IFEX), launched a global campaign highlighting the extent to which crimes against journalists go unpunished.

The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity is the result of a process that began in 2010 upon request of the Intergovernmental Council of UNESCO’S International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The Plan was endorsed by the UN Chief Executives Board on 12 April 2012.

PEC STATEMENT - Vienna-Geneva, November 23 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the outcome of the 2nd meeting held in Vienna on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
The PEC warmly endorses the concluding statement by UNESCO Assistant Director-General Janis Karklins that reflects a new direction on behalf of UNESCO to intensify on a country level the improvement of freedom of expression.
The Geneva based NGO hopes that the new partnership launched in Vienna with spearheaded by UNESCO, UN agencies, UN member states and NGOs will improve the working conditions of journalists for a better protection worldwide.
Though choosing a number of pilot countries to implement the UN strategy is welcome however, it is clear that other countries are in need of inclusion like Syria and the Palestinian territories as well as others.

Mr. Karklins, in his closing remarks, noted that crimes against journalists are crimes against society as a whole, and that he hopes through the endeavors of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, there would be a measure taken by interior ministers implementing this attitude.

He also noted that the UN strategy is just the beginning of forceful action by the United Nations.

Karklins stressed that the notion of cross accountability that is the NGOs holding the UN accountable and vice versa will help in strengthening the UN strategy.

In an open letter to the meeting on Friday 23 November the PEC said:

Mindful that the UN safety plan of action for journalists is geared to the country level, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls upon the meeting to set up ASAP an international commission of inquiry to investigate crimes of attacks against journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi (photo), who attended the two-day meeting, noted that  without commissions of inquiry on the global, regional and national, there will be no way to combat impunity.
The Geneva based NGO condemns strongly the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during this week.
The PEC also Condemns strongly the attacks against media installations in Gaza and calls upon the meeting to be mindful of the September Human Rights Council resolution on the Safety of journalists.
The PEC endorsed the open letter presented to the meeting by the Doha Center for Media Freedoms on the situation of journalists in the ongoing Syria conflict.

On a related matter, during the two-day events, journalists from Palestine, Bangladesh and Press TV who suffered a casualty in Syria asked the representative of UNESCO what will you do for us.

Bangladesh journalists staged a demo at the Vienna Press Club during a round-table organized on 22 November to highlight the following facts: the demonstration called   for an investigation in the murders of four journalists killed in the past 10 months in Bangladesh. 

In Vienna, Bangladesh journalists living in exile in the European Union demonstrated at the UN Vienna International Center and at the Press Club during the two-day meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
They called for an investigation in the murders of four journalists in Bangladesh killed in the past 10 months. Two TV Journalists: Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi (husband and wife) were killed in their apartment in Dhaka 11 February 2012. 
Journalist Jamal Uddin murdered in Sharsha, he was stabbed and hacked to death in a market place.  
Talhad Ahmed Kabid, shot dead 23 October by unidentified armed men in Shalidah (PEC).  

More info on the website of the meeting:
http://www.unesco.org/webworld/en/2UN-meeting-safety

حملة الشارة ترحب بنتائج اجتماع فيينا و هدايت عبد النبي تطالب بإقامة لجنة تحقيق دولية في مقتل الصحفيين

فيننا-القاهرة-جنيف (حملة الشارة) 23 نوفمبر – طالبت هدايت عبد النبي، رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي، بإقامة لجنة تحقيق دولية لها صلاحية التحقيق في مقتل الصحفيين و تقديم مرتكبي هذه الجرائم إلى المحاكمة.

و أضافت عبد النبي، في تصريح صحفي تعقيباً على اجتماع الأمم المتحدة في فيينا لحماية الصحفيين و قضايا الإفلات من العقاب، أنه بدون لجنة دولية و لجان إقليمية و وطنية فإنه لا يمكن مكافحة الإفلات من العقاب في جرائم مقتل الصحفيين.

و رحبت حملة الشارة، في بيان لها، باجتماع فيينا مشيرة إلى كلمة مساعد المدير العام لليونسكو جانيس كاركلينس في الجلسة الختامية للاجتماع أمس و التي تعكس توجه جديد لمنظمة اليونسكو لتقوية مساهمة الأمم المتحدة في تحسين على مستوى الدول ظروف حرية التعبير. و أكدت حملة الشارة دعمها لتصريحات كاركلينس.

و أعربت حملة الشارة أن تسفر الشراكة الجديدة التي تبلورت في اجتماع فيينا بصدارة اليونسكو و وكالات الأمم المتحدة المتخصصة و أعضاء الأمم المتحدة و المنظمات غير الحكومية عن تحسين الظروف التي تؤدي إلى حماية أفضل للصحفيين في كل أنحاء العالم.

و رغم ترحيب الشارة باختيار عدد من الدول كي يتم تطبيق فيها استراتيجية الأمم المتحدة من أجل حماية الصحفيين إلا أنها ترى أنه لابد من إدخال سوريا و الأراضي الفلسطينية المحتلة في تطبيقات هذه الاستراتيجية و دول أخرى.

و اشادت الشارة بقول كاركلينس بأن الجرائم ضد الصحفيين يجب أن ينظر إليها على أنها جرائم ضد المجتمع ككل و يأمل في نجاح مكتب الأمم المتحدة لمكافحة المخدرات و الجرائم في قيام وزراء داخلية الدول بتبني هذا التوجه.

و قال مسئول اليونسكو الرفيع أن استراتيجية الأمم المتحدة ما هي إلا البداية لتحرك قوي من قبل الأمم المتحدة، مؤكداً على أهمية محاسبة المنظمات غير الحكومية للأمم المتحدة و العكس صحيح في ظل هذه الشراكة الجديدة.

و كانت حملة الشارة الدولية قد وزعت خطاباً مفتوحاً في الاجتماع طالبت بإقامة في أقرب وقت لجنة دولية للتحقيق في مقتل الصحفيين و هم حتى تاريخ البيان 129 صحفي قتل منذ بداية العام الحالي و تقديم مرتكبي هذه الجرائم للمحاكمة و العقاب.

و طالبت الحملة الاجتماع بتبني إدانة استهداف المنشآت الإعلامية في غزة و استهداف منازل الصحفيين و قتلهم.

و ايدت حملة الشاره خطاباً مفتوحاً للاجتماع وجهه مركز الدوحة للحريات الإعلامية حول وضع الصحفيين المتردي في النزاع السوري.

و في تطور متصل تظاهر عدد من الصحفيين من بنجلاديش في المهجر على هامش الاجتماع و طالبوا الأمم المتحدة و اليونسكو في التحقيق فب مقتل 4 صحفيين في بنجلاديش على مر الأشهر العشرة الأخيرة.

لمزيد من المعلومات

***22.11.2012. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the civil society statement a the meeting in Vienna on the safety of journalists. The PEC is hopeful that the upcoming successful implementation of the UN Plan of Action will lead the UN to tackle the global aspect of the issue primarily in conflict zones building on current proposals such as the draft convention of the PEC.

Statement of the meeting of the civil society delegates of the 2nd UN Inter-Agency meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the issue of Impunity.
 
We, the undersigned participants of the meeting of the civil society delegates of the 2nd UN Inter-Agency meeting on the safety of journalists and the issues of impunity, that took place on the 21st of November, 2012:
·   Welcome and endorse the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity with the expectation that the United Nations and the member states will engage all stakeholders, including civil society and media, in its implementation in a participatory and inclusive manner;
·   In particular, we welcome the emphasis on the preventative and protective safety measures outlined in the Plan of Action as a starting point to guarantee safety of journalists;
·   We also appreciate the efforts to map and continue to identify good practices with the expectations that they can be shared among civil society and media and replicated where appropriate to inspire the implementation of the Plan of Action;
·   We agree to support the implementation of the Plan of Action in mutual cooperation and partnership among international, regional and national stakeholders, while also monitoring and assessing the Plan’s impact;
·   We expect that the implementation of the UN Action Plan will complement existing and on-going civil society initiatives at the national levels; 
·   At the same time, we believe that national mechanisms need to be further developed and strengthened to ensure a broad-based, comprehensive and inclusive approach based on local ownership; 
·   We underscore the need to support the establishment of special national and regional mechanisms to address impunity and ensure the effective implementation of such structures where they exist;
·   In the initial phase, while calling on UN and members states’ obligation to prevent attacks and combat impunity globally, we recommend the implementation of the Plan of Action in a comprehensive manner in the countries of Nepal, Iraq, Pakistan, South Sudan, Mexico and Honduras 
  
Signed by:
World Association of Newspapers
International Federation of Journalists
International Press Institute
Committee to Protect Journalists
Reporters Without Borders
Freedom House
ARTICLE 19
Intermedia, Pakistan
Open Society Foundations
International Media Support
Doha Centre for Media Freedom
Free Press Unlimited
IREX
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Media Program South East Europe
Media Legal Defence Initiative
Press Emblem Campaign
World Press Freedom Committee
International News Safety Institute
Centre for Freedom of the Media
Syrian Journalists Association
PEN International
Index on Censorship 

***21.11.2012. GAZA. PEC condemns new attacks against media installations and journalists killed in Gaza (read reports on PRESS, other statements on OTHER NEWS)

Geneva, Vienna (PEC) 21 November - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is extremely concerned and condemns strongly the continued targeting of media installations in Gaza, such as the ongoing attacks against the French News Agency (AFP), as well as targeting Palestinian journalists. So far three have been killed.

Israel is committed to the UN Security Council resolution 1738 which condemned attacks against journalists in conflict zones as well as the Human Rights Resolution A/HRC /21/L6 adopted on 27 September on the Safety of journalists.

The Israeli army continues to target deliberately buildings hosting journalists, in addition it has deliberately killed three Palestinian journalists under the pretext that they were from media close to Hamas.

PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen noted that journalists cannot be eliminated because of their ideas or being close to one camp or the other.

He added that if Israel allows the killing of journalists close to Hamas, what would be the fate of Israel journalists close to Tsahal ?

In Syria, he said, journalists were also targeted because they belonged to one camp or the other.

Lempen stressed that journalists are employed to do a job of gathering information, nothing more or less.

The PEC also denounces the fact that Hamas is using buildings where independent media are working, however the PEC underlines that this does not justify indiscriminate military action.

PEC president Hedayat Abdelnabi said that these horrendous developments take place ahead of an important UN sponsored meeting in Vienna, on the safety of journalists, and urges the participants to focus on practical measures to protect journalists and mobilize the world to face those dangers confronting journalists like in Gaza now.

The death of three Palestinian journalists yesterday steps up the number of killed journalists this year to 128 according to the PEC figures.

***18.11.2012. GAZA. PEC condemns targeting homes of journalists and media installations in Gaza (read press reports on PRESS, other statements on OTHER NEWS) 

PEC strongly condemns the wounding of 10 journalists and media professionals while they were carrying out their jobs, when Israeli Occupation Forces attacked the offices of al-Quds Television and al-Aqsa Television 
(photo). At approximately 01:35 on Sunday, 18 November 2012, Israeli warplanes fired 4 missiles at the office of al-Quds Satellite Channel, which is located on the top floor of the 11-storey Shawa and Hussari tower building in Gaza City.  The missiles penetrated the roof of the building and exploded inside the office.  As a result, 7 journalists and trainees who were in the office were wounded.  The wounds of two were described as serious. The office and the nearby offices of al-Quds Radio and Ramattan News Agency were extensively damaged.
 
At approximately 06:55. also on Sunday, a missile was fired at the office of al-Aqsa Television on the 15th floor of al-Shorouq tower building in the west of Gaza City. The missile penetrated to the 14th floor and exploded inside the offices of Palestine Media Production (PMP). As a result, 3 journalists were moderately wounded. 

PEC calls on the international community to investigate these deliberate attacks on media installations.

Geneva/Cairo/Gaza, 18 November 2012 (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the targeting of media installations in Gaza as well as homes of media professionals.

Today, according to the Palestinian Center for Media Freedoms and Development (MADA) and press reports the Israeli forces have targeted the Jerusalem TV station and Al Aqsa in Gaza.

The shelling of the two stations resulted in injuring at least six media professionals and severe damages to the buildings of both stations.

According to the Director of Jerusalem TV station Emad AlAfrangi those injured are:

Khedr ALzahar, his right leg amputated under the knee.
Hazem ALDaoor, injured by shrapnel
Mohammed AlAkhras, shrapnel in the body
Ibrahim Lebd, injuries
Hussein Almadhoun: suffocation
Omar ALIfrangui: injuries in the feet
Darwish Bolbol mild injuries

In the new round of hostilities, MADA reported that homes of media professionals are also targeted a new dimension in the conflict.

On Wednesday, child Omar Meshrawi was killed when Israeli forces targeted his home owned by his father journalist Jihad Sahrawi.

PEC, ahead of the UN meeting in Vienna on the Safety of Journalists reminds UNESCO, a main organizer of the meeting as well as the other organizers that it is time to act to protect journalists in legal terms.

حملة الشارة تدين و بقوة استهداف المنشآت الإعلامية و منازل الصحفيين في غزة

جنيف-القاهرة-غزة (حملة الشارة) – 18 نوفمبر – أعلنت حملة الشارة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي عن إدانتها الكاملة لقصف منشآت صحفية في غزة من قبل القوات الإسرائيلية كما أدانت و بقوة استهداف منازل الصحفيين في غزة و هي ظاهرة جديدة في الحرب صد الصحفيين.

و طبقاً لما ورد من معلومات من المركز الفلسطيني للتدريب و الحريات الصحفية المعروف بـ (مدى) فقد استهدفت القوات الإسرائيلية اليوم 18/11/2012، مكتب فضائية القدس وقناة الأقصى في قطاع غزة، وتسببت بإصابة ستة إعلاميين وسائقاً من فضائية القدس تراوحت حالتهم بين البالغة و المتوسطة والطفيفة، إضافة إلى إحداث أضرار بالغة في مكتب القناتين.

وأفاد مدير مكتب فضائية القدس عماد الأفرجني لمركز "مدى" أن القوات الإسرائيلية أطلقت ثلاث صواريخ على قسم التصوير والمونتاج على الفضائية الواقع في الطابق الحادي عشر من برج الشوا- الحصري في منطقة الرمال، وذلك في تمام الساعة الواحدة والنصف صباحاً. وتابع الإفرنجي قائلاً: " تسبب القصف في إصابة جميع المتواجدين في المكتب من مصورين ومساعدين وسائق، بالإضافة إلى أضرار كبيرة في القسم، بالإضافة إلى أضرار في سيارة الإسعاف التي هرعت مسرعة إلى المكان لنقل الإصابات، وأضرار في سيارة الفضائية". وبحسب الأفرنجي فإن الإصابات كانت كالتالي: خضر الزهار: بتر في ساقه اليمنى من تحت الركبة ورضوض. حازم الداعور: أصيب بشظايا ورضوض واختناق شديد. محمد الأخرس: شظايا في كل الجسم وإصابته متوسطة. إبراهيم لبد: جروح ورضوض. حسين المدهون: اختناق ورضوض. عمر الأفرنجي: جروح في القدمدرويش بلبل: جروح طفيفة.

من جهته أفاد مدير البرامج في قناة الأقصى المرئية سائد رضوان أن الطائرات الإسرائيلية استهدفت في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف من صباح اليوم قسم البث الواقع في الطابق الخامس عشر من برج الشروق، في منطقة الرمال بقطاع غزة. حيث تسببت بأضرار بالغة وتحطيم أغلب الأجهزة والاستوديوهات. وأضاف رضوان قائلاً: "إن احد الصواريخ اخترق أرضية المكتب ليصيب مكتب شركة فلسطين للانتاج الإعلامي الواقع في الطابق الرابع عشر، مسبباً لهم أضراراً مادية".

وكانت القوات الإسرائيلية قد استهدفت يوم الجمعة الماضي (16/11/2012) منزل مصور الوكالة الأوروبية علي إبراهيم مما أدى إلى إصابات متوسطة لوالده (71 عاماُ) وشقيقته (40 عاماً) وابنتها (8 سنوات)، بالإضافة إلى أضرار كبيرة في المنزل. وفي ذات اليوم استهدفت قوات الاحتلال مقر مؤسسة "فري ميديا" في منطقة الشيخ رضوان في قطاع غزة، مما أدى إلى تدميره بشكل شبه كلي.

و قامت القوات الإسرائيلية الأربعاء الماضي بقتل الطفل عمر مشهراوي (11 شهراً) ابن الصحفي جهاد مشهراوي في قصفٍ استهدف منزله.

و قبل أيام من اجتماع فيينا الخاص بمناقشة حماية الصحفيين و مشروع برنامج العمل فإن حملة الشارة الدولية تناشد المنظمين و المشاركين بالعمل على اتخاذ خطوات عملية قانونية ملزمة لتوفير الحماية للصحفيين بعد ادخال القوات الإسرائيلية مظاهر جديدة من العدوان على الصحفيين و هو استهداف منازلهم و هو تطور جد خطير.  

***13.11.2012. DO NOT MISS ! Vienna meeting to launch implementation of UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists on 22 and 23 November. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) will attend this important meeting at a moment when we all look forward for further progress on the issue of protection of journalists

(UNESCO media advisory) In the first nine months of 2012 UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova condemned 95 killings of journalists, media workers and bloggers, a dramatic increase compared to previous years. The 2nd UN Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity will be held in Vienna (Austria) on 22 and 23 November as part of international efforts to stem this violence, which undermines the basic human right of freedom of expression in many parts of the world and restricts citizens’ ability to get the full range of independent information to which they are entitled.  
The UN organizations taking part in the meeting will be able to consult invited international and regional institutions, national governments, professional organizations and NGOs. They will then define the implementation strategy for the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity for the next two years. 

This strategy will include international, regional and national activities.  Four countries have been selected for the first phase of implementation: Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, and South Sudan.  Preparations are also underway to extend the implementation of the Plan of Action to Latin America, the region most severely affected by attacks against journalists, media workers and social media producers. 

Journalists must enjoy reasonable levels of personal safety if they are to carry out their work and realize the right of all citizens to receive reliable information.  States and societies are responsible for creating and maintaining the conditions required to preserve the fundamental right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and combating the impunity all too often enjoyed by perpetrators of attacks against journalists. 

Freedom of expression, including the right to receive and express opinions and impart information, is essential in building just and participatory democratic societies.  Nevertheless, the number of journalists killed in the line of duty has been increasing and now totals more than 600 in the last ten years. UNESCO’s statements on these killings can be found in a dedicated web page, UNESCO condemns the killing of journalists.  But journalists and media workers are also the subject of other forms of harassment and intimidation—such as illegal arrest and sexual attacks on female journalists—which limit their ability to work freely and carry out their professional duties. 

The Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists was convened by the Director-General of UNESCO, the UN Organization responsible for media freedom.  The event is co-hosted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is sponsored by the Austrian Government. The UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity represents the outcome of a process that began in 2010 at the request of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). Consequently, the first UN Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 13-14 September 2011. 

The first part of the Vienna meeting, on the morning of 22 November will be open to the press. This will include a press conference with Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Department of Public Information (UN DPI);  Jānis Kārkliņš, UNESCO Assistant Director-General in charge of the Communication and Information Sector (9 to 10 a.m. at, Presseclub Concordia, Bankgasse 8, 1010 Vienna) 

The public event will also include a Round-table organized by the International Press Institute (IPI) with the participation of  Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Pansy Tlakula, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, African Union Commission (AUC); Dunja Mijatović, Representative on Freedom of the Media, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); Alexandra Föderl-Schmid, Editor-in-Chief, Der Standard, Austria and Member of the IPI Executive Board. Reporters without Borders will also moderate a discussion with Swedish journalists recently freed in Ethiopia, Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson.  

More info on the website of the meeting: http://www.unesco.org/webworld/en/2UN-meeting-safety

***02.10.2012. PEC UPDATE – report for 9 months (English, French, Spanish and Arabic) (Consult press reports on PRESS, list of casualties on page TICKING CLOCK)

Never before has been such a high tally in 9 months, 110 killed

Geneva, 2 October (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) expresses its extreme worry at the rising toll in journalists killed during the past 9 months, 110 in 25 countries, which represents an increase of 36 percent compared to previous year.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that this figure is the highest ever registered by the PEC since monitoring the number of journalists killed annually.

According to the PEC, 107 journalists were killed during 2011, 81 during the first 9 months of 2011. The current figure, that is 110 in 9 months in 2012 represents a 36 percent increase as compared to last year.

Civil war in Syria

The civil war in Syria has led to the death of at least 32 journalists since January of this year.

Lempen stressed that both warring parties in Syria are targeting journalists and added that the PEC strongly condemns this practice.

Syrians who inform the world on the developments of the bloody conflict in Syria have endured very high risks. Foreign journalists have joined the high risks of losing their lives while covering the civil war. Other media workers are detained or were injured.

Somalia on the rise

Somalia has witnessed a dramatic deterioration in media conditions with 16 journalists killed in 9 months, seven in one month (September). The PEC strongly condemns attacks on media workers in Somalia.

Mexico follows Somalia as the third most dangerous country for media work with ten killed during the same period. The assassinated journalists in Mexico suffered violent mutilations; the insecurity remains chronic in many areas of the country.

Pakistan and Brazil follow at 4th positions where 7 journalists were killed in each country. Honduras comes at 6th position with 6 journalists killed.

The Philippines comes in at 5th position with 5 killed, followed by Iraq: 3 killed, and Nigeria: 3 killed. The PEC has received confirmation during the month of August that 3 journalists died in detention in Eritrea.

2 journalists were killed in the following countries: Afghanistan, Bolivia, and India.

One journalist was killed in the following countries: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Columbia, Ecuador, Haiti, Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, Panama, Tanzania and Thailand.

By region

By region, the Middle East tops the world with 36 journalists killed followed by Latin America: 29, Africa: 24, Asia 21.

During the reporting period no media worker was killed in Europe. The PEC plans to go into further details in its end of year report.

Impunity was the case in the majority of the killings of journalists. It is the hope of the PEC that the adoption of a Human Rights Council resolution on the safety of journalists last week would drive governments to carry out enquires with the goal of bringing the perpetrators of those crimes against journalists to justice.

PEC president Hedayat Abdelnabi noted that the rise in the number of journalists killed does not match the slow momentum by governments to develop a new legal document to protect journalists. Governments, she added, have moved a way forward last week in Geneva; however some impose brakes on governments to move forward with this process. Those brakes, said Abdelnabi, are unwelcome. She added that the blood of our colleagues call upon governments to continue the process in a more speedy manner.

Jamais autant de journalistes tués en neuf mois : 110 depuis janvier

Genève (PEC), 2 octobre 2012 - La PEC est consternée par la hausse du nombre de victimes parmi les travailleurs des medias cette année. Jamais autant de journalistes ont été tués en neuf mois, en hausse de 36% d'une année sur l'autre.

Depuis début janvier jusqu'au 30 septembre, 110 journalistes professionnels et non professionnels ont trouvé la mort dans 25 pays à travers le monde. "C'est le bilan le plus lourd jamais enregistré par la PEC", a déclaré le secrétaire général de l'ONG basée à Genève Blaise Lempen.

Ce bilan dépasse d'ores et déjà celui dressé pour toute l'année en 2011. L'an dernier, sur 12 mois, 107 journalistes avaient été tués, selon les mêmes critères, et sur neuf mois 81 journalistes. L'augmentation d'une année sur l'autre est de 36%.

Guerre civile en Syrie

La guerre civile en Syrie est à l'origine de cette hausse dramatique: Dans ce pays, 32 journalistes professionnels et non professionnels au moins ont été tués depuis le 1er janvier. "Les combattants, aussi bien dans le camp gouvernemental que dans le camp des rebelles, ciblent les journalistes. C'est une pratique que nous condamnons avec force", a affirmé Blaise Lempen.

Les Syriens qui ont informé le monde extérieur des violences ont pris et continuent à prendre des risques énormes. Des journalistes étrangers ont aussi essayé de faire leur métier au péril de leur vie. D'autres travailleurs des medias sont détenus ou ont été blessés.

Hausse dramatique en Somalie

La Somalie a connu une dégradation dramatique, avec 16 journalistes tués en neuf mois, dont sept au cours du seul mois de septembre. La PEC condamne fermement cette escalade d’assassinats en Somalie.

Le Mexique arrive en 3e position, avec au moins 10 journalistes assassinés, souvent avec d'atroces mutilations, une situation d'insécurité malheureusement chronique dans certaines régions de ce pays.

Le Pakistan et le Brésil sont au 4e rang des pays les plus dangereux, avec sept tués dans chacun de ces pays. Au 6e rang, le Honduras a vu la mort de six journalistes.

Les Philippines suivent avec cinq tués, devant l'Irak (trois) et le Nigéria (trois). La PEC a aussi comptabilisé les trois journalistes dont on a obtenu fin août la confirmation de leur décès en détention en Erythrée, bien que la date exacte de leur mort ne soit pas connue.

Au 11e rang, avec deux tués dans chaque pays, se trouvent l'Afghanistan, la Bolivie et l'Inde. Un journaliste est mort en outre dans chacun de ces pays: Bahreïn, Bangladesh, Cambodge, Colombie, Equateur, Haïti, Indonésie, Népal, Ouganda, Panama, Tanzanie, Thaïlande.

Par région

Par région, le Moyen-Orient arrive en tête avec 36 tués, suivi de l'Amérique latine (29), de l'Afrique (24) et de l'Asie (21). A noter qu'aucun travailleur des médias n'a été tué en Europe. La PEC fera un bilan plus détaillé à la fin de l'année.

La plupart de ces assassinats ont lieu en toute impunité. L'adoption d'une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes par le Conseil des droits de l'homme la semaine dernière devrait contribuer à pousser les gouvernements à mener des enquêtes de manière à traduire en justice les responsables.
Pour la présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi, les gouvernements restent trop lents à réagir face à l'augmentation du nombre de victimes. Les Etats ont progressé la semaine dernière à Genève, mais certains pays continuent de freiner le processus vers l'adoption d'un document contraignant pour renforcer la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit. "Ces freins ne sont pas les beinvenus. Le sang de nos collègues devrait inciter les gouvernements à démarrer et conclure ce processus d'une manière plus rapide", a déclaré Hedayat Abdel Nabi. 

PEC:  Jamás tantos periodistas fueron asesinados en nueve meses

Ginebra, 2 de octubre (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) esta consternada por el alza del número de víctimas entre los trabajadores de los medios de comunicación. Jamás tantos periodistas fueron asesinados en nueve meses, un alza del  36 por ciento de un año al otro.

Desde principios de enero hasta el 30 de septiembre, 110 periodistas profesionales o no profesionales hallaron la muerte en 25 países de todo el mundo.“Este es el mayor récord jamás registrado por la PEC”, ha declarado  Blaise Lempen, el Secretario general de la
ONG basada en Ginebra.

Ese saldo sobrepasa ya el de todo el año de 2011. Durante los 12 meses del pasado año, 107 periodistas fueron asesinados, según los mismos criterios, y sobre nueve meses 81 periodistas. El aumento de un año al otro es del 36 por ciento.

Guerra civil en Siria

La guerra civil en Siria es la causante de este espectacular aumento. En este país,  por lo menos 32 periodistas profesionales y no profesionales han sido asesinados desde el
pasado primero de enero. “Los combatientes, ya sean del campo gubernamental como del lado de los rebeldes,  convierten a los periodistas en un objetivo más”. Esta es una práctica que condenamos enérgicamente, ha subrayado Blaise Lempen.

Los sirios que han informado hacia el mundo exterior acerca de las violencias han corrido enormes riesgos. Los periodistas extranjeros también han intentado cumplir su misión de informar arriesgando sus vidas. Otros trabajadores de los medias han sido detenidos o heridos.

Deterioro en Somalia

Somalia ha experimentado también un deterioro sensible: 16 periodistas asesinados en nueve meses, siete en septiembre.

La tercera posición en nivel de peligrosidad,  la ocupa ahora México, donde por lo menos 10 periodistas han sido asesinados, con frecuencia víctimas de mutilaciones atroces, una situación de inseguridad lamentablemente crónica en algunas regiones de este país.

Pakistán y Brasil ocupan el cuarto lugar entre los países más peligrosos, con siete asesinados en cada país.  En sexto lugar se encuentra Honduras, donde han muerto
seis periodistas.

Según las cifras recogidas por la PEC, en orden de peligrosidad para ejercer la profesión estaría Filipinas, con cinco periodistas asesinados, situándose por delante de Iraq (tres) y Nigeria (tres). La PEC ha obtenido la confirmación a fines de agosto de la muerte de tres periodistas detenidos en Eritrea, aún cuando se desconoce la fecha exacta de esas muertes.

En el onceno lugar, con dos asesinados en cada país, se sitúan Afganistán, Bolivia y la
India. Por otra parte, se ha registrado la muerte de un periodista en cada uno de los siguientes países: Bahreïn, Bangladesh, Camboya, Colombia, Ecuador, Haití, Indonesia, Nepal, Uganda, Panamá, Tanzania y Tailandia.

Por regiones

El saldo por regiones refleja que el Medio Oriente, con 36 asesinados se sitúa en primer lugar, seguido de América Latina (29), África (24) y Asia con 21. A tener en cuenta que ningún periodista ha sido asesinado en Europa. De todas maneras, la PEC hará su informe completo de 2012 para fines de año.

La mayoría de los asesinatos han ocurrido en total impunidad. La adopción la semana pasada por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU de una resolución sobre la seguridad de los periodistas deberá contribuir a hacer que los gobiernos lleven a cabo investigaciones a fin de enjuiciar a los responsables.

Para la Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel  Nabi, la reacción de los gobiernos sigue siendo lenta frente al aumento del número de víctimas. Los Estados han progresado la semana pasada en Ginebra, pero ciertos países continúan frenando el proceso hacia la adopción de un documento vinculante para reforzar la protección de los periodistas en las zonas de conflicto.

“Estos frenos no son bien recibidos. La sangre de nuestros colegas debería alentar a los gobiernos a iniciar y concluir este proceso de una manera más rápida”, dijo Abdel Nabi.

"حملة الشارة"مقتل 110 صحفيين في 25 دولة خلال 9 أشهر

جنيف- القاهرة 2 أكتوبر (حملة الشارة) - أعلنت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفيين أن عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا منذ بداية العام الحالي حتى نهاية سبتمبر بلغ 110 صحفيين من الجنسين في 25 دولة، أي ما يمثل 36 بالمائة في السنوات الماضية.

ووصف بليز ليمبان سكرتير عام الحملة هذا الرقم يعد قياسياً منذ بداية رصد الحملة للقتلى من الصحفيين في كل عام وكل ثلاثة أشهر.

وقال: إن العام الماضي شهد مقتل 110 صحفيين، منهم 81 خلال الأشهر التسعة الأولى من عام 2011، مشيرا إلى أن الحرب الأهلية في سوريا أدت إلى مقتل 36 صحفياً وصحفية.

وأوضح أن الطرفين المتحاربين في سوريا يقومان باستهداف الصحفيين بالقتل، مؤكدا أن حملة الشارة تدين بشكل قوي هذه التصرفات.

وأضاف أن السوريين يعرضون أنفسهم إلى مخاطر جسيمة لإطلاع العالم على تطورات الحرب، وانضم إليهم الإعلام الأجنبي والعربي، وتم اعتقال آخرين، كما تعرضوا للإصابة.

وشددت حملة الشارة على أن الصومال تمر بأصعب أسابيعها، حيث تعرضت في الأسبوع الأخير إلى مقتل 5 صحفيين بعضهم قتل بطريقة وحشية، وهو الأمر الذي أدى إلى ارتفاع عدد القتلى من الصحفيين منذ بداية العام إلى 16 صحفياً.

وذكرت "الشارة" أن جماعة خارجة علي القانون أعدمت الصحفي عبد الرحمن محمد علي في 26 سبتمبر الجاري بعد خطفه من منزل والدته، وقبلها بستة أيام أطلق مسلحون النار علي الصحفي أحمد عبد الله فرح الذي يعمل بوكالة الأنباء اليمنية، في أثناء التقاطه بعض الصور وهو داخل سيارة جنوب مقديشيو، وأردوه قتيلاً، وفي نفس الأسبوع قتل ثلاثة صحفيين آخرين لأسباب مختلفة.

وأدانت الحملة بقوة استهداف الصحفيين في أغلب الأوقات، وعمليات الهجوم عليهم في الصومال.

وقالت: إن المكسيك تأتي بعد الصومال كأخطر الدول للعمل الصحفي بمقتل عشرة صحفيين هناك منذ بداية العام، حيث تعرض الصحفيون في المكسيك إلى التنكيل الوحشي بجثثهم، وتلا المكسيك كل من باكستان والبرازيل حيث قتل في كل منهما سبعة صحفيين، ثم هندوراس بمقتل 6 صحفيين.

أما الفلبين فتأتي في المرتبة الخامسة بمقتل 5 صحفيين، ثم العراق 3، ونيجيريا 3، وحصلت حملة الشارة على تأكيدات بمقتل 3 صحفيين في المعتقل خلال شهر أغسطس في اريتريا، ولم تعرف بعد أسباب الوفاة.

وفي أفغانستان، وبنجلاديش، وكمبوديا قتل 2 من الصحفيين في كل من هذه الدول، وقتل صحفي في كل من البحرين، وبنجلاديش، وكمبوديا، وكولومبيا، وإكوادور، وهايتي، وإندونيسيا، ونيبال، وأوغندا، وبنما، وتنزانيا، وتايلاند.

تصدرت منطقة الشرق الأوسط أكثر المناطق خطورة للعمل الصحفيين بمقتل 36 صحفيا، ثم أمريكا اللاتينية 29، وإفريقيا 24، وآسيا 21.

وكانت السمة المصاحبة لمقتل الصحفيين هي عدم تقديم الجناة للمحاكمة، ومن ثم فإن حملة الشارة تأمل في أن يترجم قرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان الذي أقر في الأسبوع الماضي حول سلامة الصحفيين إلى دفع الحكومات لعمل تحقيقات بهدف تحويل مرتكبي هذه الجرائم إلى العدالة.

وصرحت رئيسة حملة الشارة هدايت عبد النبي بأن قوة الدفع البطيئة لا تتمشى مع تزايد عدد القتلى من الصحفيين نحو مضي الحكومات نحو عملية تفاوضية لإقرار وثيقة جديدة ملزمة لحماية الصحفيين.

وأضافت أن الحكومات مضت بخطوة إلى الأمام في الأسبوع الماضي في جنيف إلا أن البعض يمارس فرملة على الحكومات للمضي بهذه العملية إلى الأمام.

وأكدت عبد النبي أن الحملة لا ترحب بهذه الفرملة لأن دماء الزملاء من الصحفيين تفرض على الحكومات ضرورة بدء العملية والانتهاء منها بشكل سريع.

للمزيد حول القضية العالمية رجاء زيارة موقعنا

***27.09.2012. PEC STATEMENT - PEC congratulates the Human Rights Council for its adoption of a historic resolution on the safety of journalists and welcomes it as a first in the fight against impunity

The Human Rights Council adopted by consensus at the United Nations in Geneva (photo) a resolution on the safety of journalists with a broad support of 67 co-sponsors. Read the PEC statement in English, French, Spanish and Arabic below. Scroll down to read the text of the resolution A/HRC/21/L6 as adopted by the HRC. See also on PRESS for press reports

The resolution submitted by Austria was adopted by consensus with 67 co-sponsors: initial list: Albania*, Argentina*, Australia*, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Botswana, Brazil*, Bulgaria*, Colombia*, Croatia*, Cyprus*, Czech Republic, Denmark*, Egypt*, Estonia*, Finland*, Georgia*, Germany*, Greece*, Guatemala, Honduras*, Hungary, Iceland*, Ireland*, Kenya*, Latvia*, Lebanon*, Libya, Liechtenstein*, Lithuania*, Luxembourg*, Mexico*, Montenegro*, Morocco*, Netherlands*, Nigeria, Norway, Palestine*, Peru, Poland, Portugal*, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia*, Slovenia*, Sweden*, Switzerland, Tunisia*, Turkey*, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
additional: Canada, Djibouti, Somalia, Algeria, Spain, Uruguay, Chile, Armenia, Japan, Costa Rica, Armenia, Senegal, Benin, Mauritania, Italy 

Austrian Ambassador Christian Strohal, introducing the draft resolution L.6, said that the resolution put the issue of safety of journalists squarely on the agenda of the Human Rights Council and there were three main elements. Firstly, it made a clear statement in condemning attacks against journalists. Secondly, it expressed a clear concern about the widespread impunity in the aftermath of attacks against journalists and in that context, called on States to ensure accountability by investigating those attacks and bringing perpetrators to justice. Thirdly, it encouraged States to put in place a safe and enabling protection environment for journalists, to be able to fulfil their important role in providing information to the public. The resolution also emphasised the importance of good practices in the area of the protection of journalists and to this effect requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a compilation of good practices for the twenty-fourth session (UN press release).

PEC congratulates the Human Rights Council for its adoption of a historic resolution on the safety of journalists and welcomes it as a first in the fight against impunity

Geneva - 27 September (PEC) - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) congratulates Member States of the Human Rights Council for the adoption  of a resolution on the safety of journalists. The Geneva-based NGO sees the adoption of this resolution on the protection of journalists as a historic step in the fight against impunity.

The tally among journalists, up to date this year, has reached 108 journalists killed, an unprecedented figure, as compared to previous years.

PEC president Hedayat Abdel Nabi noted that this great achievement honors the many journalists who were killed in the line of duty.

In Libya, Syria, Somalia, Pakistan, Mexico and the Philippines, she added, across the board of nationalities, the eternal silence of the fallen journalists was the engine which drove Member States to be engaged in a process that led to its adoption.

“The blood of our colleagues”, she said, ”was the shot in the arm which unfolded in a new stage in the uphill battle for the protection of journalists in dangerous situations”.

The PEC partnership with the UN Member States, said Abdel Nabi, intensified year after
year. In June 2010 the PEC co-sponsored with Egypt a panel discussion on the
protection of journalists in the human rights Council.

In January this year, the PEC was a major participant in the Doha Conference on Protection of Journalists in Dangerous situations, thereafter in September, the PEC took part in a high level meeting in New York presided by the  President of the General Assembly Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser(Qatar).
 
Abdel Nabi said that the Geneva based NGO sees in this resolution an important step towards guidelines and a blue print document for the protection of journalists, a PEC major goal.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said that the PEC since its creation eight years ago raised awareness and repeatedly called on governments to act on this crucial problem for the right to information of all citizens. “Adoption of this resolution is a success, even if it is not enough to change the reality on the ground”, said Lempen.

Lempen noted that the UN, in this resolution, recognized the need to re-enforce the protection of all media employees and their sources.

The PEC, said Lempen, invites all UN member states to implement this resolution in letter and spirit with the goal of putting an end to violations against journalists in all circumstances.

Lempen added that the PEC calls upon media, civil society, journalists' associations, and NGOs defending human rights to contribute in securing its respect and in implementing its concrete recommendations, in particular to conduct a speedy and effective investigation to combat impunity.

The PEC congratulates in particular Austria, Brazil, Morocco, Switzerland and Tunisia for sponsoring the resolution, as well as the 60 co-sponsors.

The PEC underlines with satisfaction that Member States have firmly condemned all attacks and violence against journalists including torture, summary executions, forced disappearances, arbitrary detention and harassment, and have stressed the need to ensure greater protection for all media professionals as well as journalistic sources and have expressed their concern that there is a growing threat to the safety of journalists posed by non-State actors, including terrorist groups and criminal organizations.

The timely resolution calls on all parties to armed conflict to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and to allow, within the framework of applicable rules and procedures, media access and coverage, as appropriate, in situations of international and non-international armed conflict.

The resolution expresses its concern that attacks against journalists often occur with impunity, and calls upon States to ensure accountability through the conduct of impartial, speedy and effective investigations into such acts falling within their jurisdiction, and to bring to justice those responsible and to ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

The resolution calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference, including by means of (a) legislative measures; (b) awareness-raising in the judiciary, law enforcement officers and military personnel, as well as journalists and civil society, regarding international human rights and humanitarian law obligations and commitments relating to the safety of journalists; (c) the monitoring and reporting of attacks against journalists; (d) publicly condemning attacks; and (e) dedicating necessary resources to investigate and prosecute such attacks.

It requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, incollaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, to prepare, working in consultation with States and other relevant stakeholders, a compilation of good practices in the protection of journalists, the prevention of attacks and the fight against impunity for attacks committed against journalists, and to present the compilation in a report to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fourth session.

While the PEC welcomes the mandate bestowed by the resolution on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to undergo a study on the global problem of the protection of journalists, and while expressing its willingness to contribute to the study, it believes that presenting the study a year from now is a long time as the media community is facing daily tragic losses that are on the rise. The PEC regrets this delay, as the tally among journalists has reached an unprecedented figure.

La PEC félicite le Conseil des droits de l'homme pour l'adoption historique d'une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes et salue un pas important en avant dans la lutte contre l'impunité

Genève 27 septembre (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) félicite les pays membres du Conseil des droits de l'homme pour avoir adopté pour la première fois une résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes. L'ONG basée à Genève la considère comme une étape historique dans la lutte contre l'impunité.

Depuis le début de l’année, 108 journalistes ont été tués, un chiffre sans précédent, plus élevé que le bilan de toute l'année 2011.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a affirmé que ce succès honore la mémoire des nombreux journalistes tués dans l'exercice de leur fonction.

En Libye, en Syrie, en Somalie, au Pakistan, au Mexique et aux Philippines, les voix de journalistes, quelle que soit leur nationalité, se sont tues, mais leur mort a été le catalyseur qui a poussé les gouvernements à s'engager dans le processus qui a conduit à l'adoption de la résolution, a ajouté Hedayat Abdel Nabi.

"Le sang de nos collègues a été le moteur d'une nouvelle étape dans la bataille pour la protection des journalistes dans des zones dangereuses", a déclaré la présidente de la PEC.

La coopération de la PEC avec l'ONU s'est intensifiée au fil des années. Récemment, en juin 2010, la PEC a co-organisé avec l'Egypte un débat au Conseil des droits de l'homme sur la protection des journalistes. En janvier 2012, l'ONG a participé activement à la conférence de Doha sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses. Début septembre, la PEC a pris part à une réunion à New York avec le président de l'Assemblée générale de l'ONU l'ambassadeur Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser.

Pour la présidente de la PEC, l'adoption de cette résolution par le Conseil des droits de l'homme est un pas important vers des règles inscrites dans un projet de document juridiquement contraignant sur la protection des journalistes, un des buts principaux de l'ONG.

Le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen a affirmé que depuis sa création il y a huit ans, la PEC s'est efforcée de sensibiliser les gouvernements et les a appelés à agir sur ce problème crucial pour le droit à l'information de tous les citoyens. "L'adoption de cette résolution est un succès, même si ce n'est pas suffisant pour changer la réalité sur le terrain", a-t-il déclaré.

"L'ONU reconnaît dans ce texte la nécessité de renforcer la protection de tous les employés des medias et de leurs sources. Nous encourageons tous les Etats à appliquer avec fermeté cette résolution afin de mettre fin aux violences contre les journalistes en toutes circonstances", a ajouté Blaise Lempen.

"Nous invitons les medias, la société civile, les associations de journalistes et les organisations de défense des droits humains à contribuer à en garantir le respect et à faire appliquer ses recommandations concrètes, en particulier la nécessité de mener des enquêtes rapides et efficaces pour lutter contre l'impunité", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC.

La PEC félicite en particulier l'Autriche, le Brésil, le Maroc, la Suisse et la Tunisie qui ont parrainé la résolution, ainsi que les 60 co-sponsors.

La PEC souligne avec satisfaction que dans ce texte les pays membres de l'ONU "condamnent dans les termes les plus vifs toutes les attaques et les violences contre les journalistes, dont les tortures, exécutions sommaires, disparitions, détentions arbitraires, actes de harcèlement" et s'inquiètent de la menace croissante des acteurs non-étatiques, dont les groupes terroristes et les organisations criminelles.

Le texte demande à toutes les parties à un conflit de respecter le droit international humanitaire et les droits de l'homme et "d'autoriser, dans le cadre des règles et procédures applicables, l'accès des medias et la couverture des situations de conflit armé international et non international".

Il exhorte aussi les Etats à lutter contre l'impunité en menant des enquêtes impartiales et rapides et en traduisant les responsables en justice. Les gouvernements sont invités à prendre des mesures législatives, à renforcer la sensibilisation des organes judiciaires, de police et militaires à la sécurité des journalistes, à répertorier les attaques contre les journalistes, à les condamner et à consacrer des ressources pour enquêter et poursuivre de telles attaques.

La résolution demande au Haut Commissariat aux droits de l'homme en collaboration avec le rapporteur de l'ONU sur la liberté d'expression Frank La Rue de faire une étude d'ici un an sur les meilleures pratiques pour protéger les journalistes, prévenir les attaques et combattre l'impunité.

La PEC se félicite du mandat donné au Haut Commissariat et se déclare prêt à y contribuer, mais regrette en même temps ce long délai et aurait souhaité que le rapport soit publié plus rapidement, compte tenu de l'urgence de la situation et du nombre accru de victimes. 


PEC felicita al Consejo de Derechos Humanos por la adopción de una histórica resolución sobre la seguridad de los periodistas y acoge con satisfacción esta primicia en la lucha contra la impunidad.

Ginebra, 27 septiembre (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) felicita a los Estados miembros del Consejo de Derechos Humanos por haber adoptado una resolución sobre la seguridad de los periodistas. La ONG –radicada en Ginebra- considera la adopción de esta resolución sobre la protección de los periodistas como un paso histórico en la lucha contra la impunidad. 

Según la PEC, 108 periodistas fueron asesinados en lo que va de año, una cifra sin precedentes comparada con años anteriores.

La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, señaló que este gran logro honra a los numerosos periodistas que perdieron la vida en el cumplimiento del deber. En Libia, Siria, Somalia, Pakistán, México y en Filipinas, las voces de los periodistas caídos, cualquiera que haya sido su nacionalidad, se apagaron definitivamente, pero su muerte ha llevado a los gobiernos a participar en el proceso que condujo a la adopción de la resolución, añadió Abdel Nabi.

"La sangre de nuestros compañeros ha sido el motor impulsor de esta nueva etapa en la batalla por la protección de los periodistas en zonas peligrosas”, ha hecho hincapié la presidenta de la PEC.

La colaboración de la PEC con los Estados miembros, dijo Abdel Nabi, se ha intensificado año tras año. En junio del 2010, la PEC co-patrocinó junto con Egipto un panel de debate sobre la protección de los periodistas en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos.

En enero de este año, la PEC fue uno de los principales participantes en la Conferencia de Doha sobre la Protección de Periodistas en situaciones peligrosas; posteriormente, en septiembre, la PEC participó en una reunión de alto nivel en Nueva York, presidida por el  Presidente de la Asamblea General de la ONU, el embajador Qatarí Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser

Para Abdel Nabi, la adopción de esta resolución constituye un paso importante hacia la elaboración de un proyecto que recoja debidamente las pautas sobre la protección de los periodistas, uno de los objetivos más importantes de la PEC.

El Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, dijo que la PEC desde su creación hace ocho años, se ha esforzado por sensibilizar a los gobiernos, a los que en reiteradas ocasiones ha exhortado a actuar en este tema crucial para el derecho a la información para todos los ciudadanos. “La adopción de esta resolución es un éxito, aún cuando no sea suficiente para cambiar la realidad sobre el terreno”, ha dicho Lempen.

“La ONU ha reconocido en esta resolución la necesidad de reforzar la protección de todos los empleados de los medios de comunicación y de sus fuentes”, ha recalcado Lempen.

La PEC, ha dicho Lempen, invita a todos los Estados miembros de la ONU a implementar el espíritu y la letra de esta resolución para lograr la eliminación de la violencia contra los periodistas en todas las circunstancias”.

“Exhortamos a los medios de comunicación, a la sociedad civil, a las asociaciones de periodistas, y las organizaciones defensoras de los derechos humanos a contribuir a asegurar el respeto de esta resolución y a hacer aplicar sus recomendaciones concretas, en particular la necesidad de efectuar investigaciones rápidas y eficientes para combatir la impunidad”, ha expresado el secretario general de la PEC.

La PEC felicita en particular a Austria, Brasil, Marruecos, Suiza y Túnez por haber patrocinado la resolución, así como a los 60 copatrocinadores.

La PEC subraya con satisfacción que los Estados miembros han condenado firmemente todos los ataques y la violencia contra periodistas, incluyendo las torturas, ejecuciones sumarias, desapariciones forzadas, detenciones arbitrarias, y han hecho hincapié en la necesidad de garantizar una mayor protección para todos los profesionales de los medios de comunicación, así como a las fuentes periodísticas y han expresado su preocupación ante la creciente amenaza para la seguridad de los periodistas por parte de agentes No-estatales, tales como grupos terroristas y organizaciones criminales.

La oportuna resolución pide a las partes involucradas en un conflicto armado que respeten sus obligaciones bajo las leyes internacionales de derechos humanos y del derecho humanitario internacional, y autorizar, dentro del marco de las normas aplicables y procedimientos, que los medios tengan acceso y puedan cubrir, de forma apropiada, las situaciones de conflicto armado internacional y no internacional.

La resolución expresa su preocupación porque los ataques contra periodistas ocurren a menudo con impunidad, y hace un llamado a los Estados a garantizar la rendición de cuentas mediante investigaciones imparciales, rápidas y efectivas de aquellos actos que estén dentro de su jurisdicción, y de llevar ante la justicia a los responsables y garantizar que las víctimas tengan acceso a compensaciones apropiadas.

La resolución exhorta a los Estados a promover un entorno seguro y propicio para que los periodistas puedan realizar su trabajo de forma independiente y sin interferencias indebidas, incluso por medio de (a) las medidas legislativas, (b) la sensibilización en el poder judicial, los agentes del orden y el personal militar, así como a periodistas y a la sociedad civil, con respecto a los derechos humanos y las obligaciones internacionales de derecho humanitario y los compromisos relativos a la seguridad de los periodistas, (c) el seguimiento y la notificación de los ataques contra periodistas, (d) condenar públicamente los ataques y (e) dedicar los recursos necesarios para investigar y enjuiciar este tipo de ataques.

Pide a la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos, en colaboración con el Relator Especial sobre la promoción y protección del derecho a la libertad de opinión y de expresión, Frank La Rue, preparar, en consulta con los Estados y otras partes interesadas, un estudio sobre las mejores prácticas para proteger a los periodistas, prevenir los ataques y luchar contra la impunidad, y que al respecto presente un informe al Consejo de Derechos Humanos en su vigesimocuarto período de sesiones.

La PEC acoge con satisfacción el mandato otorgado al Alto Comisionado, y a la vez que expresa su voluntad de contribuir al mismo, la PEC hubiera preferido que el informe fuese publicado más rápido, ya que considera que su presentación dentro de un año es un tiempo demasiado largo teniendo en cuenta la gravedad de la situación y el número creciente de víctimas. 

حملة الشارة الدولية ترحب بقرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان التاريخي بشأن سلامة الصحفيين و تعتبره خطوة أولى لمكافحة الإفلات من العقاب

جنيف-القاهرة – 27 سبتمبر – حملة الشارة – هنأت اليوم حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفيين أعضاء مجلس حقوق الانسان على تبني قراراً لتدعيم سلامة الصحفيين.

و ذكرت حملة الشارة، في بيانها، أنها ترى في تبني هذا القرار أول خطوة تاريخية لمكافحة الإفلات من العقاب. 

و أكدت رئيسة حملة الشارة، هدايت عبد النبي، أن هذا الإنجاز الضخم يكرم كل الصحفيين الذين سقطوا قتلى و هم يؤدون عملهم.

و أضافت أنهم في صمتهم الأبدي حيث سقطوا سواء في ليبيا أو سوريا أو الصومال أو باكستان، أو المكسيك، أو الفلبين و من جنسيات مختلفة، كانوا المحرك الرئيسي الذي دفع بدول أعضاء مجلس حقوق الإنسان، إلى بلورة عملية تفاوضية مهمة نتج عنها هذا القرار. 

و أوضحت أن دم الزملاء كان وراء هذا القرار الذي يدخلنا إلى مرحلة جديدة في معركة حماية الصحفيين في المناطق الخطرة.

و قالت عبد النبي أن حملة الشارة قد دخلت في شراكة مع مجلس حقوق الإنسان و تدعمت هذه الشراكة سنة بعد أخرى متبلورة في يونيو 2010 في عقد دائرة حوار حول قضية حماية الصحفيين.

و صرحت رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية أن الحملة ترى في هذا القرار خطوة مهمة نحو وضع أطر أو مسودة وثيقة دولية لحماية الصحفيين.   

و عقب سكرتير عام حملة الشارة الدولية بليز ليمبان على القرار بقوله أن الحملة منذ بدايتها منذ 8 سنوات عملت على تعبئة الرأي العام و طالبت الحكومات على التحرك لحل المشكلة العالمية  الخاصة بحماية الصحفيين فيما اعتبرت هذه الحماية جزء من "حق المعرفة" لكل المواطنين. 

و قال أن تبني هذا القرار يعتبر نجاحاً حتى و إن كان غير كافياً و مطالباً كل أعضاء الأمم المتحدة بتنفيذ هذا القرار روحاً و نصاً  بهدف انهاء كل الانتهاكات ضد الصحفيين في كل الظروف. 

و طالب ليمبان كل وسائل الإعلام و نقابات الصحفيين و المنظمات غير الحكومية المدافعة عن حقوق الإنسان بالمساهمة في ضمان احترام تنفيذ القرار و بصفة خاصة فيما يتعلق بمكافحة الإفلات من العقاب.

و هنات الحملة و بصفة خاصة الدول الراعية لهذا القرار التاريخي و هي النمسا و البرازيل و المغرب و سويسرا و تونس و كذلك الدول التي أنظمت إليهم.

و تشعر حملة الشارة بالرضا بأن القرار تضمن فيما تضمن إدانة الدول أعضاء مجلس حقوق الإنسان لكل الاعتداءات و العنف ضد الصحفيين بما في ذلك التعذيب، و الاختفاء القسري و الاعتقالات العشوائية و التهديد.

كما نص القرار على الحاجة إلى ضمان مزيد من الحماية لكل العاملين في مجال الإعلام و لمصادرهم معرباً عن القلق بشأن سلامة الصحفيين من جراء منظمات خارجة عن القانون و أخرى إجرامية.   

 
و من بين بنود القرار مطالبة كافة الأطراف في النزاعات المسلحة باحترام التزاماتهم الدولية في اطار القانونين الانساني و الدولي مع السماح للصحفيين في اطار القواعد المعمول بها بتغطية الأحداث في أوقات الحروب الدولية و النزاعات المحلية.

و طالب القرار بأن تقوم مفوضة حقوق الإنسان بإعداد دراسة بالتعاون مع المقرر الخاص للأمم المتحدة لحرية الرأي و التعبير و الأطراف المعنية تقدم في غضون عام إلى مجلس حقوق الإنسان في دورته الـ 24 حول أطر للإجراءات السليمة لحماية الصحفيين و الحد من الاعتداءات عليهم و مكافحة الإفلات من العقاب. 

و مع ترحيب حملة الشارة بقيام مفوضة حقوق الإنسان بعمل هذه الدراسة و معربة عن رغبتها في التعاون معها، إلا أنها ترى أن الفترة الزمنية طويلة للغاية في الوقت الذي يسقط فيه تباعاً الزملاء من الصحفيين حيث بلغ عدد الذين قتلوا حتى الأن 108 صحفياً و صحفية في عام 2012، بعد مقتل مراسلة تليفزيون برس و العالم مايا نصار بواسطة قناص، عشية صدور قرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان. و الجدير بالذكر أن مقتل 108 صحفيا هو رقم غير مسبوق بالمقارنة إلى السنوات السابقة.

للاطلاع على نص قرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان رجاء زيارة موقعنا 

TEXT OF RESOLUTION L6

Human Rights Council
Twenty-first session
Agenda item 3

Resolution on the Safety of Journalists – adopted at the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council on 27 September 2012

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and recalling relevant international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, as well as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols thereto of 8 June 1977,

Recalling all relevant resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights and the Human Rights Council on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in particular Council resolution 12/16 of 2 October 2009, as well as Council resolutions 13/24 of 26 March 2010 and 20/8 of 5 July 2012,

Mindful that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a human right guaranteed to all in accordance with articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and that it constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and one of the basic conditions for its progress and development,

Reaffirming that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person,

Recognizing the importance of all forms of the media, including the printed media, radio, television and the internet, in the exercise, promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Acknowledging the particular role of journalists on matters of public interest, including by raising awareness for human rights,

Underlining the importance of voluntary professional principles and ethics developed and observed by the media,

Recognizing that their work often puts journalists at specific risk of intimidation, harassment, and violence,

Acknowledging the specific risks faced by women journalists in the exercise of their work and underlining, in this context, the importance of taking a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists,

Taking note of good practices from different countries aiming at the protection of journalists, as well as, inter alia, those designed for the protection of human rights defenders, which can, where applicable, be relevant for the protection of journalists,

Underlining the important role of regional and sub-regional organizations on the safety of journalists,

Welcoming the important work of UNESCO on the safety of journalists,

Taking note of the International Conference for the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations that took place on January 22-23 2012 in Doha, Qatar,

OP 1 Reaffirms the rights contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular Article 19 which states that (1) Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference; (2) Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include 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; (3) The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: (a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others; (b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals;

OP 2 Takes note of the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, presented at the twentieth session of the Human Rights Council, and the interactive dialogue thereon;

OP 3 Expresses its concern that violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression continue to occur, including increased attacks against, and killings of, journalists and media workers, and stressing the need to ensure greater protection for all media professionals and for journalistic sources;

OP 4 Condemns in the strongest term all attacks and violence against journalists, such as torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention, as well as intimidation and harassment;

OP 5 Also expresses its concern that there is a growing threat to the safety of journalists posed by non-state actors, including terrorist groups and criminal organizations;

OP 6 Calls on all parties to armed conflict to respect their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including their obligations under the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and, where applicable, the Additional Protocols thereto of 8 June 1977, the provisions of which extend protection to journalists in situations of armed conflict, and to allow, within the framework of applicable rules and procedures, media access and coverage, as appropriate, in situations of international and non-international armed conflict;

OP 7 Also expresses its concern that attacks against journalists often occur with impunity, and calls upon States to ensure accountability through the conduct of impartial, speedy and effective investigations into such acts falling within their jurisdiction, and to bring to justice those responsible, as well as to ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies;

OP 8 Calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference including through (i) legislative measures, (ii) awareness-raising among the judiciary, law enforcement officers and military personnel as well as journalists and civil society regarding international human rights and humanitarian law obligations and commitments relating to the safety of journalists, (iii) monitoring and reporting of attacks against journalists (iv) publicly condemning, as well as, (v) dedicating necessary resources to investigate and prosecute such attacks;

OP 9 Encourages States to put in place voluntary protection programs for journalists, based on local needs and challenges, including protection measures taking into account individual circumstances of the persons at risk, as well as, where applicable, good practices from different countries;

OP 10 Invites relevant special procedures of the Council, as appropriate, in the framework of their mandates, to continue to address the relevant aspects of the safety of journalists in their work;

OP 11 Stresses the need to ensure better cooperation and coordination at the international level on the safety of journalists, including with regional organizations, and invites UN agencies, funds and programs, other international and regional organizations, Member States and all relevant stakeholders, when applicable and in the scope of their mandates, to further cooperate in the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity elaborated by UNESCO and endorsed by the UN Chief Executives Board;

OP 12 Requests the Office of the High Commissioner in collaboration with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, to prepare, working in consultation with States and other relevant stakeholders, a compilation of good practices regarding the protection of journalists, the prevention of attacks, and the fight against impunity for attacks committed against journalists and to present the compilation in a report to the Council at its 24th session.

END

***24.09.2012. ORAL STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - PEC calls the Council’s members for the adoption by consensus of resolution L.6 on safety of journalists

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
20th session

Item 8 - Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
General debate

Madame President,

As of today, 107 journalists have been killed in 2012, the equivalent of the total number of media workers killed in 2011.
At the beginning of September, the Press Emblem Campaign was part of the delegation that met, in New York, the President of the General Assembly to discuss the outcome of the International Conference to protect journalists in dangerous situations held in Doha last January. A document that the President of the General Assembly sent to all Permanent Representatives and Permanent Observers in New York.

During the private discussion and the press conference that followed the meeting two essential points were highlighted: the necessity to fight impunity and the need to guarantee remedies for the victims and their families.
Mr. Nestor Burgos Jr., Chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines was also part of the delegation. He presented a petition from the families of the 32 journalists killed in the Ampatuan massacre in 2009 asking the General Assembly to assist in achieving justice and expediting the prosecution and conviction of those involved in the massacre.
In fact, knowing that in more than 90% of the cases of killings of journalists the responsible are not convicted, it must be inferred that today no existing mechanism is able to effectively combat impunity and thus ensure the protection to journalists that the World Conference on Human Rights called for in par. 39 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

The PEC welcomes that initiative taken by Austria and the core group for the safety of journalists and sees the adoption of draft resolution L.6 as a step forward for enhancing the protection of journalists. The PEC calls the Council’s members for the adoption by consensus of L.6.

I thank you, Madame President.
24th September 2012

***17.09.2012. TURKEY. ORAL STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
21st session

Item 4 -   Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
General debate

Madame President,

In his last report[1] to the 20th session of the Human Rights Council, Mr. La Rue, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, highlighted the fact that journalists are not only facing threat to their physical integrity, they also have to face what he called the criminalization of the expression. He stressed that « Ensuring that journalists can effectively carry out their work means not only preventing attacks against journalists and prosecuting those responsible, but also creating an environment where independent, free and pluralistic media can flourish and journalists are not placed at risk of imprisonment. »

In this context, while recognizing the genuine commitment of Turkey in this Council for the promotion of the freedom of association and peaceful assembly as well as for the safety of journalists, the PEC expresses its deepest concern about the arrest of dozen of journalists charged under the Turkish anti-terror law.

The Commission on Human Rights, in its resolution 2003/42 on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, adopted without a vote, « mindful of the need to ensure that unjustified invocation of national security, including counter-terrorism, to restrict the right to freedom of expression and information does not take place », urged States « to refrain from using counter-terrorism as a pretext to restrict the right to freedom of expression in ways which are contrary to their obligations under international law; »

While respecting the principle of the independence of the judiciary, the PEC is very much concerned by the poor respect that is done to the rights of the defendants and of the defense, as well as by the relocation of the current trial.

The PEC calls on the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyer to closely follow the proceedings of this very particular trial.

I thank you, Madame President.

[1] A/HRC/20/17 (p.14)

***17.09.2012. SYRIA. ORAL STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
21st session

Item 4 - Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Report of the Independent international commission of inquiry on the situation in the
Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/21/50)

Madame President,

Like in other war fields, in the Syrian Arab Republic too, journalists and media workers have paid
a very high price to keep the public informed about the ongoing confrontations between the forces
loyal to the ruling power and those opposing to it. Both, local and international media workers are
constantly under pressure, experiencing harassment, kidnapping and, too often, they are killed.

As of today, in 2012 only, more than 30 media workers have been killed in the Syrian Arab
Republic, 30 of them were journalists. A new and worrisome phenomenon has appeared: the
kidnapping.

As mentioned by the Independent international commission of inquiry in the Annex VI of the
report presented to the Council, media workers have become a target even for the opposition forces.
Press Emblem Campaign has listed the acts perpetrated by these forces against media workers in
the written statement published under symbol NGO/54. During the month of August, opposition
armed forces carried out a series of attacks on media workers, including the bombing of the
headquarters of the official Syrian radio and television in Damascus and the assassination of Ali
Abbas, head of the Interior in the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), at his home.

During the last two months, many foreign journalists took huge risks to report on the atrocities
committed by the governmental forces in Aleppo. The PEC honors their courage, in particular the
memory of the Japanese journalist Mika Yamamoto killed in Aleppo by gunfire on 20 August.
Yamamoto worked for the Japan Press and was an experienced journalist who covered after 2001
the war in Afghanistan and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq as special correspondent for NTV. Other
foreign journalists are still kidnapped, and we have no news of their fate, others were injured.

Once again, the PEC strongly condemns the use of technological means to locate and attempt on
the physical integrity of journalists. The PEC also condemns any interference, pressure on or
attempts to control the work of journalists, being this done by the governmental authorities or the
anti-governmental forces.

The PEC calls on the IICI to dedicate a section in his next report to the violence against media
workers and the measures taken by the various parties to the conflict to protect them and to ensure
that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted.

I thank you, Madame President.

***12.09.2012. Journalists killed in a record number - the PEC welcomes a high-level meeting  in New York to enhance the protection of journalists (Arabic below, see for press reports on page PRESS)

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Nasser (second from right) met with a delegation led by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) of Qatar with the participation of the PEC representative to the UN Gianfranco Fattorini (first from right). During a press briefing by the delegation, the President of the General Assembly stated that crimes committed against journalists in war or conflict zones is unacceptable. He further deplored all forms of attacks, unlawful persecution or killing of journalists. President Al-Nasser encouraged all Member States, civil society actors and members of the media to endorse the recommendations of the Doha conference.  

Geneva/New York (PEC, September 12, 2012) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomed the high-level meeting of media organizations with the President of the General Assembly Ambassador  Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Nasser of Qatar.

This meeting which was held on 7 September at the UN in New York is timely as the number of journalists killed this year has increased dramatically, 95 since January. 
 
General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser at a news conference following the meeting stressed that "it is unacceptable that journalists are being murdered every year but the killers often go free”. He added, “I strongly support the efforts of the Committee (this committee was established in Doha) and encourage all peace-loving member states, civil society actors and the media sector to support endeavors leading to the endorsement of the recommendations of the Doha conference”. 

General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser condemned all violations of international law targeting journalists and highlighted that journalists "go to great lengths to keep us informed, end up being attacked, jailed, brutalized or even killed." He further stated that "as President of the General assembly, I reject all forms of attacks, unlawful persecution or killing of journalists whether they are working with new or traditional media." 

The recommendations, resulting from the Doha Conference were distributed by President  Al-Nasser to all Permanent representatives and Permanent Observers to the UN in New York. They request the United Nations to develop new binding tools for States, to accept a standing obligation to protect journalists, to adopt reforms to its mechanisms and procedures such as through regional security organizations, to expand the mandates of Special Rapporteurs and relevant bodies, develop further monitoring, intrusive inspections and mandatory sanctions and finally create a unit to follow up media cases. 

This important initiative to bring forward the global issue of the protection of journalists to the General Assembly led by the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar was upheld by the following participants in the New York meeting: a delegation from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) which included  its president Jim Boumelha, Omar Faruk, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), Celso Schroder, President of the Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (Fepalc), Nestor Burgos Jr , chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines; Makram Mohamed Ahmad,  Secretary General of the Federation of Arab Journalists; Gianfranco Fattorini representing the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign; and Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri, Chair of the Qatar National Human Rights Committee. 

Members of the IFJ confirmed the plight of journalists and noted the deteriorating situation for journalists in Somalia where nine journalists have been murdered this year, making it the most dangerous country for journalists after Syria. Another member of the delegation highlighted the press fatalities in Mexico which remain among the highest in the world. Nestor Burgos, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) handed a letter to Mr. Nasser asking for help in expediting the prosecution and conviction of those involved in the Ampatuan massacre in Maguindanao province of 57 people, including 32 media workers in 2009.

PEC representative Gianfranco Fattorini explained the need for a new legal instrument that would combat impunity with special mechanisms and guarantees family rights of media victims. 
 
The PEC welcomes the forthcoming visit of Dr. Al-Marri, President of the Qatari National Human Rights Committee to Geneva next November, and looks forward to continue discussions with Qatar and other States on a new instrument to protect journalists. 

Meanwhile the PEC hailed the diplomatic efforts led by Austria at the Human Rights Council to adopt before the end of the 21st session a resolution on the protection of journalists. 

The PEC is hopeful that the common efforts of Member States at the General Assembly in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva will succeed in diminishing the heavy death toll among journalists. Since January, a record number of journalists have been killed, 95, among them at least 30 in Syria.  

 
ارتفاع غير مسبوق لعدد القتلى من الصحفيين-حملة الشارة ترحب باجتماع عال المستوى لحماية الصحفيين في نيويورك

جنيف-نيويورك-القاهرة (حملة الشارة – 12 سبتمبر) – رحبت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفيين باجتماع عال المستوى عقد في نيويورك بالأمم المتحدة مع رئيس الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة سفير دولة قطر ناصر عبد العزيز الناصر في 7 سبتمبر الحالي. 

و قد جاء هذا الاجتماع في توقيت مهم مع ارتفاع غير مسبوق في عدد الصحفيين الذين يقتلون خلال اداء عملهم، 95 منذ يناير 2012 من بينهم 30 على الأقل في سوريا.   

و أكد رئيس الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة سفير دولة قطر ناصر عبد العزيز الناصر، في مؤتمر صحفي في اعقاب الاجتماع، أنه من غير المقبول مقتل الصحفيين سنويا دون معاقبة القتلى، مشيراً إلى دعمه القوي للجنة التي تشكلت في قطر في يناير الماضي.

و حث رئيس الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة سفير دولة قطر ناصر عبد العزيز الناصر كافة دول العالم المحبة للسلام و المجتمع المدني و قطاع الاعلام بدعم هذا المجهود الذي يؤدي إلى تبني توصيات يناير لمؤتمر الدوحة لحماية الصحفيين في الحالات الخطرة. 

و أدان كل الانتهاكات للقانون الدولي التي تستهدف الصحفيين و مشيراً إلى أن الصحفيين يعانون كثيراً لتوصيل المعلومات الصحيحة إلى الجمهور الواسع و في المقابل يقتلون و يعتقلون و يضطهدون.

و أكد أنه  كرئيس للجمعية العامة فإنني أرفض كل أنواع الهجمات و الاضطهاد غير القانوني أو القتل للصحفيين سواء الذين يعملون مع الاعلام التقليدي أو الإعلام الجديد.

فيما أكدت توصيات مؤتمر الدوحة التي نقلها رئيس الجمعية العامة إلى الدول اعضاء الأمم المتحدة منها مطالبة الأمم المتحدة بتطوير وسائل جديدة لحماية الصحفيين و العمل دائماً على حماية الصحفيين و عملهم.  

و كانت المبادرة بهذا الاجتماع المهم مقدمة من اللجنة الوطنية لحقوق الانسان في دولة قطر و حضر الاجتماع وفد من اتحاد الصحفيين الدولي و سكرتير عام اتحاد الصحفيين العرب و حملة الشارة و رئيس اللجنة الوطنية لحقوق الانسان الدكتور علي بن صميخ المري رئيس اللجنة الوطنية لحقوق الإنسان بدولة قطر.

  و أكد أعضاء وفد الاتحاد الدولي للصحفيين على تدهور الوضع بالنسبة لحماية الصحفيين و أن الصومال على سبيل المثال و ليس الحصر أصيحت أسوأ مكان للعمل الصحفي بعد سوريا حيث قتل هناك 9 صحفيين في العام الحالي. و قدم عضو أخر في الوفد أن القتلى من الصحفيين في المكسيك من أعلى المعدلات في العالم. فيما اكد رئيس الاتحاد الوطني للصحفيين في الفلبين نستور بورجس خطاباً إلى رئيس الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة مطالباً فيه التدخل لتحقيق القصاص

لمقتل 57 شخصاً في مجزرة ماجويندانو منهم 32 صحفياً في 2009.    

و طالب ممثل حملة الشارة جيانفرانكو فاتورني الذي حظر الاجتماع و المؤتمر الصحفي بضرورة التوصل إلى وثيقة قانونية جديدة تكافح عدم تقديم مرتكبي الجرائم ضد الصحفيين إلى العدالة و ضمان حقوق اسر الضحايا من الصحفيين.

و ترحب حملة الشارة الدولية بزيارة الدكتور علي بن صميخ المري رئيس اللجنة الوطنية لحقوق الإنسان بدولة قطر لجنيف في نوفمبر القادم و تتطلع إلى استمرار المشاورات معه و مع دول أخرى من اجل بلورة وثيقة دولية جديدة لحماية الصحفيين.  
 
  كما تشيد حملة الشارة بالجهود الديبلوماسية من قبل النمسا في مجلس حقوق الانسان حيث تعمل على تبني قرار في ختام الدورة الـ 21 لمجلس حقوق الانسان من اجل حماية الصحفيين. 

و تأمل حملة الشارة الدولية في أن تتبلور جهود الدول اعضاء الأمم المتحدة على مستوى الجمعية العامة و في مجلس حقوق الانسان في جنيف لحماية اكبر للصحفيين.  

لمزيد من المعلومات 
 

***01.09.2012. " Impunity as an engine of journalists’ killings "- PEC written Statement for the 21st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Introduction

As of 25 August 2012, according to Press Emblem Campaign records, 92 journalists have been killed in 2012. This figure is to be compared with the 67 registered for the same period in 2011: an increase of 37%.

The greatest number of them was murdered in countries experiencing internal strife, a situation of armed confrontation with a particular group or an internal conflict. For instance, among the most dangerous countries for journalists, besides the Syrian Arab Republic counting 29 assassinations, may be mentioned:

- Mexico where the Government is facing an armed confrontation with local mafia (10 journalists killed)

- Somalia where the Government is facing different political armed groups (9 killed)

- Brazil where the Government is facing an armed confrontation with local mafia (7 killed)

- Pakistan where the Government is facing different political armed groups (6)

- Philippines where the Government is facing different political armed groups (4)

- Nigeria where the Government is facing different political armed groups (3)

- Afghanistan where the Government is facing different political armed groups (2)

- Iraq where the Government is facing different political armed groups (2)

It is definitely impossible to argue that the majority of journalists killed around the world are victims in time of peace. Following the murders, the greatest concerning aspect is that far too few of them had led to the opening of a in-depth investigation by the national judicial authorities.

As highlighted by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in his report presented at the 20th session of the Human Rights Council1: “« The most extreme form of censorship is to kill a journalist. The killing not only silences the voice of the particular journalist, but also intimidates other journalists and the public in general. The free flow of ideas and information is replaced by the silent warning of the grave. »

He further argued that: « Journalists deserve special concern … because the social role they play is so important. ... Violence against a journalist is not only an attack on one particular victim, but on all members of the society. »

When the killing of a journalist (professional or non-professional) is not pursued by the national judiciary, an international mechanism, with investigative power should be operable.

The conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic

Since the beginning of the internal armed conflict, more than 30 journalists or media workers have been killed. Significantly, in 2012, 29 (almost 1/3) out of the total of the 92 journalists murdered, have been killed in the Syrian Arab Republic. Both parties to the conflict, the governmental forces and the anti-Government armed groups, are responsible of targeted attacks against journalists (professional and non-professional).

In the recent weeks media workers seems to become hostages of the propaganda of the various parties to the conflict and a new and worrisome phenomenon has appeared: kidnapping. Media workers of the State or pro-governmental Medias seem to have become a target of the anti-governmental forces.

On Saturday 4th August, the anti-governmental forces attacked the State television building in Aleppo.

On Monday 6th August, the headquarters of the official Syrian radio and television in Damascus was subject of a bomb for the second time this year.

On Friday 10th August, a Syrian TV news crew was kidnapped while covering clashes between the Syrian army and armed groups in the suburbs of Damascus. Reporter Yarah Saleh, cameraman Abboud Tabarah, his assistant Hatem Abu Yehiah and driver Housam Imad were accompanying an army unit when armed men attacked the army vehicle and kidnapped the crew.

On Saturday 11th August, Ali Abbas, head of the Interior in the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), was assassinated at his home.

Recommendations

The PEC strongly condemns all attacks against Syrian and foreign journalists either by Government or anti-governmental forces and joins the call launched by the Syrian Journalists Association for an international investigation in the killing of journalists.

The PEC welcomes the decision of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (IICI) to apply international humanitarian law, which is presently the only set of rules that protect journalists in situation of conflict. The PEC calls on the IICI to update the Council on violence against journalists and the measures taken by the various parties to the conflict to protect them and to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and convicted.

The International Humanitarian Law provides protection to journalists as a civilian, but this means that once the media worker is under physical protection, he cannot anymore be free of his moves and fully accomplish his mission. In addition, the International Humanitarian Law offers a very little space for combating impunity, considering that one has to access to the International Criminal Court in order to obtain an investigation into the case.

The PEC invites UN member States to consider the adoption of an international binding instrument for the protection of journalists which will allow combating effectively and efficiently the impunity that is prevailing today towards the psychological and physical damage suffered by journalists in situation of conflict or civil unrests.

The Press Emblem Campaign recommends to the Human Right Council to establish a specific thematic special procedure for the protection of journalists.

1 A/HRC/20/22

***21.08.2012. PEC statement. PEC horrified by killing of Japanese journalist in Syria (English, Arabic)

This picture, released on Aug. 21, 2012, by the Yamamoto family at their home in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture, shows Mika Yamamoto and her father Koji Yamamoto. Mika Yamamoto was killed in the north Syrian city of Aleppo. She was an experienced journalist and covered the war in Afghanistan and Iraq (Jiji Press/AFP/Getty)

Geneva, 21 August (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is horrified at the brutal killing of Japanese journalist Mika Yamamoto in Aleppo Syria. Yamamoto worked for the Japan Press, an independent TV news
provider that specializes in conflict zone coverages. Yamamoto was hit by gunfire while covering the Syrian conflict, she was traveling with the Free Syrian Army, who is fighting to overthrow the Assad regime.

Yamamoto covered the war in Afghanistan after 2001 and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq from Baghdad as special correspondent for NTV.

Captain Ahmad Ghazali from the Free Syrian Army expressed hope that the journalists' death would encourage international action. "I hope that countries that have not been moved by Syrian blood will be moved by the
blood of their people," he stressed.

Yamamoto's father described his daughter as a journalist who always stood against those with power and thought of the weak. "She cared about people", he said.

The death of the Japanese journalist steps up the number of journalists killed in Syria to 29 while covering the ongoing conflict since January.

Two other journalists from Al-Hurra TV were captures by government forces in Aleppo.

The PEC condemns strongly the killing of Yamamoto and the abduction of journalists in Syria and calls upon the international community to act.

حملة الشارة روعت من مقتل الصحفية اليابانية في سوريا

جنيف-القاهرة 23 أغسطس (حملة الشارة) – روعت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي من مقتل الصحفية اليابانية ميكا ياماماتو في حلب بسوريا و هي تقوم بتغطية النزاع المسلح بسوريا حيث كانت تعمل مع هيئة اخبارية مستقلة تتخصص في تغطية النزاعات المسلحة. و قتلت ياماماتو اثناء مرافقته للجيش السوري الحر في عمليات حلب التي تعدف إلى إنهاء حكم الأسد.

و صرح أحمد غزالي من الجيش السوري الحر أنه يأمل أن يحرك مقتل الصحفية اليابانية التحرك الدولي فإذا لم تتأثر الدول بنهر الدم السوري فربما تتأثر الآن بمقتل ذويهم. 

وصف والد ياماماتو ابنته بأنها كانت تقف دائماً ضد الطغاة و شغلها دائماً الضعيف. 

في النصف الأول من هذا الشهر قتل حاتم أبو يحي الصحفي بقناة الاخبارية الموالية للحكم في سوريا.

طبقاً للأنباء الواردة من سوريا فقد تم اعتقال صحفيين من تليفزيون الحرة بواسطة قوات حكومية في حلب.

طبقاً للأرقام التي رصدتها حملة الشارة فإن عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا في سوريا خلال تغطية نزاعها المسلح بلغ 29.  

تدين حملة الشارة و بشدة قتل الصحفيين في وسوريا و اعتقالهم و تطالب المجتمع الدولي بالتحرك المناسب لوقف هذه الجرائم ضد الصحفيين. النهاية

***15.08.2012. PEC statement - PEC condemns all attacks against media in Syria (Arabic below)

Geneva, August 15 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls on all warring parties in Syria to protect the lives of journalists and to spare them from attacks and kidnapping, and calls for the immediate release of all abducted journalists. According to the PEC data base, at least 25 journalists were killed since January in Syria. Syria has become as dangerous for media workers as  Iraq during the period between  2003 to 2006.
 
The PEC condemns all attacks against Syrian and foreign journalists either by government or anti-government forces. Recent attacks shows that the conflict has further deteriorated in a civil war of a number of parties with many uncontrolled factions and a new phenomenon: kidnapping.  

Ali Abbas, head of the Interior in the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), was assassinated at his home last Saturday.

Pan-Arab satellite news channel Al-Arabiya television said that Bara'a Yusuf al-Bushi, a Syrian national and army defector who worked with the station and several other international news organizations, was killed in a bomb attack while covering a story in al-Tal.

The PEC is also gravely concerned by the fate of a Syrian TV news crew kidnapped while covering clashes between the Syrian army and armed groups in the suburbs of Damascus. Reporter Yarah Saleh, cameraman Abboud Tabarah, his assistant Hatem Abu Yehiah and driver Housam Imad were accompanying an army unit when armed men attacked the army vehicle and kidnapped the crew.

Media installations are civilian buildings and must not be attacked, said the PEC. Last week a bomb exploded in the Syrian state television building and lead to the injury of several employees.

Al Alam representative in Homs and another journalist in the city of Aleppo were also kidnapped in recent days.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), and the Islamist group al-Nosra which claimed to have kidnapped him, the state TV presenter Mohammad Sayeed who was abducted from his Damascus home on 19 July, had been killed.

At least 8 foreign journalists were wounded in Aleppo when witnessing the fighting in the city last month.

Ongoing tragic events in Syria take place ahead of contacts in the UN General Assembly in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva to find ways and means to improve the protection of journalists in dangerous situations.

The PEC expresses it's hope that those efforts will unfold quickly in concrete steps to protect journalists.

The perpetrators of the ongoing attacks must not go unpunished.

more info on our page: PRESS

حملة الشارة تدين الاعتداءات ضد الصحفيين في سوريا

جنيف ١٥ اغسطس (حملة الشارة) -- طالبت حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي و مقرها جنيف كل الأطراف المتحاربة في سوريا بوقف الاعتداءات ضد الصحفيين و عدم التعرض لهم في هجمات تؤدي الى اختطافهم و تطالب بالإفراج الفوري عن كافة المختطفين من الصحفيين.

و طبقاً لمراقبة الحملة للأحداث الدموية في سوريا فان ٢٥ صحفيا و صحفية قد قتلوا في سوريا منذ يناير. فأصبحت سوريا من اكثر المناطق خطورة للعمل الصحفي بما يشبه الوضع الخطر في العراق في الفترة من ٢٠٠٣ إلى ٢٠٠٦.

و قالت الحملة الدولية، في بيانها اليوم، أنها تدين كل الهجمات ضد كل الصحفيين بما فيهم الصحفيين الأجانب. و اظهرت الهجمات الاخيرة ضد الصحفيين أن النزاع يتجه إلى حرب أهلية من قبل اطراف تقاوم النظام الحالي في سوريا.

من بين الأعداد الكبيرة من الضحايا من الصحفيين الحكوميين و غير الحكوميين فقد قتل مسئول كبير في وكالة الأنباء السورية (سانا) يوم السبت الماضي في منزله.

و قتل اخر يعمل مع قناة العربية في انفجار قنبلة، و اختفى فريق التليفزيون السوري الذي خلال تغطية أحداث القتال في ضواحي دمشق.

و تطالب الحملة الدولية بعدم تعريض المنشئات الإعلامية و الصحفية للقصف بعدما انفجرت قنبلة في مبنى التليفزيون السوري و أدى ذلك الى إصابة العديد من الاشخاص.

و طبقا للأنباء الواردة فقد تم اختطاف ممثل العالم في حمص و صحفي اخر في حلب و تمت عمليتي الاختطاف من منزلهما.

و ذكرت الجهة التي أعلنت مسؤوليتها عن الاختطاف -جماعة النصرة- ان مذيع التليفزيون السوري محمد سعيد الذي اختطف من منزله في دمشق يوم ١٩ يوليو، قد قتل.

كما أصيب ثمانية من الصحفيين الأجانب و هم يغطون أحداث القتال في حلب في الشهر الماضي.

و تأتي هذه الاحداث الدموية في سوريا قبيل اتصالات تجري على صعيد الجمعية العامة في نيويورك في مطلع شهر سبتمبر القادم و في مجلس حقوق الانسان من اجل توفير حماية افضل للصحفيين في الحالات الخطرة.

و تعرب الحملة الدولية عن أملها في ان تسفر هذه الجهود عن خطوات ملموسة قريبا لحماية الصحفيين .

اكدت الحملة الدولية أن التدابير الدولية المقبلة لحماية الصحفيين يجب أن تنص على أن مرتكبي هذه الجرائم ضد الصحفيين يجب ألا يفلتوا من المحاكمة و العقاب. (النهاية).  

***16.07.2012. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) PRAISED THE EFFORTS THAT LED TO THE RELEASE OF THE DETAINED EGYPTIAN JOURNALIST SHAIMAA ADEL IN SUDAN

The egyptian journalist here at the iconic Libyan activist Omar al-Mokhtar’s memorial in Libya while covering the 2011 uprising in the country. Shaimaa Adel was detained two weeks in Khartoum while covering the unrest in Sudan.

Cairo (PEC, July 16) The President of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Hedayat Abdelnabi praised the efforts of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi that led to the release of the detained Egyptian journalist Shaimaa Adel in Khartoum, Sudan.

She added in a press statement today delivered in Cairo that the decision of the President to escort Shaimaa to Cairo on board of the presidential airliner underlines the president’s respect for the media and its role, also his respect for the Egyptians.

By so doing, Abdelnabi said he placed Shaimaa in the same category of leading members of the Egyptian state.

The safe return of Shaimaa with the President of Egypt, she said, opens a new chapter in relations between the media and the state placing the media in its well-deserved place.

She also praised the silent and effective diplomacy played by the Chair of the Syndicate of journalists Mamdouh El Wali who worked in silence without responding to critics. 

Egyptian journalist Shaimaa Adel, freed from a Sudan jail earlier Monday, arrived in Addis Ababa the same morning, and was received by President Mohamed Morsi, and took breakfast with him, chatting amicably during the meeting.

The freed journalist arrived in Ethiopia aboard a private jet which took her from Khartoum in the Sudan, after Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir decided to release her following talks yesterday with President Mohamed Morsi on the sidelines of the African summit.

Sudanese and foreign journalists targeted

Adel covered the protests that erupted in the Arab World, first for Al-Masry Al-Youm then for Al-Watan newspaper.

She was arrested for covering the wave of protests which started in Sudan last month. The protests which had started on June 16 in Khartoum University were sparked by the austerity measures announced by the government.

They then spread over the next few days to other parts of the country and the demands grew to reach calls for the ouster of General Omar Hassan Al-Bashir who has been ruling the country since 1989.

The protests were met with a violent security crackdown which targeted Sudanese and foreign journalists.

The arrest of Egyptian journalist Shaimaa Adel in Sudan makes her the second Egyptian journalist to be arrested while covering the most recent wave of protests in the country.

Last June, Salma Al-Wardany, who worked for Bloomberg news service, was also arrested in Sudan. After her release, she was deported from Sudan.

***03.07.2012. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) WELCOMES AS A STEP FORWARD THE JOINT STATEMENT DELIVERED BY AUSTRIA ON BEHALF OF A GROUP OF 56 STATES AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

FYI, on the occasion of the General debate on Item 8 of the HRC agenda - Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – Austria made a statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of 57 States in which they strongly condemned all human rights violations against journalists and stressed that more needs to be done to prevent future human rights violations against journalists. The 56 highlighted the need for swift and independent investigations in accordance with international standards into any allegations of violations. Although they asserted that, at this moment, there is no need for the development of new standards or mechanisms, they affirmed their commitment for the strengthening of the existing ones. This initiative, which follows the PEC statements made at the 19th session and the 20th session of the HRC, offers an opportunity to keep the issue of the protection of journalists on the table of the Human Rights Council (PEC)

Statement delivered by the Austrian Ambassador to the UN:

Item 8 – General Debate

Joint Statement on the Safety of Journalists

"Md. President,

I have the honor to address the Human Rights Council on behalf of:

Algeria, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Maldives, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Uruguay

Md. President,

Journalists play a special role in society as providers of information on matters of public interest. To preserve the important role of journalists is in the interest of the society as a whole. To guarantee their safety is inextricably linked to the universal, inalienable right to freedom of expression and press freedom. Measures to limit the freedom of expression and press freedom can only be taken in strict accordance with human rights instruments.

Journalists are entitled to the same rights as any other person. Nevertheless, the exercise of their work often puts them at specific risk of intimidation, legal and physical harassment and violence. This requires our attention. We strongly condemn all human rights violations against journalists. We welcome, in this respect, the specific focus taken by two Special Rapporteurs in their reports to this Council session on the issue of safety of journalists.

Each state needs to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without any interference. This applies in conflict as well as in times of peace. At the same time, this should not be interpreted as imposing any disproportionate burden on the authorities. There is a growing threat to the safety of journalists posed by non-state actors, such as terrorist groups and criminal organizations.

Md. President,

Impunity for those responsible for human rights violations against journalists constitutes one of the biggest obstacles to the safety of journalists. There need to be swift and independent investigations in accordance with international standards into any allegations of violations. Perpetrators must be held accountable. Ending impunity would be a very effective measure to guarantee the safety of journalists in the long term. There are valuable best practices from different countries and regions on how to better address the issue of impunity. There is also an important role of the UN human rights mechanisms to provide technical support and assistance to end impunity.

More needs to be done to prevent future human rights violations against journalists. The sharing of best practices and lessons learned on the safety of journalists, taking into account lessons learned in the area of Human Rights Defenders, as well as training and awareness-raising for security services and journalists themselves can contribute to prevent future violations. At the international level there is a need to ensure better coordination and cooperation. Important work is already being undertaken by UNESCO and the OHCHR, as well as the ICRC in this respect. In addition, existing professional standards and ethics developed by journalists are designed to guide them in their work. To take a gender-based approach is important in the context of the safety of journalists.

Md. President,

In conclusion, we believe that the Human Rights Council has to play an important role in the context of ensuring the safety of journalists. There is at this moment no need for the development of new standards. We have to ensure better implementation of existing ones. There is also no need for new mechanisms. Existing ones have to be strengthened. We are committed to work towards this end.

I thank you!"

***03.07.2012. PEC PRESS RELEASE. PEC reports an increase of 33 percent in the number of journalists killed in 6 months (English, French, Spanish and Arabic versions below)

(For the list of casualties, see our page TICKING CLOCK)

PEC reports an increase of 33 percent in the number of journalists killed in 6 months

Geneva, 2 July 2012 (PEC) – According to the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) report 72  journalists were killed from January to end of June 2012 in 21 countries. This figure represents a 33 percent increase in the number of journalists killed as compared to the same period in 2011.
 
This increase is clearly linked to the intensification of internal conflicts. Countries witnessing conflicts are ahead: Syria with a tally of 20 journalists killed during the reporting period followed by Mexico 8, Somalia 6 and Pakistan 6.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that the problem of access to reporting has increased  since the beginning of the year. In Syria, he added, the authorities have managed to block the world from knowing the unfolding events and the massive violations of human rights and humanitarian with independent testimonies on the ground.
 
If this continues, said Lempen, the year 2012 will witness a record high in the number of journalists killed.

The PEC, he said, joins all calls to put an end to the current violence in Syria.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi noted that the road ahead is that for the rule of law which will allow that perpetrators of crimes against journalists will be brought to trial.

In Sudan an Egyptian woman journalist was detained and then released while covering the unrest there, Abdelnabi said that such conduct from authorities in place urges that countries in constitutional transition in the crescent of the Arab Spring include clauses in their new constitution to defend women in dangerous professions against sexual harassment or assault.
   
According to the PEC, Brazil ranks 5th as a country of extreme danger for media coverage where 6 journalists were killed, Honduras follows (4), Philippines (4), Nigeria (3), Bolivia (2) and India (2).  One journalist was killed in each of the following countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Colombia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Nepal, Uganda, Panama and Thailand.

Latin America concentrated the biggest number of casualties (23), then the Middle East (22), Asia (17) and Africa (10)

In comparison 54 journalists were killed in the first 6 months of 2011 and 107 during the course of last year.
 
The PEC is gratified for the publication of two reports in June concerning the global problem for the protection of journalists, one presented by the UN Special Rapporteur for Summary Executions, Christof Heyns, and the other by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression frank La Rue, both presented to the Human Rights Council.

The Geneva based NOG, PEC, calls upon the Human rights Council to implement the recommendations of both reports.

Hausse de 33% du nombre de journalistes tués en six mois

Genève, 2 juillet 2012 (PEC) Le nombre de journalistes tués a augmenté de près de 33% au cours des six premiers mois de 2012, par rapport à la même période de 2011. Depuis janvier, 72 journalistes ont été tués dans 21 pays, selon le bilan semestriel de la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC).

Cette augmentation est clairement liée à l’intensification de conflits internes. Quatre pays qui connaissent une période de conflit concentrent plus de la moitié des victimes: la Syrie vient en tête avec 20 journalistes professionnels et non professionnels tués en six mois, devant le Mexique (8), la Somalie (6) et le Pakistan (6).

"Le problème de l'accès des médias aux zones de conflit s'est posé à nouveau de manière aigue depuis le début de l'année. En Syrie, les autorités ont tout fait pour empêcher que le monde extérieur soit directement témoin des violations massives du droit humanitaire et des droits de l'homme", a affirmé le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

"Si cette tendance se poursuit, l'année 2012 battra un nouveau record dramatique", a-t-il ajouté. La PEC joint sa voix à tous ceux qui exigent un arrêt immédiat des violences en Syrie.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a appelé au respect de l'Etat de droit et au jugement des responsables des crimes commis contre les journalistes.

Dénonçant le fait qu'au Soudan une journaliste égyptienne ait été détenue, puis libérée lors de la couverture de manifestations dans ce pays, Abdelnabi a affirmé que de tels agissements de la part des autorités doivent pousser les pays en transition dans le cadre du "Printemps arabe" à introduire des dispositions dans leur constitution
sur la défense des femmes contre les attaques de nature sexuelle.

Au 5e rang des pays les plus dangereux se trouve le Brésil (6 tués), devant le Honduras (4) et les Philippines (4). Suit le Nigéria avec 3 tués, la Bolivie (2) et l'Inde (2).

Un journaliste a été tué dans chacun des pays suivants: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Colombie, Haïti, Indonésie, Irak, Népal, Ouganda, Panama et Thaïlande.

Par région, l'Amérique latine arrive en tête avec 23 victimes, devant le Moyen-Orient (22), l'Asie (17) et l'Afrique (10).

Comparativement, selon les mêmes critères, 54 journalistes avaient été tués au cours des six premiers mois de 2011, et 107 sur toute l'année.

La PEC se félicite de la publication en juin par l'ONU de deux rapports sur  la protection des journalistes, l'un du rapporteur pour les exécutions sommaires Christof Heyns et l'autre du rapporteur sur la liberté d'expression Frank La Rue. L'ONG appelle  le Conseil des droits de l'homme à suivre leurs recommandations. 

PEC denuncia un incremento de 33 por ciento de periodistas asesinados en seis meses
 
Ginebra, 2 de julio del 2012 (PEC) – Según el reporte de Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) 72  periodistas fueron asesinados de enero a junio 2012 in 21 países. Este dato representa un incremento del 33 por ciento del número de periodistas víctimas comparado con el mismo período del 2011.

Este aumento es claramente el resultado de la intensificación de los conflictos internos.
Países en conflicto son los que lideran la lista en el lapso indicado: Siria con 20 periodistas asesinados, seguido de México con 8, Somalia 6 y Pakistán también con 6.
 
El Secretario General de PEC Blaise Lempen señala que el problema de acceso a la información ha empeorado desde principios de año. En Siria, las autoridades han llegado a bloquear los acontecimientos y la información a todo el mundo, sobre las violaciones masivas de derechos humanos reportados por testimonios independientes en el terreno.
Si la situación persiste, añadió Lampen, el año 2012 verá un record sin precedentes en el número de periodistas asesinados. Dijo además, que PEC se unía al llamado para poner fin a la violencia en Siria.
 
 La Presidenta de PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi señaló que el camino a seguir es el prescrito en la norma internacional, para llevar a los asesinos de periodistas ante la justicia.
 
En Sudán, una periodista egipcia fue detenida por cuvrir eventos relacionados con la crisis de ese país. Abdelnabi dijo además, que esa conducta de las autoridades urge a que los países en transición política en el contexto de la "primavera árabe", incluyan cláusulas en sus nuevas constituciones para defender a mujeres en profesiones sensibles contra abusos sexuales y asaltos.    

De acuerdo con PEC, Brasil ocupa el quinto lugar como país peligroso para profesionales de medias, con seis periodistas asesinados, Honduras 4, Filipinas 4, Nigeria 3, Bolivia 2, e India 2. Un periodista fue víctima fatal en cada uno de los siguientes países: Afganistán, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Colombia, Haití, Indonesia, Irak, Nepal, Uganda, Panamá, y Tailandia.
 
Latinoamérica concentra el mayor número de víctimas, 23, luego está Oriente Medio con 22, Asia con 17 y Africa 10.
 
En comparación, 54 periodistas fueron asesinados en los primeros 6 meses del 2011 y 107 a lo largo de todo ese año.
 
PEC saluda la publicación de dos reportes en junio concerniendo el problema global sobre la protección de periodistas; uno presentado por el Reportero Especial de las Naciones Unidas para ejecuciones sumarias, Christof Heyns, y el otro, por el Reportero Especial de Naciones Unidas sobre libertad de expresión Frank La Rue, los dos presentados antes el Consejo de Derechos Humanos.
 
PEC, ONG radicada en Ginebra, hace un llamado al Consejo de Derechos Humanos para implementar las recomendaciones de los dos reportes. 

تقرير حملة الشارة: ارتفاع عدد القتلى بين الصحفيين بنسبة 33 بالمائة في ستة أشهر

جنيف 2 يوليو (حملة الشارة) – اعلنت حملة الشارة الدولية أن 72 صحفياً و صحفية قد قتلوا في الأشهر الستة الماضية بزيادة 33 بالمائة عن نفس الفترة من العام الماضي.

و قالت الحملة، في تقريرها الربع سنوي الصادر اليوم، أن ارتفاع عدد القتلى يعود إلى حدة النزاعات الداخلية المسلحة، و سوريا التي تشهد نزاعاً شرساً تأتي في المقدمة بمقتل 20 من الصحفيين تليها المكسيك 8 و الصومال 6 و باكستان 6.

و صرح سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان أن عملية التغطية الإعلامية قد ازدادت صعوبة في كل النزاعات ففي سوريا على سبيل المثال قامت السلطات السورية بفصل الأحداث عن العالم الخارجي لتغطية الانتهاكات الجسيمة لحقوق الإنسان و القانون الإنساني الدولي. 

و أضاف ليمبان أنه أذا استمر الحال على ما هو عليه فإن هذه السنة سوف تشهد رقماً غير مسبوق في عدد الصحفيين القتلى، مشيراً إلى أن حملة الشارة تضم صوتها إلى الآخرين الذين ينادون بوقف نزيف الدم في سوريا. 

قالت رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية هدايت عبد النبي أن التحدي أمامنا هو سيادة القانون حتى يمكن تقديم مرتكبي هذه الجرائم ضد الصحفيين إلى العدالة.

و طالبت الدول التي تمر بمرحلة انتقالية نحو كتابة دساتير جديدة في اطار التحول الكبير بسبب ثورات الربيع العربي أن يعملوا على حماية المرأة الصحفية حين تقوم بعملها في مناطق خطره أو في مناطق التوتر الداخلي كما حدث مؤخراً باعتقال صحفية مصرية في أحداث السودان. 

طبقاً لحملة الشارة الدولية فإن البرازيل تأتي في المرتبة الخامسة من حيث خطورة العمل الصحفي بمقتل 6 صحفيين، ثم هندوراس 4، الفلبين 4، نيجيريا 3، بوليفيا 2، و الهند 2.

و قتل صحفي واحد في كل من أفغانستان، البحرين، بنجلاديش، كولومبيا، هايتي، إندونيسيا، العراق، نيبال، أوغندا، بنما، و تايلاند.

تركزت الأرقام الكبرى من الضحايا في أمريكا اللاتينية بمقتل 23 ثم الشرق الأوسط 22، فآسيا 17، فإفريقيا 10. 

و بالمقارنة قتل في العام الماضي 54 صحفياً و صحفية في الأشهر الستة الأولى من العام و 107 بنهاية 2011.

و أعربت حملة الشارة عن رضائها بالتقريرين اللذين قدما إلى مجلس حقوق الإنسان من قبل المقرر الخاص للقتل العشوائي كريستوف هاينز و الأخر للمقرر الخاص حول حرية الرأي و التعبير فرانك لارو و كلاهما يطالبان بتوفير حماية أكبر للصحفيين.

 و من ثم تطالب حملة الشارة مجلس حقوق الإنسان بأخذ التقريرين مأخذ الجد بتطبيق التوصيات الواردة في كل منهما.

لمزيد من التفاصيل حول قائمة الضحايا من الصحفيين قم بزيارة موقع الحملة 

***03.07.2012. Human Rights Council. 20th session. Item 8. PEC oral statement delivered by the PEC UN Representative Gianfranco Fattorini 

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
20th session

Item 8 - Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

General debate

Madame President,

The World Conference on Human Rights while recommending that priority be given to national and international action to promote democracy, development and human rights, it suggested that a special emphasis should be given to measures, among others, to assist in the strengthening of a pluralistic civil society, the promotion of freedom of expression and to the real and effective participation of the people in the decision-making processes (par. 66 – 67).

Of course, the traditional and new media play an essential role in the dissemination of a pluralistic perception of the reality those giving the possibility of a critical understanding of the events that occur and the challenges the society has to face. This role becomes even more important when a country goes through a troubled period which may lead to internal strife or civil war. An even more important role is played by media during a conflict.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action encouraged the increased involvement of the media, for whom freedom and protection should be guaranteed (par. 39).

We note that the issue here is not to defend a concept, the World Conference called for the physical protection of a specific group of persons working, professionally or not, in a clearly defined activity.

In this context, the PEC does not consider useful to engage in the definition of a new concept like “crime against democracy” which will undoubtedly embark the international community in a never ending philosophical dispute.

The PEC believes that the international community should take the adequate measures to effectively and universally guarantee the freedom and protection of all media workers, professional and non professional, provided they respect some professional principles, like those contained in the Charter of Munich of 1971.

I thank you, Madame President.

3rd July 2012

FYI, Charter of Munich:

Declaration of the journalists' duties and rights

Foreword

The right to information, to freedom of expression and criticism is one of the fundamental rights of all human beings. This right of the public to know the facts and opinions derives from the entire duties and rights of the journalists. The journalists' responsibility towards the public opinion is superior to all other responsibilities, in particular towards their employers and the public authorities.
The informative mission necessarily contains the limits which the journalists impose upon themselves spontaneously. Thus the object of the declaration of the duties is hereby formulated.
These duties can only be respected throughout the journalistic profession if the practical conditions of independence and professional dignity are realized. Thus is the purpose of the declaration of rights which follows.


Declaration of duties

The essential duties of the journalists in the research, writing and commentary of events are:

[1] the respect of the truth, whatever the consequences maybe for himself or herself, within what is allowed to be known by the public following the law;

[2] the defense of the freedom of information, of commentary and of critique;

[3] to only publish information from a known origin or if necessary to join the required reservations; to not remove essential information and to not alter the texts and documents;

[4] to not use unfair methods to obtain information, photos and documents;

[5] to require respect of individuals´ privacy

[6] to modify any information published that is shown to be incorrect

[7] to maintain the professional discretion and not reveal the source of information obtained confidentially;

[8] to forbid oneself of plagiarism, slander, libel, unfounded accusations as well as from receiving any form of advantages due to the publication or suppression of information;

[9] never to confuse the profession of journalist with that of the publicist or propagandist; never to accept direct or indirect orders from advertisers;

[10] to refuse whatever pressure and to only accept editorial directives from the persons in charge of the editing;

All journalists worthy of practicing must make it their duty to strictly follow the principles listed above; recognizing the current laws in force in each country, the journalist, in terms of professional honor, only accepts the jurisdiction of his pairs, with the exception of any governmental interference or other.

Declaration of rights

[1] The journalists claim the free access to all sources of information and the right to inquire freely upon all facts which conditions the public sphere. The secret of public or private affairs can in no case be opposed to the journalist with the occasional exception by virtue of clearly expressed grounds.

[2] The journalist has the right to refuse all subordination which is contrary to the general strategy of his company, following the way this strategy is determined in writing in his work contract, as well as any subordination which is not clearly implicated within this general strategy.
.
[3] The journalist can not be forced to accomplish a professional act or to express an opinion which is contrary to his convictions or his conscience.

[4] The editorial team must be informed of all the important decisions which, by nature, could affect the company’s organization.
The editorial team must be consulted before any definite decision should be taken related to the composition of the editorial office: recruitment, redundancy, transfer and promotion of a journalist.

[5] Considering his function and responsibilities, the journalist has the right not only to benefit from the collective convention, but also to a personal contract which guarantees his material and moral security as well as an income in relation to his social role and sufficient to guarantee his economic independence.

***28.06.2012. Oral Statement delivered by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) at the 20th session of the Human Rights Council

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
20th session

Item 4 -   Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
General debate

Madame President,

The PEC statistics of professional or non-professional journalists killed in 2012 as of today show that, with 72 victims, there is an increase of almost 50% compared to the number identified last year for the same period. Journalists are particularly targeted in Brazil (6), Mexico (8), Pakistan (6) and Somalia (6), but, of course, Syria is the place where journalists have paid the highest price in terms of lost lives, with 20 victims out of the total 72.

The last abject attack on journalists took place yesterday at the headquarters of the pro-government Syrian TV station Al-Ikhbariya where seven employees were killed, while others were kidnapped.

While welcoming the pledge of the Syrian government to ensure freedom of movement throughout the country and the fact that the Syrian authorities gave visas to 114 journalists, the PEC firmly condemn the intentional and targeted attacks on journalists from any part to the conflict. PEC also deplores the lack of protection offered to the media workers by the Syrian authorities, at least when working in their headquarters.

The PEC is also deeply concerned by the arbitrary arrests and detention, physical attacks and raids of the journalists’ offices by the security personnel of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the de-facto authorities in Gaza, as described by Mr. La Rue in his report[1].

As stated by Mr. Heyns[2], journalists deserve special concern because the social role they play is so important and an attack on a journalist represents an assault on the foundations of the human rights project and on informed society as a whole. That’s why the Press Emblem Campaign calls on the Council’s members to take a strong and effective initiative for the protection of journalists.

I thank you, Madame President.

28th June 2012
[1] A/HRC/20/17/Add.2 – par. 66[2] A/HRC20/22 – par. 2

***19.06.2012. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes 2 major UN reports on protection of journalists delivered at the Human Rights Council: Report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns and Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue

From left to right: Christof Heyns, Frank La Rue, Austrian Ambassador Christian Strohal, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic, UNESCO Chief of Section Sylvie Coudray working together for better protection of journalists in Geneva, Palais des Nations, 20 June 2012, 20th session of the Human Rights Council (photo PEC) - see press reports on our page PRESS 

Read below the statement delivered by the PEC at the Human Rights Council

Report of Christof Heyns:

United Nations A/HRC/20/22
General Assembly
Human Rights Council
Twentieth session
Agenda item 3

Summary: Journalists, who play a crucial role in ensuring a society that takes informed decisions, are killed at an alarming rate by State and non-State actors. Others are intimidated into self-censorship. In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions investigates the mechanisms that are in place to provide greater protection to the right to life of journalists.
The most immediate problem does not lie with gaps in the international legal framework. The challenge is rather to ensure that the established international framework is fully used, and that its norms are reflected in domestic laws and practices.
The approach should be to elevate the killing of journalists from the local level to the national and international levels. The Special Rapporteur proposes measures aimed at ensuring greater accountability and identifies underutilized entry points at all levels that can be used by journalists at risk.

for English: www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session20/A-HRC-20-22_en.pdf

for Spanish: www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session20/A.HRC.20.22.SPA.pdf

for Arabic: www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session20/A.HRC.20.22.ARA.pdf

Report of Frank La Rue:

United Nations A/HRC/20/17
General Assembly
Human Rights Council
Twentieth session
Agenda item 3

Summary: The present report builds on the previous work of the Special Rapporteur regarding the issue of the protection of journalists and media freedom, and focuses particularly on situations outside of armed conflict. A brief introduction is set out in Chapter I, noting that the majority of human rights violations against journalists take place outside of armed conflict situations. Chapter II provides a brief account of the main activities undertaken by the Special Rapporteur, including communications sent, participation in events, press releases issued and country visits undertaken and requested by the Special Rapporteur. Chapter III examines the challenges faced by journalists in carrying out their work, in particular when covering street protests and demonstrations or reporting on politically sensitive issues, such as human rights violations, environmental issues, corruption, organized crime, drug trafficking, public crises and emergencies. Particular challenges faced by journalists and media organizations when carrying out their work via the Internet is also highlighted. The increasing use of criminal laws to suppress media freedom is also examined, as well as the continuing problem of impunity. Emphasizing that the problem in ensuring the protection of journalists worldwide lies not in the lack of international standards, but in the inability or unwillingness of Governments to take effective measures, the report examines the issue of impunity and ways in which some States have attempted to combat this phenomenon. Chapter IV draws conclusions and provides relevant recommendations for different stakeholders, including States, United Nations agencies, regional actors and civil society.

link for the report in english:
www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session20/A-HRC-20-17_en.pdf

UN PRESS RELEASE
HR/12/142
21 June 2012

JOURNALISTS SHOULD NOT BE SILENCED, INTIMIDATED, IMPRISONED, TORTURED OR KILLED FOR TELLING “INCONVENIENT” TRUTHS, URGE UN EXPERTS

GENEVA (21 June 2012) – Two United Nations Special Rapporteurs joined forces today to urge world governments, the international community, and journalists and media organisations to act decisively on the protection of
the right to life of journalists and media freedom. “Attacks against journalists are attacks against democracy,” they stressed.

In two reports to the UN Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns, pointed out that there is an unacceptably high number of attacks against journalists and others disseminating news, ranging from arbitrary arrests, torture and killings, to sexual violence against female journalists.

Mr. La Rue made a particular reference in his report to “the continuing repression of journalists and media freedom worldwide, aimed at suppressing information deemed ‘inconvenient’, and increasing restrictions placed on journalists who disseminate information through the Internet.”

“States continue to utilize criminal laws on defamation, national security and counterterrorism to suppress dissent and criticism, including on Government policies, human rights violations and allegations of corruption,” said the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression. “Such ‘judicial harassment’ generates a climate of fear and encourages
self-censorship.”

“While the death or the plight of foreign journalists in armed conflict situations frequently attracts the attention of the international community,” he added, “it is the local journalists who face daily risks and violations on their rights in situations that have not reach the threshold of armed conflict, but may be characterized by violence,
lawlessness and/or repression.”

The Special Rapporteur on summary executions underscored that impunity is “a major, if not the main, cause” of the high number of journalists killed every year. “The countries where the highest numbers of journalists are
killed are also, almost without exception, those with the highest levels of impunity,” Mr. Heyns said.

“It is hard to imagine a world without journalists. Without their work, humanity would be reduced to silence, and yet a large number are killed every year with almost total impunity,” he stressed, noting that journalists are among the persons who receive the most death threats.

“While the current international legal framework provides the required normative protection of journalists, the main challenge lies in its full implementation and application of international norms in domestic law and practices,” Mr. Heyns noted.

In their reports, the two human rights experts offer specific recommendations to governments and the international community, as well as journalists and media organisations for the prevention of recurrent killings and death threats. Their recommendations deal with material, legal, and policing measures of protection, ranging from public
condemnation of attacks against journalists, support for press freedom by high-level State officials and greater accountability to fight impunity.

ORAL STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE PEC REPRESENTATIVE GIANFRANCO FATTORINI

Gianfranco Fattorini (photo), PEC Representative at the United Nations, commends both UN Rapporteurs for their report. The PEC welcomes the recommendation contained in paragraph 124 of Mr. Heyns’ report where he invites States and relevant United Nations bodies and agencies, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to explore the need for a specific United Nations instrument, for example a declaration, on the safety of journalists. The PEC welcomes a new momentum regarding the issue of protection of journalists at the international level. 

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
20th session

Item 3 -    Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social
and cultural rights, including the right to development

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (A/HRC/20/17)

Report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (A/HRC/20/22) 

"Madame President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) commends Mr. La Rue and Mr. Heyns for their reports. We found particularly significant that the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions has chosen as a thematic subject of his annual report the protection of the right to life of journalists.

The timely publication of the report of Mr. Heyns allowed the PEC to submit to the attention of the Council a detailed analysis of the Special Rapporteur’s thoughts, which is published in document NGO/45.

Mr. Heyns touches in his report one of the most sensitive issues, namely: the definition of journalists. He refers to the one contained in the recommendation no. R (2000) 7 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe which the PEC considers as a valuable one when it is complemented by some fundamental elements defining the profession’s rights and duties like those contained in the Münich Charter of 1971.

The PEC also welcomes the recommendation contained in paragraph 124 of Mr. Heyns’ report where he suggests to explore the need for a specific UN instrument: “The Special Rapporteur invites States and relevant United Nations bodies and agencies, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to explore the need for a specific United Nations instrument, for example a declaration, on the safety of journalists that would emphasize the recognized obligations of States with regard to the protection of the right to life and safety of journalists…”

Indeed the PEC shares the main concerns expressed by both Special Rapporteurs, notably when it comes to the psychological or physical threat on journalists. In fact, the biggest challenge when one wants to ensure the protection of journalists is impunity. Of course, the primary responsibility of protecting journalists, fully investigating each case and prosecuting those responsible lies with States, on the other hand, the root causes of impunity is due to lack of political will of the same States, which can have different reasons and take many forms as rightly pointed out by Mr. La Rue.

In order to combat impunity, one needs to rely on a mechanism ensuring accountability. In reality, none of the existing mechanisms for the protection of the right to life of journalists can be considered, neither satisfactory, nor universal. Most of the mechanisms presented in the reports have no judicial character at all and therefore can only be seen as good practices. The existing mechanisms at regional or sub-regional levels do not have the means to conduct immediate and independent investigations, this precluding them to effectively combat impunity.

The PEC believes that journalists should be allowed to cover any event without being targeted by any participant in an internal or international conflict. Acknowledging that 90% of the cases of murder of journalists are not investigated, the PEC firmly believes that there is a gap in the international legal framework and that a new set of international binding rules has to be adopted and implemented by a specific mechanism in order to ensure accountability on this very subject.

I thank you, Madame President".

19th June 2012

WRITTEN STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY THE PEC AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (NGO/45)

The threat on journalists’ life: how to combat impunity?

          I.            Introduction

As of 31 May 2012, according to Press Emblem Campaign records, 65 journalists have been killed in 2012. This figure is to be compared with the 44 registered for the same period in 2011: an increase of almost 50%.

In fact the phenomenon has attracted the attention of several observers and regional and international organizations and, more recently, UN mechanisms have been led to address the issue of the safety of journalists.

Press Emblem Campaign commends the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summery or arbitrary executions, Mr. Christof Heyns, for the overview he offers in his well documented report (A/HRC/20/22), which fundamentally leave to everyone the choice to see the glass half full or half empty.

Knowing that less than 10% of the cases of murder of journalists in the world have been investigated during the last fifteen years and that only in very few cases the responsible have been brought to justice and condemned, the logical inference that can be drawn is that impunity is the main, if not the only, reason of the high and growing number of journalists killed every year.

Impunity can effectively be fought only when the rule of law prevails.

While a number of principles and norms, either at the national or international level, impose to each State the obligation to ensure an effective prevention and accountability, the facts show that these obligations are far from being fulfilled.

In reality, everybody considers that journalists deserve special concern because of the very important social role they play, and a large number of dignitaries and international bodies have publicly condemned the threat on and the killings of journalists but it must be admitted that, at the moment, there is a lack of political will to acquire the instruments needed to fill the existing gap in order to prevent such crimes and combat the impunity that prevails.

       II.            Existing mechanisms

Considering that less than 5% of the cases of murder of journalists in the world have been solved and the responsible convicted, one cannot assert that the domestic legal systems grant security to journalists and can efficiently combat impunity.

National Human Rights Institutions could play a significant role in the prevention component if they are given the necessary means, but they don’t have the capacity to effectively combat impunity.

Some regional institutions have adopted a number of resolutions and decisions; some have even developed a particular human rights justice system that has already issued valuable judgments. However, those mechanisms are not, by definition, universal and therefore cannot be seen as satisfactory, but they certainly should be considered as good practice.

International Humanitarian Law provides protection to journalists, as a civilian, but offers a very little space for combating impunity, considering that it only covers internal or international conflicts and  one has to access to the International Criminal Court in order to obtain an investigation into the case.

UNESCO plays a vital role with respect of freedom of expression, which implicitly reinforces the journalists’ safety, nevertheless a mechanism based on the voluntary basis of the State cannot be considered as an efficient instrument in combating impunity.

The fact that UN Treaty bodies, notably the Human Rights Committee, have addressed the issue of the security of journalists is a very valuable step; unfortunately, they do not have the necessary means to effectively combat impunity.

The involvement of several special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council in the issue is also a very valuable step, at the same time it is obvious that, by nature, the area covered by every single thematic mandate is far too great to be able to focus constantly on the security and the killings of journalists.

The Universal Periodic Review could also play a very significant role in the prevention area when the members of the Working Group put forward specific recommendations in the field of safety of journalists and protection of their right to life, unfortunately it has no means in combating impunity.

      III.            Conclusion and recommendations

While a wide range of national and international obligations and bodies can play, solely or in conjunction, a very important role in the prevention of the threat journalists have to face, there is no international specific mechanism ensuring that impunity will not prevail.

Press Emblem Campaign is firmly convinced that there is a fundamental need for an international binding instrument for the protection of journalists.

In a shorter term, Press Emblem Campaign recommends to the Human Right Council to consider the establishment of a specific thematic special procedure for the protection of journalists.

***12.06.2012. INVITATION. Protection of Journalists: UN and regional approaches for better protection- 20 June 2012, 13:00 – 15:00 - Geneva, Palais des Nations, Room XXIII

Many journalists today around the world are subject to violence and intimidation in the course of their duties. The protection of journalists is a fundamental pillar of the universal, inalienable right to freedom of expression and press freedom. The protection of their role in society, as providers of information, is in the public interest.

Against this background, a panel of UN and regional experts will aim at leading an open dialogue on how to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without interference. A specific focus will be taken on best practices, in particularly regional experiences, in the area of protection of journalists and the fight against impunity.

Mr. Frank La Rue - United Nations Special Rapporteur on the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression

Mr. Christof Heyns - United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

Ms. Dunja Mijatovi - Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Ms. Sylvie Coudray - Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression, Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Video message by Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Organization of American
States (OAS)- Ms. Catalina Botero, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression

The side event will be moderated by H.E. Ambassador Christian Strohal –Permanent Representative of Austria to the UN in Geneva.

***04.06.2012. PEC AWARD - PRIX PEC. The PEC award 2012 for the protection of journalists goes to Syrian militants informing the world on the continuing blood bath in Syria since the beginning of the uprising to honor their work and relentless efforts while risking their lives, physical liquidation, imprisonment and torture // Le prix 2012 pour la protection des journalistes de la PEC est décerné aux militants syriens qui informent le monde extérieur des violences dans leur pays avec courage et persévérance au risque de leur vie, de l'emprisonnement et de la torture (Read press releases and speeches clicking left on our special page PEC AWARD)

From left to right: Blaise Lempen (PEC Secretary-General), Dr Tawfik Chamaa (President, Syrian Democrats) and Hedayat Abdelnabi (PEC President) for the PEC Award 2012 ceremony at the Swiss Press Club, Geneva (photo keystone) - have a look on our page PRESS for press reports

***01.06.2012. SYRIA. PEC statement at the Human Rights Council - 19th Special Session - The deteriorating human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the recent killings in El-Houleh - oral statement of the PEC representative Gianfranco Fattorini 

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th Special Session

The deteriorating human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic
and the recent killings in El-Houlehth Special session

Madame President,

We had already the opportunity to denounce before the Council the monopoly the State has exercised for
decades over the Syrian media, in particular the press, and the repression exerted against its more recalcitrant
members and thus creating a system of self-censorship within the profession.

We would like here to underline that the presence of independent national and international reporters from the
media would certainly result in useful information and is always the highest guarantee for everybody to have a
more accurate picture of the events. In fact, while UN observers and journalists were able to visit immediately
El-Houleh and report on the consequences of the crimes committed last Friday, there are very likely several
others crimes, mass killings and mass graves about which, for now, nobody has been able to investigate.

Once again PEC deeply regrets that the Syrian authorities does not grant immediate access to the country to
foreign journalist wanting to carry out an assignment on the country's territory, in violation of international
standards subscribed to by the Syrian Arab Republic.

We would like also to draw the attention of the Council’s members on the fact that, as of today, in 2012, 11
journalists have lost their lives in carrying out their duty and nearly 30 since the violence began in March 2011
if one includes the "Citizen Journalists" and "bloggers": no investigation has been opened yet.

Finally, PEC is concerned about the seven employees of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of
Expression who were summoned to stand on trial at a military court charged with “possessing prohibited
materials with the intent to disseminate them”. We wish to inform you that next Monday, 4
hold his annual reward ceremony at 3PM at the Geneva Press Club and that Syrian militants informing the
world will be rewarded. Everyone is most welcome to attend the ceremony, which will be followed by a
testimony of Dr. Tawfik Chamaa, President of the Syrian Democrats, who will testify on the situation of the
opposition movement in the country and give his opinion on the implementation of the Kofi Annan peace plan
and the prospects for resolving the crisis.

I thank you Madame President.
1st June 2012

***30.05.2012. INVITATION. PEC AWARD 2012. SWISS PRESS CLUB GENEVA - 4 JUNE, 3 pm

Le Club suisse de la Presse - Geneva Press Club, 
en collaboration avec la PEC
a le plaisir d’inviter les journalistes suisses et étrangers et ses membres
à une conférence de presse sur le thème
Syrie:  la répression bat son plein
avec
Dr Tawfik Chamaa
Président des Démocrates syriens
Blaise Lempen
Secrétaire général de la PEC

Lundi 4 juin 2012 à 15h.

Grande salle de conférence du sous-sol
« La Pastorale » Route de Ferney 106, Genève
(Bus 5 - Direction : Aéroport- Arrêt : Intercontinental)
 
La violence bat son plein en Syrie. Plus de 12'000 personnes ont été tuées dans les affrontements entre le gouvernement et l'opposition depuis mars 2011 et des centaines d'opposants sont en prison et pour certains torturés. Parmi eux, des militants qui ont courageusement informé le monde  extérieur du déroulement de la répression.

A l'occasion de la remise du prix annuel pour la protection des journalistes décerné par la PEC, le président des Démocrates syriens le Dr Tawfik Chamaa témoignera de la situation des opposants dans le pays et donnera son opinion sur l'application du plan de paix de Kofi Annan et les perspectives de règlement de la crise.

La PEC décerne chaque année son prix à une organisation ou à un individu ayant contribué à renforcer la liberté de la presse. Cette année, l'ONG basée à Genève a décidé de récompenser les militants syriens qui informent du déroulement des événements en Syrie, au risque de leur vie, dont le Centre pour les médias et la liberté d'expression de Mazen Darwich, emprisonné depuis le 16 février. Au moins 11 journalistes ont été tués depuis le début de l'année en Syrie et près de 30 depuis le début des violences en mars 2011 si l'on inclut les "citizen journalists" et "bloggers". 

The Press Emblem Campaign has the honor to invite you at the ceremony of the 2012  PEC  Award

Club Suisse de la presse  /  Geneva Press Club
« La Pastorale » Route de Ferney 106, Genève
(in front of the Intercontinental Hotel)

Monday 4th June 2012 (3 PM)

This year, the PEC has decided to reward the Syrian activists, including the Center for Media and freedom of expression of Mazen Darwish (held since February 16) who inform everybody on the development of events in Syria, risking their lives. At least 11 journalists have been killed since the beginning of the year in Syria and nearly 30 since the violence began in March 2011 if one includes the "Citizen Journalists" and "bloggers".

On the occasion of the PEC annual award ceremony for the protection of journalists, Dr. Tawfik Chamaa, President of the Syrian Democrats will illustrate the position of the opposition movement in the country and give his opinion on the implementation of the Kofi Annan peace plan and the prospects for resolving the crisis.

***02.05.2012. PEC statement - World Press Freedom Day 2012 - PEC on World Press Freedom Day calls for the release of Mazen Darwish and his colleagues in Syria  

(French and Spanish below after English)

GENEVA, 2 May (PEC) – On World Press Freedom Day the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls upon the Syrian authorities to release Mazen Darwish, Director of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression and his colleagues. 

The PEC calls upon the international community to mobilize a united move for the liberation of all opinion detainees in Syria.

The Geneva based NGO reminds all parties that the Kofi Annan plan approved by the UN Security Council states unfettered access to information in Syria. The UN Security Council has a duty to put in place the resolution which was adopted unanimously.   

Mazen Darwish and his male colleagues Hussein Ghrer; Abd Rahman Al Hamada; Hani Zateni; and Mansour Al Omarie, are still detained since February. According to the Syrian Journalists Union, Mazen Darwish, held in solitary confinement, is suffering from a worsening health condition, after being tortured.

In addition women staff at the Center Yara Bader; Razan Ghazzoui; Sanaa Meshn; Ayham Ghazzoul; Joan Ferso; and Bassam Al Ahmad have been summoned in front of the judge of the military justice in Damascus as of 22 April 2012, according to the article No. 148 code of Military Justice, a misdemeanor of  "having an illegal recordings with a view to distributing banned publications" and they have been transferred to Adraa prison. They were charged of having illegal recordings with a view to inciting demonstrations.

Information released by the Syrian Center says that Ghazzoul; Joan Ferson; and Bassam Alahmad stayed 33 days at Al Mezzah air intelligence security branch, and then they have been transferred to the Fourth Division of the military until yesterday as of 21 April 2012, since this division turned to be a detention center.    

On the other hand, there are no information on the current conditions of the center head and founder Mazen Darwish; and his colleague Hussein Ghrer; Abd Rahman Al Hamada; Hani Zateni; and Mansour Al Omarie, as they are still detained at the air security branch of Mezzah.

The SCM, which enjoys UN ECOSOC consultative status since 2011, played a key role in getting out information about daily developments in Syria at a moment where journalists are virtually banned from the country. The arrest, detention and prosecution of SCM staff members appear to be aimed at stifling any dissent voice. 

Syria remains from the beginning of this year the most dangerous country for media work with at least 10 media workers killed.

Deterioration in Latin America

In addition, the PEC continues to condemn the deterioration in Latin America.

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, the PEC condemns strongly new killings of journalists in Latin America: the apparent slaying on Saturday of a correspondent for Proceso newsmagazine Regina Martinez who often wrote about drug trafficking in the Veracruz state capital, Xalapa (Mexico) and last week the killing of Decio Sa, O Estado do Maranhao/Blog do Decio, à Sao Luis de Maranhao, in Brazil on 24 April.

The killing of the 6th Brazilian journalist makes Brazil the second most dangerous country for media work.

The PEC calls for the immediate release of French journalist Romeo Langlois kidnapped Sunday in Colombia.  

According to the PEC figures from the beginning of this year 45 journalists were killed, an increase of near 50% in 4 months compared to the same period last year. 

The PEC calls for the immediate relase of French journalist Romeo Langlois (35) (photo) kidnapped Sunday in Colombia. Colombia's largest rebel group, the Farc, is holding the French journalist. In a telephone call to journalists on Wednesday, a woman claiming to be a Farc member said the rebels were holding Romeo Langlois as a prisoner of war. Read on PRESS and OTHER NEWS for details

A l'occasion de la Journée de la liberté de la presse, la PEC demande la libération de Mazen Darwish et de ses collègues en Syrie.

Genève, 2 mai (PEC) A l'occasion de la Journée de la liberté de la presse, la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) demande aux autorités syriennes de libérer Mazen Darwish, directeur du Centre syrien pour les medias et la liberté d'expression, et ses collègues.

La PEC appelle toute la communauté internationale à se mobiliser pour obtenir la libération de toutes les personnes détenues en raison de leurs opinions en Syrie.

L'ONG basée à Genève rappelle que le plan de Kofi Annan, accepté par le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, prévoit un accès sans entraves à l'information en Syrie. Le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU doit faire appliquer les résolutions qu'il a adoptées à l'unanimité, a affirmé la PEC.

Mazen Darwish et ses collègues masculins Hussein Ghrer, Abd Rahman Al Hamada, Hani Zateni et Mansour Al Omarie sont toujours détenus depuis le 16 février. Selon l'Union des journalistes syriens, l'état de santé de Mazen Darwish, détenu en isolement, se détériore, après qu'il ait été torturé.

De plus, le personnel féminin du Centre, Yara BAder, Razan Ghazzoui, Sanaa Meshn, Ayham Ghazzoul, Joan Ferso et Bassan Al Ahmad ont été convoqués par la justice militaire à Damas le 22 avril pour infraction à l'article 149 du code pénal militaire et "possession illégale de documents dans le but de distribuer des publications interdites". Elles ont été transférées à la prison centrale d'Adra à Damas.

Ayham Ghazzoul, Joan Ferson et Bassam Alamad ont été détenus 33 jours dans les locaux des services de renseignements de l'armée de l'air à Al Mezzah avant d'être transférés le 21 avril au sein de la IVe division transformée en centre de détention.

Il n'y a pas d'information récente sur les conditions de détention du directeur et fondateur du Centre Mazen Darwish et ses collègues Hussein Ghrer, Abd Rahman Al Hamada, Hani Zateni, Mansour Al Omarie, détenus par les services de l'armée de l'air à Mezzah.

Le Centre, doté du statut consultatif auprès de l'ONU depuis 2011, a joué un rôle clé en informant sur les violences quotidiennes en Syrie à un moment où les journalistes sont virtuellement interdits de séjour dans le pays. L'arrestation, la détention et les poursuites à l'encontre des membres du Centre apparaissent destinées à faire taire toute voix dissidente.

La Syrie est le pays le plus dangereux pour les journalistes depuis le début de l'année, avec au moins 10 employés des medias tués en 4 mois.

Détérioration en Amérique latine

En même temps, la PEC dénonce la détérioration de la situation en Amérique latine. La PEC y condamne fermement les récents assassinats de journalistes, celui samedi dernier de la correspondante de Proceso Regina Martinez à Xalapa, capitale de l'Etat de Veracruz au Mexique et le 24 avril, le meurtre de Decio Sa, à Sao Luis de Maranhao, au Brésil.

Decio Sa est le 6e journaliste tué au Brésil depuis janvier, ce qui en fait le 2e pays le plus dangereux. La PEC appelle aussi à la libération immédiate du journaliste français Romeo Langlois kidnappé dimanche en Colombie.

Selon les chiffres de la PEC, depuis le début de 2012, 45 journalistes ont été tués dans le monde, une augmentation de près de 50% en quatre mois comparée à la même période de l'an passé. 

En ocasión del Día de la libertad de la prensa, la PEC pide la liberación de Mazen Darwish y sus colegas en Siria.

Ginebra, mayo 2 (PEC) En ocasión del Día de la libertad de la prensa, la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) requiere de las autoridades sirias la liberación de Mazen Darwish, director del Centro sirio para los medios y para la libertad de expresión, así como de sus colegas.

La PEC hace un llamamiento a toda la comunidad internacional para que se movilice a fin de lograr la liberación de todas las personas detenidas en Siria por causa de sus opiniones.

La ONG –basada en Ginebra- recuerda que el plan de Kofi Annan, aceptado por el Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU , prevé un acceso sin obstáculos a la información en Siria. El Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU debe hacer que se apliquen las resoluciones que ha adoptado por unanimidad, ha afirmado la PEC.

Mazen Darwish y sus colegas Hussein Ghrer, Abd Rahman Al Hamada, Hani Zateni y Mansour Al Omarie siguen detenidos desde el 16 de febrero. Según la Unión de periodistas sirios, el estado de salud de Mazen Darwish, detenido bajo aislamiento, se deteriora, después de haber sido torturado.

Además, el personal femenino del mencionado Centro sirio, Yara Bader, Razan Ghazzoui, Sanaa Meshn, Ayham Ghazzoul, Joan Ferso y Bassan Al Ahmad, han sido convocadas por la justicia militar en Damasco el 22 de abril por infracción del artículo 149 del Código penal militar y « posesión ilegal de documentos con el objetivo de distribuir publicaciones prohibidas ». Las seis han sido transferidas a la prisión central de Adra, en Damasco.

Ayham Ghazzoul, Joan Ferson y Bassam Alamad estuvieron detenidas durante 33 días en las instalaciones de los servicios de información del Ejército del aire en Al Mezzah, antes de ser trasladadas, el último 21 de abril, al seno de IV división transformada en centro de detención.

No se cuenta con información reciente sobre las condiciones de detención del director y fundador del Centro, Mazen Darwish, y sus colegas Hussein Gher, Abd Rahman Al Hamada, Hani Zateni y Mansour Al Omarie, detenidos por los servicios del Ejército del aire en Mezzah.

Ese Centro –que goza del estatuto consultivo ante la ONU desde 2011- ha desempeñado un papel clave en informar sobre la violencia diaria en Siria, en un momento en el cual los periodistas están virtualmente prohibidos permanecer en el país. El arresto, la detención y la persecución contra los miembros del Centro parecen destinadas a hacer callar toda expresión disidente.

Siria es el país de mayor peligro para los periodistas desde el inicio de este año, en el que al menos 10 empleados de los medias han sido asesinados en tan sólo estos cuatro meses.

Deterioro en América Latina

La PEC ha denunciado también el deterioro de la situación en Latinoamérica. La PEC condena firmemente los recientes asesinatos de periodistas en esa región, en particular el acaecido el sábado último de Regina Martínez, corresponsal de la revista Proceso en Xalapa, capital del Estado de Veracruz en México, y la muerte de Decio Sa, en Sao Luis de Maranhao, en el Brasil.

Decio Sa es el sexto periodista asesinado en Brasil desde enero pasado, lo que convierte a este país en el segundo en peligrosidad, después de Siria. La PEC ha hecho además un llamamiento para que se libere de inmediato al periodista francés Romeo Langlois, secuestrado el domingo pasado en Colombia.

De acuerdo con las cifras de la PEC, desde el inicio del 2012, 45 periodistas han sido asesinados en todo el mundo, lo que significa un aumento de casi el 50 por ciento en cuatro meses, comparados con el mismo periodo del año precedente.

***26.04.2012. PEC statement - Nigeria: PEC condemns the attacks against media offices (Read on page PRESS for details)

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns strongly the attacks in the capital of Nigeria Abuja and in Kaduna against the offices of the newspaper ThisDay.

The PEC renews its call to all parties to keep media installations out of reach for opposition groups, warring parties and state actors. The Geneva based NGO with UN special consultative status calls upon the Nigerian government to find the perpetrators and bring them to trial.

According to various news reports, bombs targeting the offices of a major Nigerian newspaper have gone off in the capital Abuja and the northern city of Kaduna. Emergency officials say at least six people were killed in the twin attacks.

A spokesman for the Nigerian Red Cross said a suicide bomber crashed through the front gates of the This Day office in Abuja in an explosive-laden vehicle and hit the newspaper's reception area.

The chairman of the This Day editorial board Olusogen Adeniyi told reporters at least three people were killed in the blast.

"The suicide bomber came in a jeep and rammed a vehicle into the gate," Olusogen said."Two of our security men died, and the obviously suicide bomber died too."

Government officials say they are trying to get the wounded to hospital. The number of injured is not known.

Three people were also reportedly killed when an explosion rocked the paper's office in the strife-ridden northern city of Kaduna. The bombing in Kaduna struck a building housing offices for ThisDay, The Moment and The Daily Sun newspapers, witnesses said.

The newspaper This Day is known for its support of current President Goodluck Jonathan, a primary target for the Islamist Boko Haram movement. The radical group has been held responsible for some 900 deaths over the past two years.

Three journalists have previously been killed in Nigeria since the beginning of the year. According to PEC figures, 43 journalists have been killed since January around the world, an increase of 50% compared to the same period of 2011.

***02.04.2012. PEC PRESS RELEASE - Number of Journalists killed increased by 50 percent

(French, Spanish and Arabic after English) (see also on pages PRESS and OTHER NEWS)

Number of Journalists killed increased by 50 percent

Geneva 2 April (PEC) -- According to the  Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) the number of journalists killed in the first three months has increased by 50 percent if compared with the same period in 2011. The total number of journalists killed this year so far amounts to 31 of which 9 were killed in Syria alone. The tally for the first three months of 2011 amounted to 21 journalists killed.

« This is an alarming trend. The safety of journalists has deteriorated since the beginning of the year. The heavy toll in Syria makes the country at the forefront of the most dangerous places for journalists », said PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen.

Five foreign journalists and another 4 local journalists were killed in Syria since January 2012. Since March 2011, the conflict in Syria resulted in the killing of 11 media professionals. In addition there is no news about the fate of two Turkish journalists Adem Özköse and Hamit Coskun who disappeared two weeks ago.

According to activists, the Syrian government is trying to systematically arrest the  “citizen journalists” across the country and to neutralize all those who document the brute force. PEC is in particular very concerned by the detention of Ali Mahmoud Othman and Marzen Darwish believed being subjected to torture.

Restrictions on media coverage by the Syrian authorities and attacks against media have led to the prolonged suffering of the Syrian people. If events were unfolded on a daily basis on TV screens of civilians massacred, pressure on governments could have led to the end of the conflict instead of it's appalling continuation. 

Lempen added that if the ongoing violence is not put to an end then it is possible that there would be a repeat of the Iraqi scenario at large.

The PEC reminds international community that the peace plan put forward by the UN-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan, and accepted in principle by Syria, calls to ensure freedom of movement and unhindered access for journalists.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi stressed that states cannot in conflict zones apply their own practices over a wide spectrum of victims, there are binding convention in international law that should regulate conflicts in all circumstances and at all times including the distinction between combatants and civilians and freedom of information and expression. Abdelnabi called for binding guidelines in conflict zones including access, protection, and physical integrity of journalists.

Brazil, Somalia

In the first three months of 2012, Brazil comes second in line with 5 journalists killed, followed by Somalia with three killed, while two journalists were killed in each of the following countries: India, Bolivia and Nigeria.

One journalist was killed in the following countries: Afghanistan, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand.

Similar to last year Latin America heads the regions of danger for journalists followed by the Middle East.  In the first three months of last year 21 journalists were killed and for the whole year 107. As for 2010, according to the PEC figures based on several sources, 110 journalists were killed.

Hausse de 50% du nombre de journalistes tués

Genève, 2 avril (PEC) Le nombre de journalistes tués au cours des trois premiers mois de l'année a augmenté de 50% par rapport à la même période de l'an dernier, a affirmé lundi à Genève la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Depuis janvier, 31 journalistes ont été tués, dont neuf en Syrie. L'an dernier, 21 journalistes avaient été tués pendant la même période de trois mois.

"Cette évolution est inquiétante. La situation s'est détériorée depuis le début de cette année, avant tout à cause de la crise en Syrie. Avec neuf journalistes tués en trois mois, ce pays est devenu le plus dangereux au monde pour les employés des médias", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Cinq journalistes étrangers et quatre locaux ont été tués depuis janvier en Syrie. Depuis un an, le conflit en Syrie a coûté la vie à 11 professionnels de l'information. De plus, le sort de deux journalistes turcs Adem Özköse and Hamit Coskun est incertain, plus de deux semaines après leur disparition en Syrie.

Selon des militants, le gouvernement syrien cherche à arrêter systématiquement les « journalistes citoyens » et à neutraliser tous ceux qui informent sur les violences et l’usage brutal de la force. La PEC est en particulier très préoccupée par l’arrestation de Ali Mahmoud Othman et de Marzen Darwich qui auraient été torturés.

Les restrictions imposées par les autorités syriennes et les attaques contre les medias contribuent à prolonger la souffrance de tous les Syriens. Si l'opinion pouvait voir sur son écran de télévision chaque jour des images en direct des massacres de civils, la pression sur les dirigeants politiques serait beaucoup plus forte et le conflit serait peut-être déjà terminé au lieu de traîner en longueur de manière épouvantable.

"S'il n'est pas mis fin aux violences en Syrie, un scénario à l'irakienne se profile à l'horizon", a averti Lempen. La PEC souligne que le plan de paix de l'envoyé spécial de l'ONU et de la Ligue arabe Kofi Annan, accepté en principe par les autorités de Damas, prévoit la liberté de mouvement et un accès libre des journalistes à l'ensemble du territoire syrien.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a affirmé que les Etats ne sont pas libres d'agir dans les contextes de conflit, mais sont tenus de respecter leurs obligations internationales, en toutes circonstances et en tout temps, dont la distinction entre combattants et civils et le respect de la liberté d'expression et du droit à l'information.

Abdelnabi a appelé la communauté internationale à élaborer des directives contraignantes dans les zones de conflit, dont des dispositions sur l'accès, la protection, l'intégrité physique des journalistes.

Brésil, Somalie

L'évolution depuis le début de l'année est aussi inquiétante au Brésil, où l'assassinat de cinq journalistes a été recensé. Vient ensuite un autre pays en conflit, la Somalie, avec trois tués. Deux journalistes ont également été tués dans chacun de ces pays: Inde, Bolivie et Nigéria.

En outre, un journaliste a été tué dans les pays suivants: Afghanistan, Colombie, Haïti, Honduras, Mexique, Pakistan, Philippines, Thaïlande.

Comme l'an dernier, par région, l'Amérique latine est en tête du nombre de victimes, devant le Moyen-orient.

Comparativement, au cours des trois premiers mois de 2011, 21 journalistes avaient été tués. Pour toute l'année 2011, 107 journalistes ont été tués contre 110 en 2010, selon les chiffres de la PEC basés sur plusieurs sources.

Aumenta en 50% el número de periodistas muertos

Ginebra 2 de abril (PEC). El número de periodistas muertos en el primer trimestre del 2012 a aumentado en un 50% en relación al mismo período del 2011, segun reporto la Press Emblem Campaign (PEC). Desde enero, 31 periodistas han sido asesinados, de los cuales nueve en Siria. El año pasado, 21 periodistas fueron asesinados en el mismo lapso.

« Este contexto refleja una tendencia muy preocupante. La seguridad de los periodistas se ha deteriorado desde principios del 2012, sobre todo, acausa de la crisis en Siria, que con nueve periodistas asesinados en tan solo tres meses, se ha constituido en el país más peligroso del mundo para los profesionales de la comunicación », dejo sentado el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

Cinco periodistas extranjeros y cuatro locales han sido muertos violentamente desde enero en Siria, y durante un año, el conflicto ha costado la vida de onze periodistas. Además, despues de dos semanas de su desaparición, la suerte de dos periodistas turcos Adem Özköse and Hamit Coskun es aún incierta.

La PEC esta especialmente preocupado por le detencion de Ali Mahmoud Othman y Marzen Darwich presuntamente torturado.

« Las restricciones impuestas por el Gobierno Sirio y los ataques contra el periodismo contribuyen a prolongar el sufrimiento de todo el pueblo sirio. Si la opinión mundial pudiera mirar, día a día, en directo sobre sus pantallas de televisión las imágenes de masacres de civiles, la presión sobre los dirigentes políticos sería mucho más fuerte y tal vez el conflicto habría ya terminado en lugar de dejarla durar tanto tiempo », acoto el Secretario General de la PEC.

« Si no se pone fin a la violencia en Siria, un escenario a la irakiana se perfila en el orizonte », advirtió.

La PEC recuerda a la Comunidad Internacional que el plan de paz promovido por Kofi Annan, enviado especial de la Liga Arabe y la ONU, y en principio aceptado por Siria, dispone el libre e irestricto acceso para el periodismo.

De su parte, la presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdelnabi, afirmó que los Estados no eran libres de ejercer violencia contra sus ciudadanos, sino que debían respetar sus obligaciones internationales, bajo cualquier circunstancia y en todoento, y por lo tanto, la distinción entre combatientes y civiles, y el respeto a la libertad de expresión y al derecho de información.

Abdelnabi apela a la Comunidad Internacional para la elaboración de directivas con fuerza vinculane en las zonas de conflicto, en las que debe incluirse disposiciones sobre el acceso, proteccion e integridad física para el trabajo de periodistas profesionales.

Brasil y Somalia

La evolucion desde principios de año es también preocupante en Brasil, donde se constata ya el asesinato de cinco periodistas. Así como en Somalia, otro pas en conflicto, donde tres periodistas han sido víctimas de muerte violenta. Igualmente, en India, Pakistan y Nigeria, dos periodistas, por país, han sido asesinados.

Además, un periodista por país ha sido asesinado en Afganistán, Colombia, Haití, Honduras, México, Filipinas y en Tailandia.

Como el año pasado, por regiõn, América Latina está a la cabeza por cantidad de
víctimas, incluso antes que Oriente Medio.

Comparativamente, en el transcurso del primer trimestre del 2011, 21 periodistas fueron asesinados, y 107 en todo el año. Mientras que un total de 110 cayeron asesinados en 2010, según cifras de la PEC, basadas en diferentes fuentes.

الزيادة 50 بالمائة في مقتل الصحفيين

جنيف-القاهرة 2 إبريل –بيك- أعلنت اليوم الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي و مقرها جنيف أن مقارنة بالأشهر الثلاثة الأولى من السنة الماضية فإن عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا من يناير إلى مارس 2012 قد زاد بنسبة 50 بالمائة إذ قتل حتى الآن 31 صحفياً هذا العام من بينهم 9 في سوريا، بينما قتل في نفس الفترة من العام الماضي 21 صحفياً.

صرح سكرتير عام حملة الشارة الدولية بليز ليمبان أن عدد القتلى المرتفع في سوريا من الصحفيين يجعل سوريا في مقدمة الدول الخطرة للعمل الصحفي فقد قتل 5 صحفيين أجانب و 4 سوريين منذ يناير 2012، في حينن أدى النزاع في سوريا إلى مقتل 11 من أبناء المهنة خلال سنة و اختفاء صحفيين تركيين لا يعرف أحداً مصيرهما. 

و اضاف ليمبان أن القيود التي تفرضها السلطات السورية على التغطية الصحفية قد أدت إلى استمرار معاناة الشعب السوري و أنه لو أن الأحداث قد رصدت إعلامياً لكان ذلك قد أدى إلى الضغط على السلطات السورية و ربما كان من الممكن أن يؤدي إلى وضع حد للعمليات العسكرية.

و حذر من أنه لو لم يتم وضع حد للعنف القائم في سوريا فربما يتحول المشهد السوري إلى سيناريو العراق.

أوضحت رئيسة حملة الشارة الدولية هدايت عبد النبي أن الحكومات ليست حرة في تطبيق قواعد العمل في مواجهة الإعلام لأن هناك مواثيق دولية قامت الحكومات بالتوقيع عليها و هي ملزمة لاحترام حرية الرأي و التعبير و منها المادة 19 من الإعلان العالمي لحقوق الإنسان.

طالبت عبد النبي بمواد قانونية تضمن للصحفيين في مناطق النزاع من حرية تغطية الأحداث و الحماية لعملهم و إيجاد ممرات صحفية آمنة لضمان سلامة الصحفيين مشيرة إلى أن هذا النداء قد تكرر من قبل الحملة أكثر من مرة لمجلس حقوق الإنسان لاتخاذ خطوات عملية في هذا الشأن.

في سياق تقرير الحملة، ذكرت المجتمع الصحفي، بخطة مبعوث الأمم المتحدة و جامعة الدول العربية كوفي أنان للسلام في سوريا و التي تتضمن مطالبة بتوفير الحرية للعمل الصحفي دون عوائق في تغطية الأحداث.  

يشير تقرير الحملة إلى أن البرازيل تأتي في المرتبة الثانية بعد سوريا بمقتل 5 صحفيين، ثم الصومال بمقتل 3 صحفيين، فالهند و بوليفيا و نيجيريا حيث قتل صحفيين في كل من هذه الدول الثلاث. كما قتل صحفي في كل من أفغانستان و كولومبيا و هايتي و هندوراس و المكسيك و باكستان و الفلبين و تايلاند. كحال العام الماضي جاءت امريكا اللاتينية في مقدمة الأماكن الخطرة تعقبها منطقة الشرق الأوسط. لمزيد من المعلومات  

***23.03.2012. SYRIA. PEC PRESS RELEASE - PEC welcomes Human Rights Council resolution condemning killing of journalists in Syria

Geneva, March 23 (PEC)  The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes strongly the adoption at the Human Rights Council of resolution A/HRC/19/L.38 on Syria presented by Denmark (on behalf of EU) and supported by a large number of countries representing all regions of the world. The resolution was adopted by 41 votes in favor, 3 against (Russia, China, Cuba) and 2 abstentions.

The PEC calls for its immediate implementation on the ground. The NGO based in Geneva believes that this resolution on the situation of human rights in Syria and what it entails concerning dangerous threats against journalists is a step forward towards setting important grounds for media work and better protection in conflict zones and dangerous situations.

 PEC is gratified by the growing attention given by UN Member States to the serious problem of safety of journalists and the renewed will of some States to support at the United Nations and at the next sessions of the Human Rights Council initiatives that lead to more legal international protection for journalists, including a UN Declaration on protection of journalists in dangerous situations.

Seven journalists covering the upheaval in Syria were killed during the past year. Others whose fate remains unknown like the two Turkish journalists who disappeared last week. The fate of Mazen Darwish and his colleagues from the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom remain unknown. Other militants who placed videos on You-tube on the conflict in Syria were killed. What follows is a nightmare of testimony on massacre and torture from Syrian refugees arriving in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

Since the beginning of 2012, globally 26 journalists were killed in the line of duty, a 50% increase compared to the same period of 2011, according to PEC figures.

PEC is pleased to note that the resolution adopted today by the HRC

2. Condemns in the strongest terms: (a) The sharply escalating widespread, systematic and gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms perpetrated by the Syrian authorities, such as arbitrary executions, excessive use of force and the killing and persecution of protesters, refugees, human rights defenders and journalists, including recent deaths of Syrian and foreign journalists, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, including of adolescents and children;

11. Demands that the Syrian authorities: ... (b) Put an immediate end to all attacks against journalists, fully respect freedom of expression in line with international obligations, allow independent and international media to operate in the Syrian Arab Republic without restrictions, harassment, intimidation or risk to life, and ensure adequate protection for journalists;

13. Demands that the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, in accordance with the Plan of Action of the League of Arab States and its decisions of  22 January and 12 February 2012, without delay: (...)

(e) Allow full and unhindered access and movement for all relevant institutions of the League of Arab States and Arab and international media in all parts of the Syrian Arab Republic to determine the truth about the situation on the ground and monitor the incidents taking place;

The PEC recalls resolution S-9/1 (of the HRC special session after the war in Gaza) which calls for “Free access of media to areas of conflict  through media corridors” which read the nature of military conflicts and dangerous security situation has placed very severe restrictions on the ability of international and local journalists to report freely and hence decides that during military conflicts the right of journalists to safe media corridors must guaranteed by the parties to the conflict, to provide unfettered and free media access and coverage of conflicts.

The PEC also recalls HRC resolution S-2/1 (of the special session on the war in Lebanon) which flagged the serious concern of the Human Rights Council over the targeting of the communication and media networks in Lebanon in 2006. It recalls finally the first panel organized by the HRC on the protection of journalists in June 2010.

The horror of the war in Syria against the Syrian population and attacks against journalists, bloggers and communication networks call upon members of the Human Rights Council to develop further concrete steps as guidelines for warring parties governmental or non-governmental when dealing with media coverage and access to information in dangerous zones.  

***14.03.2012. PEC STATEMENT DELIVERED AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON THE SITUATION IN TIBET (CHINA)

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th session

Item 4 -   Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

General debate

Madame President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is deeply concerned that Chinese officials have announced the closure to foreigners of the “Tibet Autonomous Region” from February 20 to March 31, 2012 as well as the close off of Tibetan areas in Sichuan and Qinghai provinces that have seen protests, crackdown and self-immolations: a low intense conflict.

As reported by the official Tibet Daily newspaper[1], the Chief of the Chinese Communist Party in Tibet affirmed that "Mobile phones, Internet and other measures for the management of new media need to be fully implemented to maintain the public's interests and national security."

In this regard, Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC)[2] has alerted about a massive security cordon in an attempt to prevent journalists from entering Tibetan areas in Western Sichuan Province where major unrest – including killings– has been reported. The FCCC considers this a clear violation of China’s regulations governing foreign reporters, which allow them to travel freely and to interview anyone prepared to be interviewed. FCCC adds that correspondents attempting to travel to the region in question have faced major obstacles, including detention by the police and roadblocks at which they have been stopped and turned back by officials who have forcibly escorted them back to Chengdu. One team reported that their car was suspiciously rammed by another vehicle. Reporters have been followed, questioned for hours, asked to write confessions and had their material confiscated.

SkyNews’ Holly Williams reported: “Dominated by Kirti Monastery, a sprawling complex that houses several hundred Buddhist monks, Aba has now been swamped by Chinese paramilitary police… After leaving Aba the Sky News crew was detained by police who forcibly searched bags and deleted files from an audio recording device. They temporarily confiscated a computer and camera, threatened to revoke Chinese visas and then followed the car for 300 kilometers.[3]

On 22 February 2012, NPR’s Louisa Lim reported that the day “marks the traditional Tibetan New Year, but many Tibetans won't be celebrating. They'll be mourning the almost two-dozen people who set themselves on fire in the past year as a protest against Chinese rule. Eyewitnesses say the town of Aba, site of many of the self-immolations, resembles a Chinese military camp, with soldiers and riot police every few feet.”[4]

Madame President,

The PEC emphasizes the merit of the few journalists that have taken the risk of secretly reaching some Tibetan areas to report to the world of the low intense conflict situation about which China claims normalcy.

The PEC urges the Chinese authorities to provide free access to foreign journalists to Tibetan areas as such a guarantee will allow the international community to judge the situation with reports from as many as possible different observers.

This situation shows, once again, the necessity to have an international binding set of rules insuring to journalists a free and safe access to conflict zones.

I thank you, Madame President.

14th March 2012

[1] http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/01/us-china-tibet-idUSTRE8200BZ20120301
[2] http://www.fccchina.org
[3] http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16183059
[4] http://www.npr.org/2012/02/22/147256506/on-tibetan-plateau-a-sense-of-constant-surveillance

FYI, right of reply of China after the PEC statement during the general debate on item 4 at the Human Rights Council:

The Representative of China at the United Nations, speaking in a right of reply, "rejected the statement made by Press Emblem Campaign. This statement was a wanton distortion of facts. China welcomed journalists to come to China and cover news. China had always facilitated journalists’ stay. China had recently created regulations concerning the work of foreign journalists in China with the sprit of reform, openness and progress. China hoped that journalists could abide by the law, respect the ethics of journalism and report on China in a fair, objective way" (UN summary for the press, not an official record)

***13.03.2012. SYRIA - Report of the commission of inquiry - PEC STATEMENT delivered by the PEC Representative Gianfranco Fattorini at the Human Rights Council

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th session

Item 4 -   Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic

Madame President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) wishes to draw the attention of the Council on the extremely harsh conditions under which journalists and media workers must fulfill their mission in the Syrian Arab Republic. We wish also to underline that only a wide range of testimonies can give to everyone the possibility to have a picture which is the nearest to the reality.

The PEC deeply regrets the continued and severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and information on the local media actors as reported by the Commission of inquiry[1], as well as the restrictions imposed on the access and the movements of foreign journalists and the monitor of their contacts[2]. We also deeply regret the adoption of new restricting laws by the Syrian authorities.

The PEC condemns any interference, pressure on or attempts to control the work of journalists, being this done by the governmental authorities or the anti-governmental forces.

The PEC wishes to remember that, as of today, 7 journalists have lost their lives in carrying out their duty during the increasingly violent and militarized internal unrest in the Syrian Arab Republic. We strongly condemn the use of technological means to locate and attempt on the physical integrity of journalists.

With due respect, we wish to draw the attention on the fact that, even if there is no agreement on a
international juridical definition of journalist, it may be confusing to define any blogger as “citizen
journalist”; in the absence of a definition, there are still diplomas which certify a specific academic
curriculum.

The PEC believes that journalists, due to the very particular mission they have, should be allowed to cover any event without being targeted by any participant to an internal or international conflict. A particular set of rules has to be adopted and implemented in order to ensure accountability on this very particular subject.

I thank you, Madame President.

12th March 2012
[1] A/HRC/19/69 – par. 52[2] ibid – par. 56

***09.03.2012. PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN STATEMENT AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS - General debate Item 3 - Statement delivered by the PEC Representative to the United Nations Gianfranco Fattorini

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th session

The PEC has noted with great interest the report presented by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and really appreciates the fact that she has undertaken to analyze the risks and challenges faced by journalists and media workers.
With 21 media workers killed in 2012 as of end of February, we observe an increase of 50% compared to the 13 killed in the same period last year.
While sharing most of the concerns expressed by Mrs Sekaggya, particularly concerning attacks that States and non-State actors bear at the work and physical integrity of journalists, the PEC would like to highlight some key issues.
First of all, it may be difficult, if not dangerous, to distinguish between journalists and media workers active on or defending human rights and any other journalist and media workers, should the latter be entitled to enjoy a weaker protection.
More fundamentally, it seems to us inappropriate to classify journalists and media workers in the category of human rights defenders, simply because the task, the goal and the target are not the same.
In reality, journalists and media workers play a very special role in seeking and disseminating of information, notably in dangerous situations.
As recommended by the International Conference to Protect Journalists held in Doha (Qatar) last January[1], the international community should:
Ø  develop new tools to bind all States to acknowledge and accept a standing obligation to provide particular safeguards and protection for journalists beyond the provisions of UN Security Council resolution reminding States of their obligations to give journalists protection in peacetime as in war and
Ø  expand the current legal provisions beyond the obligation to protect journalists against attacks on their life, and include forced disappearances and kidnapping (by state or private actors), arbitrary arrest, intimidation, deportation/refusal of entry, confiscation/ damage to property, and new forms of violence.
[1] A/HRC/19/NGO/90

Document A/HRC/19/NGO/90 - Written statement submtted to the Human Rights Council by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)

According to the figures registered by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), 107 journalists have been killed during the current year in 39 countries -- around 2 every week. The revolutions of the Arab Spring resulted in at least 20 journalists killed.

The year 2011 was particularly dangerous for media work because of the coverage of the uprisings in many Arab countries. In addition to the killing of more than 20 journalists during the Arab Spring, more than 100 others were attacked, intimidated, arrested and wounded in countries of the region, including Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.

For the second year in a row, Mexico has been the most dangerous country for media work with 12 journalists killed. The raging war between the army and the drug cartels in the north explains this heavy toll in Mexico. The casualties could be higher if figures were known for journalists who were victims of enforced disappearances.

Again for the second year in a row, Pakistan comes in second with 11 journalists killed, the majority of whom were killed on the border with Afghanistan.

Iraq is tied for third place with Libya with 7 journalists killed during the Libyan armed conflict. In these 4 countries are concentrated more than one third (37) of all casualties.

Next come the Philippines with 6 killed, Brazil (6) and Honduras (6), then Yemen with 5 killed followed by Somalia (4), Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Peru, and Russia with 3 each.

Two journalists died in Bahrain, 2 in Thailand. One was killed in each of the following countries: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Gaza (OPT), Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uganda, Panama, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Latin America the most dangerous region

By region, Latin America leads with 35 killed in one year. In addition to the killing of journalists, threats and attacks against media and their representatives have increased. Press freedom is threatened in many Latin American countries by government tactics to obtain control of information and to discredit, intimidate and prosecute journalists, all of which leads to self-censorship. Asia (excluding the Middle East) is the second most dangerous region with 30 killed, then the Middle East and North Africa with 28 killed. In Africa (excluding North Africa) 9 journalists were killed, in Europe 4 (3 in Russia and 1 in Ukraine).

One year after the beginning of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, improvements are very slow in the field and remnants of the past still prevail in curbing freedom of expression. When people express themselves through social media and internet and flood into the streets in peaceful demonstrations, they are faced with the brutal use of force. One year later, the security apparatus is still using the tactics of the past and hunting down journalists. A real strategy against impunity and for respect for the rule of law should be immediately conducted.

 Women journalists in particular paid the highest price when attacked sexually both in Libya and Egypt.

Intentionally targeted

Two thirds of the journalists killed, that is some 70 of the total, were intentionally targeted, especially in Latin America. Others were accidentally killed during demonstrations, in fights, in suicide bombings or in mine explosions. There are half a dozen cases worldwide where the causes leading to the death of journalists are still unclear.

More than two third (68) of the fallen journalists were killed in countries experiencing armed conflict, popular uprisings, repression, terrorism and crime. Others were killed in countries where peace prevailed.

Bad start in 2012

Until the end of January, 10 journalists were killed worldwide. Two in Syria and Nigeria and one in each of the following countries: Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia and Thailand.

Some progress

In view of this serious situation, the PEC applauds the governments and international organizations for their growing awareness that the journalism profession faces growing dangers in totally novel situations.

A number of countries have launched initiatives for the protection of journalists, and a number of conferences have been organized to this effect, notably that of UNESCO in Paris in September and one in Vienna organized by the Austrian government in November.

In the Amman - Dead Sea forum organized by the Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ), a resounding call echoed throughout the forum for an Arab convention for the protection of journalists, which would draw on the current document circulated as the PEC's December 2007 draft Convention on the protection of journalists.

International Conference to Protect Journalists in dangerous situations

The Conference took place on 22-23 January 2012 in Doha (Qatar), under the auspices of the National Human Rights Committee of the Kingdom of Qatar.

The Outcome document of the International Conference declares:

·       that although the United Nations and its agencies have a wide range of tools and instruments which can address the issue of safety, scores of journalists and media workers continue to be killed every year while carrying out their professional responsibilities. Many of such abuses are not investigated and remain unpunished and

·       that renewed and urgent action is necessary to press for robust implementation to the existing mechanisms and procedures by increasing the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement of the current instruments.

The International Conference recommends:

To the United Nations and it agencies

·       Implement forthwith their latest plan of action agreed at their Paris Autumn (2011) conference and enhance their working with specialised non-governmental organisations dedicated to the safety of journalists and media worker.

·       Develop new tools to bind all states to acknowledge and accept a standing obligation to provide particular safeguards and protection for journalists beyond the provisions of UN Security Council resolution reminding states of their obligations to give journalists protection in peacetime as in war.

1.     Adopt ambitious reforms to its mechanisms and procedures such as through regional security organizations, expanding the mandates of Special Rapporteurs and concerned UN bodies, organizing emergency alerts and missions, considering intrusive inspections and mandatory sanctions– developing or renewing existing systems, developing further monitoring and peer review processes and work towards an ultimate goal setting up an international treaty so that countries can collectively adopt a set of radical new measures to afford credible protection to journalists.

2.     Expand the current legal provisions beyond the obligation to protect journalists against attacks on their life, and include forced disappearances and kidnapping (by state or private actors), arbitrary arrest, intimidation, deportation/refusal of entry, confiscation/ damage to property, and new forms of violence experienced by journalists during the 2011 Arab spring, and further develop human rights council resolutions S-2/1 and S-9/1 concerning the attacks on media installations and allowing access as well as safe media corridors in conflict zones.

3.     Asking the Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur on the protection of journalists, requesting the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) to create a unit to follow up media cases.

To governments

1.     Respect the letter and spirit of all international instruments they signed up to, of the binding and non-binding resolutions, covenants and declarations of the United Nations.

2.     Include an assessment of other country’s record when granting aid and other development assistance. International development institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, should also scrutinize a country’s record on violence journalists when assessing the granting of aid and other assistance.

3.     Strengthen national laws including criminal laws and overhaul justice system to end impunity and to provide judicial and legislative assistance to prevent serious violations of international humanitarian laws including the targeting of journalists.

4.     Agree that families of killed journalists have a right to compensation directly or through media institutions and establish a solidarity fund for the victims.

To news organizations

1.     Acknowledge their duty of care for all their journalists, in particular news gatherers, staff or freelance and their responsibility to provide safety training and equipment for dangerous situations in peace time as in war.

2.     Arrange trauma counselling through specialized organizations.

3.     Negotiate at all time with journalists and their representatives all issues of safety in news coverage, including safety protocols, medical care, life insurance, financial compensation, equality to provide those social guarantees to all, including freelancers.

4.     Increase awareness and knowledge of legal international agreements and conventions as well as regional ones.

5.     Include awareness of all aspects of the region under coverage in any training.

6.     Include special training for women in view of the attacks such as sexual harassment and the spate of other violent attacks directly targeted at women.

To journalists

 1.     Develop of culture of being responsible for their own safety and seek out training before travelling to conflict zones.

2.     Develop a culture of solidarity, in particular a duty of care towards each other.

3.     Be ready at all time to help record any incidents of attacks to provide evidence to cases of violence.

4.     Develop an understanding of how the military works and be ready how to handle them.
END

***01.03.2012. SYRIA.  The Press Emblem Campaign PEC welcomes the adoption of the resolution today by the Human Rights Council on the escalating grave human rights violations and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, applauds the 37 countries that have voted for it. (Read PEC statement at the HRC below) (see also on pages PRESS and OTHER NEWS)

The resolution adopted today is a step forward against the impunity of regimes when they attack and kill journalists and human rights defenders for no solid reason but to silence the truth and to silence those who are who are witnesses of gross human rights violations, said the PEC. The PEC calls upon the Human Rights Council to attend to it's pioneering role as the world body to defend human rights to move several steps forward and find ways and means to bring the perpetrators of the crimes against Syrian and foreign journalists as well as human rights defenders to justice. 

STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th session

Urgent debate on the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic

Madame President,

PEC welcomes as very timely the Special Debate organized today by the Council. The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic has seriously deteriorated since the beginning of the year concerning the access of media and safety of journalists. Five journalists have been killed in Syria since the beginning of 2012: our French colleague Gilles Jacquier died during a press journey organized with the consent of the Syrian authorities. The Syrian military on the spot have not prevented such a tragic event; on the contrary it seems that they have voluntarily exposed journalists to the shelling.

The killing of two Western journalists last week in a building which they used as a press center is a matter that needs attention and condemnation from the Council in line with its previous resolutions requesting an end to attacks on media installations and calling for allowing access as well as safe media corridors for journalists in conflict zones. PEC welcomes the evacuation of some media workers, but is still deeply concerned about others injured who cannot leave the country and wishes to pay tribute to the civilians who are helping them, some of them having been killed.

Syrian authorities must give free access to all media workers, to protect them during their mission of information on their territory and not to attack media installations.

This month Syrian journalist and human rights campaigner Mazen Darwish and all his colleagues at the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression were arrested.

The PEC joins international calls for freeing Mr. Darwish and seven of his men colleagues. Women colleagues from the Center including Yara Badr were freed.

The case of Syria is a vivid example of multiple violations of freedom of the press which requires urgent action from the Council.

A week ago and after decades of media oppression, Syrian journalists inside Syria and in exile have gathered to announce the establishment of The Syrian Journalists Association (SJA), headquartered in Damascus. The PEC welcomes the establishment of free and independent Syrian Journalists Association and declares its full support for its struggle and mission.

The PEC welcomes the announcement of the SJA that it will embrace the diversity of Syrian society and equal opportunities to Syrian journalists from different ethnicities to write and reports news in their ethnic language such as Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, Turkmen, and others.

PEC calls the Human Rights Council:

Ø to condemn in the strongest terms the killing of journalists;

Ø to ask for an international commission of enquiry to investigate and clarify circumstances in which the criminal acts were committed against foreign journalists in Syria

Ø to request the Syrian Arab Republic to allow the urgent and safe evacuation of the journalists severely injured;

Ø to request the Syrian Arab Republic to allow international media to enter the country and to accomplish their mission without being targeted by governmental forces.

I thank you Madame President.

1st March 2012 - Statement delievered by the PEC Representative to the UN Gianfranco Fattorini

***29.02.2011. Statement delivered at the Human Rights Council by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) on the occasion of the "Panel discussion on the promotion and protection of freedom of expression on the internet" (English after French)

Assemblée générale
Conseil des droits de l’homme
19ème session

Réunion-débat sur la liberté d’expression sur internet (rés. 18/113)

Madame la Présidente,

Presse Emblème Campagne félicite le Conseil des droits de l'homme pour avoir organisé ce premier panel sur la liberté d'expression sur internet. Elle félicite également le rapporteur spécial de l'ONU Frank La Rue pour son rapport sur l'accès à internet (A/66/290).

La PEC voudrait contribuer au débat en évoquant un point particulier à cette problématique dans la perspective de l'accès à l'information dans les zones de conflit.
 
D'une part, la PEC constate que l'internet permet de suppléer aux difficultés réelles des journalistes professionnels de se rendre sur les lieux d'un conflit. En effet, ces derniers mois, les personnels des médias ont payé un lourd tribut en accomplissant leur travail dans des pays secoués par des affrontements violents comme l'Egypte, la Libye, la Syrie, le Yémen, ou encore le Mexique. 
 
Lorsque l'accès des personnels des medias dans certains lieux devient excessivement risqué, internet permet de recevoir des informations de sources diverses locales suppléant ainsi à l’absence d’envoyés depuis le siège. Les événements qui se sont déroulés en Tunisie, en Egypte et en Libye ont amplement démontré l'importance de ce flux d'informations.
 
D'autre part, de nombreux pays ont fermé leurs portes aux journalistes étrangers, de la Syrie à la Birmanie, de la Chine (Région du Tibet) à l'Iran et à la Corée du Nord. Internet devient alors le seul moyen de communication pour les populations avec l'extérieur et la PEC ne peut que se féliciter du rôle primordial que l’internet joue pour assurer la liberté d’expression.
 
En même temps, la PEC constate des attaques de plus fréquentes de la part de régimes répressifs au réseau, que ce soit à travers les serveurs, les connexions, le filtrage des contenus, les cyber-attaques, des mesures de surveillance policières ou l'élimination physique des bloggeurs.
 
Ces mesures sont parfois efficaces à court terme, mais un pays moderne ne peut pas interrompre durablement ses réseaux internet sans se couper du monde et nuire gravement à son économie, car restreindre les libertés sur l’internet, c'est dans tous les cas se condamner à la régression économique et au sous-développement. L'accès à l’internet est désormais un élément fondamental de la liberté d'information.

La PEC souhaite que le Conseil des droits de l'homme intègre cet aspect de la liberté d'information dans un futur projet de résolution ainsi que dans la Convention internationale sur la protection des journalistes qu'elle a proposé à l'attention de la communauté internationale. Les bloggeurs sont aussi des informateurs et, à ce titre, ils doivent pouvoir jouir d’une protection renforcée.

Je vous remercie, Madame la Présidente.

(Déclaration prononcée par Gianfranco Fattorini, Représentant de la PEC à l'ONU)

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
19th Session

Panel Discussion on Freedom of Expression and Internet (Resolution 18/113)

Madame Chair,

The Press Emblem Campaign congratulates the Human Rights Council on organizing this first panel discussion on freedom of expression and Internet. It also congratulates the U.N. Special Rapporteur for his report
on access to Internet (A/66/290).
The Press Emblem Campaign would like to contribute to the discussion by evoking a point particular to this problem.
On the one hand, the Press Emblem Campaign notes that Internet has made it possible to compensate for the very real difficulties of professional journalists in getting to conflict zones. In fact, media personnel have
paid a heavy tribute in carrying out their work in countries afflicted by violent confrontations, such as Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Mexico.
When access by media personnel in certain places becomes excessively risky, Internet makes it possible to receive information from diverse local sources, thus compensating for the absence of envoys from
headquarters. The events that took place in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have amply demonstrated the importance of this flow of information.

On the other hand, many countries have closed their doors to foreign journalists, including Syria, Burma, the Tibet region of China, Iran and North Korea. In such cases, Internet has become the only means of
communication between the population and the outside, and the Press Emblem Campaign can only express its satisfaction at the primary role that Internet has played in assuring freedom of expression.
At the same time, the Press Emblem Campaign notes ever more frequent attacks on the network by repressive regimes, be they to the servers, the connections, the filtering of content, cyber attacks, police surveillance
measures or the physical elimination of bloggers.
These measures are often effective in the short run, but a modern country cannot permanently interrupt its Internet network without curring itself off from the world and seriously harming its economy. Limiting freedom on Internet, in any event, leads to economic regression and under-development. Access to Internet is now a fundamental element of freedom of information.

The Press Emblem Campaign would like the Human Rights Council to integrate this aspect of freedom of information into a future draft resolution as well as into the International Convention on the Protection of Journalists that the PEC has proposed to the international community. Bloggers are also informers and, for this reason, should enjoy reinforced protection.

I thank you, Madame Chair
29 February 2012

FYI - HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ON THE INTERNET (not an official document)

The Human Rights Council today held a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of freedom of expression on the internet.

Opening the panel discussion, Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the internet had become an indispensable tool for people to receive information and to become providers of information by offering a global and public online space where people could share their views and opinions, exchange ideas and make their voices and demands heard. As a result of those unique characteristics, the internet had transformed human rights movements as States could no longer exercise control by claiming monopoly over information. This had resulted in a backlash effect and intensified attempts to unduly restrict access to online content or the internet as such.

Riz Khan of Al Jazeera, acting as moderator of the panel, said that this panel was unique because it was the first time that the issue of internet freedom was being discussed comprehensively in the context of human
rights. He noted the global context in which this debate was occurring and how the power of social media and the impact of citizen journalism during the Arab Spring had changed the role of the media industry.

Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, speaking as a panellist, said there was a need to protect human rights on the on-line world and internet freedom had become critical for the future protection
of freedom and human rights around the world.

Frank La Rue, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, speaking as a panellist, said that new standards on human rights were not needed because human rights principles and doctrines applied off line and on line and whether through oral, written or any other form of expression the same basic freedom of expression principles would apply.

Anriette Esterhuysen, Executive Director of the Association for Progressive Communications, speaking as a panellist, said there were important social and cultural rights that the internet could support,
especially in the area of education and using technology to promote and expand access to rights.

Carlos Afonso, Executive Director of the Centre of Research, Studies and Learning, NUEPF, Brazil, said Brazil was trying at the moment to approve a civil rights framework for the internet that incorporated rights to
privacy and access which could be in conflict with other laws.

William Echikson, Head of Free Expression, External Relations, Communications and Public Affairs for Google, said that the major challenge today was how to maintain freedom on the internet when currently 40 countries sanctioned the internet, up considerably from a few years ago.

Hesti Armiwulan, Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia, said that financial constraints limited the right to access the internet and efforts should be made to reduce the cost of access.

In the discussion, speakers said that there should be no restriction on the flow of information on the internet, except when international human rights laws were threatened. A draft resolution and a convention for the
protection of journalists were needed to protect bloggers. Speakers were concerned that States were filtering and blocking access to the internet to unduly limit freedom of expression. Questions were asked about what
measures could be taken so that international cooperation could improve the infrastructure in developing countries, while reconciling issues like child pornography with freedom of expression? It was important to bridge the digital divide, but quality, access, utility and relevance of content should be equally ensured.

Speaking in the discussion were the Netherlands, Estonia, Cuba, Norway, Germany, Turkey, China, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia, Egypt, the United States, Uruguay, Honduras, Switzerland, Thailand, Ecuador, the European
Union, Chile, Algeria, Council of Europe, India, Canada, Finland, Japan, Azerbaijan, and Morocco. Press Emblem Campaign, Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, Human Rights House Foundation, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, and Internet Society also took the floor.

more info on: www.ohchr.org

***22.02.2012. PEC STATEMENT. PEC strongly condemns killing of two journalists in Syria and launches an urgent appeal to the Human Rights Council (en français ci-dessous)

American journalist Marie Colvin, left, and freelance French photojournalist Remi Ochlik were killed by shellfire Wednesday in the city of Homs. Two other journalists were injured  photoreporter Paul Conroy (UK) and French journalist Edith Bouvier (Le Figaro). PEC pays tribute to their immense courage.

Geneva, 22 February (PEC) - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the killing of two foreign journalists in Syria today, Marie Colvin from the US and French photographer Remi Ochlik.

The two journalists were killed in a building used by foreign journalists as a media center in the district of Baba Amer in Homs during continuous and indiscriminate bombardments by the Syrian army.

Four other journalists were killed in Syria since the beginning of the violence in March 2011, among them two since the beginning of this year Gilles Jacquier in January and Mazhar Tayyara in February. Last year, 107 journalists were killed in the line of duty.

The PEC calls upon the Human Rights Council at its next session which starts on Monday 27 February to adopt a strong resolution that would remind States of their international obligations and ensure better protection for journalists in dangerous zones.

The PEC also calls upon the Council and the United Nations to take urgent concrete steps towards the implementation of the recommendations of the International Conference for the Protection of Journalists in dangerous situations which took place in January in Doha (Qatar).

The PEC pays tribute to the immense courage of the journalists killed and injured in Homs. This is a desperately sad reminder of the risks that journalists take to inform the world of what is happening and the dreadful bloodshed in Syria.

The Syrian authorities have the obligation to give access to media, to protect journalists working on their territory and not to attack media installations, stressed the PEC.

Ochlik, 29, born in France, covered conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, elections in Haiti, the uprisings in Egypt and Libya. His work has appeared in Le Monde, Paris Match, Time magazine and the Wall Street Journal.

Colvin, from Oyster Bay, N.Y., was in her mid-50s, and a veteran foreign correspondent for Britain's Sunday Times for the past two decades. She was instantly recognizable for an eye patch worn after being injured covering conflicts in Sri Lanka in 2001.

La PEC condamne le meurtre de deux journalistes en Syrie et lance un appel urgent au Conseil des droits de l'homme

Genève, 22 février 2012 (PEC) - La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) est consternée par la mort de deux journalistes mercredi en Syrie. Elle condamne de la manière la plus ferme le meurtre de la journaliste américaine Marie Colvin et du photographe français Rémi Ochlik à Homs.

Les deux journalistes sont morts dans le bombardement par les forces gouvernementales syriennes de la maison où ils travaillaient dans le quartier de Baba Amr, à Homs. La ville de Homs est pilonnée de manière indiscriminée depuis trois semaines par les forces du régime syrien.

Quatre autres journalistes sont morts en Syrie depuis le début des violences, dont deux depuis le début de l'année, le Français Gilles Jacquier le 11 janvier et le Syrien Mazhar Tayyara le 4 février, ce qui porte à six le bilan des victimes dans ce pays. L'an dernier, 107 journalistes sont morts dans l'exercice de leur fonction.

La PEC appelle instamment les membres du Conseil des droits de l'homme à adopter une résolution destinée à renforcer la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses lors de leur prochaine session qui commence lundi à Genève.

Elle demande à l’ONU de mettre rapidement en œuvre les recommandations de la conférence internationale organisée en janvier à Doha (Qatar) sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses.

La PEC rend hommage à l'immense courage des journalistes tués et blessés à Homs. C'est un triste rappel des risques pris par les journalistes pour informer l'opinion mondiale de l'évolution du conflit et du terrible bain de sang en cours en Syrie. Les autorités syriennes ont le devoir de donner accès aux medias, de protéger les journalistes qui travaillent sur leur territoire et de ne pas attaquer les installations des medias, a affirmé la PEC.

Marie Colvin, âgée d'une cinquantaine d'années, était grand reporter depuis 20 ans pour l'hebdomadaire britannique Sunday Times. Très expérimentée, elle avait couvert de nombreuses zones de guerre. Elle avait perdu un oeil en couvrant le conflit au Sri Lanka en 2001.

Rémi Ochlik, né en 1983, était photographe à l'agence IP3 Press, basée à Paris. Ses photos ont été publiées par Paris-Match, Time magazine, le Monde et le Wall Street Journal. Il avait couvert les conflits en RDC, les élections en Haïti, les soulèvements en Egypte et en Libye.

***23.01.2012. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the recommendations of the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations (Doha, Qatar, 22 and 23 January) as a historic milestone and an important step forward to enhance the protection of media employees in conflict zones and other dangerous situations.

Recommendations of the Conference, Programme of work, PEC press release, PEC contribution (English, Arabic, French) below. Click also left on page PRESS for PRESS REPORTS on the conference

From left: Blaise Lempen, Secretary General, Press Emblem Campaign; Celso Schroder, President, Latin American Federation of Journalists; Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman, Doha National Human Rights Committee, and Jim Boumelha, President, International Federation of Journalists at a press conference after the closing of International Conference for Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations on Monday 23 January at the Ritz-Carlton Doha (Qatar). (photo The Peninsula)

Recommendations of the International Conference to Protect Journalists in dangerous situations


We, representatives of media, human rights and freedom of expression groups and international, regional and national organizations of journalists meeting at the International Conference to protect Journalists held in Doha, Qatar on 22-23 January 2012, organized by the Qatari National Committee for Human Rights (QNCHR)

Recalling all recommendations, covenants, declarations and resolutions promulgated or endorsed by international organizations such as the UN and the Geneva Conventions

Noting all the global initiatives put forth by international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) concerned with the protection of journalists

Recognizing the importance of media in increasing awareness of the violations of international humanitarian law and human rights

Believing that media and human rights organizations have a responsibility to help put an end to impunity by systematically publicizing crimes against journalists, investigating when necessary all violations and ensuring that perpetrators as well as failure of government to act are exposed

Calling on all organizations representing journalists and NGOs concerned with the safety of journalists to work together in the broadest campaign to ensure great safety of journalists and bring an end to impunity

Following the review of the conference of the current status of the media in dangerous situations and referring to protective measures provided by international law, discussing the idea of a draft convention for the protection of journalists in conflict zones and other dangerous situations

DECLARE

- that although the United Nations and its agencies have a wide range of tools and instruments which can address the issue of safety, scores of journalists and media workers continue to be killed every year while carrying out their professional responsibilities. Many of such abuses are not investigated and remain unpunished.

- that renewed and urgent action is necessary to press for robust implementation to the existing mechanisms and procedures by increasing the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement of the current instruments

This Conference therefore recommends:

- To the United Nations and its agencies

1. Implement forthwith their latest plan of action agreed at their Paris Autumn conference and enhance their working with specialized non-governmental organizations dedicated to the safety of journalists and
media worker
2. Develop new tools to bind all States to acknowledge and accept a standing obligation to provide particular safeguards and protection for journalists beyond the provisions of UN Security Council resolution reminding States of their obligations to give journalists protection in peacetime as in war
3. Adopt ambitious reforms to its mechanisms and procedures such as through regional security organizations, expanding the mandates of Special Rapporteurs and concerned UN bodies, organizing emergency alerts and
missions, considering intrusive inspections and mandatory sanctions –
developing or renewing existing systems, developing further monitoring and peer review processes and work towards an ultimate goal setting up an international treaty so that countries can collectively adopt a set of radical new measures to afford credible protection to journalists
4. Expand the current legal provisions beyond the obligation to protect journalists against attacks on thier life, and include forced disappearances and kidnapping (by state or private actors), arbitrary arrest, intimidation, deportation/refusal of entry, confiscation/damage to property and new forms of violence experienced by journalists during the 2011 Arab Spring, and further develop Human Rights Council resolutions S-2/1 and S-9/1 concerning the attacks on media installations and allowing access as well as safe media corridors in conflict zones
5. Asking the Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur on the protection of journalists, requesting the High Commissionner for Human Rights (HCHR) to create a unit to follow up media cases.

 - To governments

1. Respect the letter and spirit of all international instruments they signed up to, of the binding and non-binding resolutions, covenants and declarations of the United Nations
2. Include an assessment of other country's record when granting aid and other development assistance. International development institutions,
surch as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, should also scrutinize a country's record on violence journalists when assessing the granting of aid and other assistance
3. Strengthen national laws including criminal laws and overhaul justice system to end impunity and to provide judicial and legislative assistance to prevent serious violations of international humanitarian laws including the targeting of journalists
4. Agree that families of killed journalists have a right to compensation directly or through media institutions and establish a solidarity fund for the victims.

 - To news organizations

1. Acknowledge their duty of care for all their journalists, in particular news gatherers, staff or freelance and their responsibility to provide hostile environment safety training and equipment for dangerous situations in peacetime as in war
2. Arrange trauma counseling through specialized organizations
3. Negotiate at all time with journalists and their representatives all issues of safety in news coverage, including safety protocols, medical care, life insurance, equality to provide those social guarantees to all, including freelancers
4. Increase awareness and knowledge of legal international agreements and conventions as well as regional ones
5. Include awareness of all aspects of the region under coverage in any training
6. Include special training for women in view of the attacks such as sexual harassment and the spate of other violent attacks directly targeted at women

- To Journalists

1. Develop a culture of being responsible for their own safety and seek out training before traveling to conflict zones
2. Develop a culture of solidarity, in particular a duty of care towards each other
3. Be ready at all time to help record any incidents of attacks to provide evidence to cases of violence
4. Develop an understanding of how military works and be ready how to handle them.

FOLLOW-UP TO THESE RECOMMENDATIONS

As a first step, the participants to the Doha conference agree to:

1. Place the issue of the safety and protection of journalists whenever possible on the agenda of international and regional institutions and conferences
2. Work towards a new meeting to be attend by all stakeholders including governments to further discuss and develop the current recommendations after one year
3. Agree to disseminate the current recommendations and to organize press conferences to publicize them
4. Call upon the Qatarai NCHR to create a working group involving all stakeholders to follow up the adopted recommendations.

Participants agree to transmit these recommendations to the President of the General Assembly for adoption by the General Assembly. This would be done by a presentation made by a delegation led by the NCHR and comprising International Federation of Journalists, The Press Emblem Campaign, Federacion de periodistas de America Latina y Caribe, Federation of African Journalists, Federation of the Arab Journalists, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

Participants recommend that all working papers and reports of workshops are considered as official documents of the Doha international conference.

Finally, participants express their appreciation and thanks to the NCHR for its efforts to organize the Doha conference and call upon it to continue its work with other concerned parties to implement the adopted recommendations.

Doha, 23.01.2012

The International Conference on The Protection of Journalists in Dangerous situations
Ritz-Carlton, Doha

**** Programme ****

Day (1) 22/01/2012
08:00-09:00 Registration of participants 

***First Session***

09:00 – 10:00 Opening Session.
 Documentary by Al-Jazeera
�        Speech by HE Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage .
�        Speech by Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri; NHRC Chairman
�        Speech by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani; Al-Jazeera Network Director General
�        Speech by Mr. Blaise Lempen; The Press Emblem Campaign Secretary General

10:30- 10:00 *** Break ***

*** Second Session ***

10:30-11:30 Session Chairperson; Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al Marri Chairman of National Human Rights committee
First Contribution: A workpaper on the conditions of journalists' professional missions in dangerous territories.
�        By the International Federation of Journalists.

Second Contribution: A workpaper on Journalist on dangerous assignments: protection under international humanitarian law and the ICRC' s hotline.
�        Presented by The International Committee of Red Cross

Third Contribution: A workpaper on the draft international convention specific to the protection of journalists in conflict zones and other violent areas.
�        Presented By The Press Emblem Campaign

Fourth Contribution: A workpaper on Building International Consensus on the Safety of Journalists: an Interagency Perspective.  
�        By the UNESCO.

Fifth Contribution: A workpaper on ability building in the area of journalists' safety standards.
�        By Doha Centre for Media Freedom. 

11:30-13:30 Discussion
13:30-15:30 * Lunch * 

*** Workshops***
15:30-18:00 First Workshop: Concerning the type of protection for journalists and the identification Emblem (as a tool of protection and identification)  

Second Workshop: Concerning ways to develop efficient mechanisms for international protection of journalists  

Third Workshop: Capacity building on safety standards for journalists 

Fourth Workshop:  Developing a campaign plan to mobilize support for the adoption of the conference's recommendations.  

18:00 End of Day (1)
Meeting of Drafting Committee ::: 4 Rapporteurs  + Rapporteur  General 
20:30 Dinner Fontaine courtyad

Day (2) 23/01/2012

09:00-10:00 Session Chairperson: Rapporteur  General
Reading workshops' reports : 4 Rapporteurs
10:00-11:30 Discussion 
11:30-12:00 Break 11:30 – 12:00

***Closing Session***
12:00-13:30 Session Chairperson: NHRC Chairman Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al- Marri.
Reading the closing report and recommendations (Rapporteur  General )
End of Activities. 

13:30-14:00 Press conference

From left: Blaise Lempen, Secretary-General of the Press Emblem Campaign; Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of NHRC; H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Director-General of Aljazeera Network, during the opening session of the Conference on Sunday  January 22 (photo The Peninsula).

Opening session. Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Statement by PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen

Mr Minister,
Mr Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission,
Mr Director General of Al-Jazeera,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Colleagues,

Last year, 107 journalists were killed in the exercise of their professional functions. The uprisings in several Arab countries alone were responsible for 23 victims among media employees in one year. Since the first of January, seven journalists have paid with their life their mission of providing information. Many others were injured, arrested.
It is time to stop this worrying trend.
We warmly salute the initiative taken by Qatar to organize this meeting in order to allow us to exchange views on the ways to remedy this unacceptable situation.
Impunity is a major problem. We must, unfortunately, note that, invarious circumstances, existing law is neither enforced nor unadapted. The nature of conflicts has evolved, the technics of communication also. The number of stakeholders in the field has also increased. How can we oblige all governments to respect their obligations? How can we guarantee access of the media to conflict zones while reducing the risks?
Respect for press freedom means not only public information but also the impartial denunciation of human rights violations.
Over the past several years, journalists' associations throughout the world, several NGOs as well as international organizations and certain governments have become aware of the problem. Several meetings have made it possible to analyse the seriousness of the situation and to study its causes. We must now move beyond verbal condemnations and envisage concrete measures.
Based in Geneva, with the UN consultative status, the Press Emblem Campaign is honored to be able to contribute to a solution of this serious problem in concert will all parties concerned.
This Doha meeting can and must mark a historic step in advancing, concretely, towards a more effective protection of journalists in conflict zones and in other dangers areas.
We thank the Qatar authorities for giving us, all of us, this occasion to talk together, and we hope that, at the end of our discussions, we shall be able to launch, in Doha, a process that will reinforce the safety of journalists in conflict zones both international and internal. Many lives have been sacrificed, more than 500 these past five years. This sort of crime can no longer be tolerated by the international community. 
We must act. With your support, we are persuaded that we can move forward along this difficult road and give governments the clear indications needed to guarantee a safer environment for the independent and indispensable work of the media in conflict zones.

French Version

Monsieur le ministre,
Monsieur le président de la Commission nationale des droits de l'homme,
Monsieur le directeur général d'Al-Jazeera,
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Chers collègues,

L'an dernier, 107 journalistes ont été tués dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions. Les soulèvements dans plusieurs pays arabes ont fait à eux seuls 23 victimes parmi les employés des médias en un an. Depuis le 1er janvier, 7 journalistes ont déjà payé de leur vie leur mission d'information. Beaucoup d'autres ont été agressés, blessés et certains sont actuellement détenus. 
Il est temps d'agir pour non seulement dénoncer, mais arrêter cette évolution très inquiétante. 
Nous saluons chaleureusement l'initiative prise par le Qatar d'organiser cette réunion afin de nous permettre d'échanger nos vues sur les moyens de remédier à cette situation inacceptable.
L'impunité est un problème majeur. Nous devons malheureusement constater que, dans différentes circonstances, le droit existant n'est pas appliqué ou inadapté. La nature des conflits a évolué, Les techniques de communication aussi. Le nombre d'acteurs sur le terrain a augmenté. Comment faire en sorte que tous les gouvernements respectent leurs obligations ? Comment garantir l'accès des medias aux zones de conflit en réduisant les risques ?
Du respect de la liberté de la presse dépend non seulement l'information du public, mais aussi la dénonciation impartiale des violations des droits de l'homme.
Depuis quelques années, les associations de journalistes dans le monde, plusieurs ONG ainsi que des organisations internationales et certains gouvernements ont pris conscience du problème. Plusieurs réunions ont permis d'analyser la gravité de la situation et d'en étudier les causes. Il faut maintenant dépasser les seules condamnations verbales et envisager des mesures concrètes.
Basée à Genève, accréditée auprès de l'ONU, la Press Emblem Campaign est très honorée de pouvoir contribuer à une solution de ce grave problème avec toutes les parties concernées.
La réunion de Doha peut et doit marquer une étape historique pour avancer concrètement vers une protection plus efficace des journalistes dans les zones de conflit et autres zones dangereuses.
Nous remercions les autorités du Qatar de nous donner, à tous, cette occasion de débattre ensemble et nous espérons qu'au terme de nos discussions, nous pourrons lancer à Doha un processus qui renforcera la sécurité des journalistes dans les zones de conflit international et interne.
Beaucoup de vies ont été sacrifiées, plus de 500 ces cinq dernières années. Ce genre de crimes ne doit plus être toléré par la communauté internationale. Nous devons agir. Avec votre soutien, nous sommes persuadés que nous pourrons progresser sur ce chemin difficile et donner aux gouvernements des indications claires pour garantir un environnement plus sûr au travail indépendant et indispensable des medias dans les régions en conflit.

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi (right) speaks at the plenary session of the Doha International Conference next to IFJ President, ICRC Rep Dorothea Krimitsas, NCHR's Chairman, Jan Keulen Director of the Doha Center for Media Freedom (DCMF) and UNESCO Representative (photo PEC)

PEC press release - PEC welcomes recommendations of Doha conference

Doha/Geneva, Jan 23 (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign PEC welcomes today the recommendations of the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations (Doha, Qatar, 22 and 23 January) as an historical milestone and an important step forward to enhance the protection of media employees.

"We adopted a new agenda in Doha to enhance the protection of journalists and we launched a new process. It is a great achievement", said PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen at the closing press conference. "We decided concrete measures to bring awareness to the heavy toll paid by journalists and to reach a better implementation of international humanitarian law and human rights", he added. 

In addition the PEC warmly welcomes statements made by Qatari officials in support of a new convention to protect journalists in dangerous zones, said PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi. At the plenary session and during the workshops, many participants, including journalists' associations, supported a proposal for a new international convention to protect journalists.

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi, PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen and PEC Vice-President Mohamed Cherif attended the conference. PEC Secretary General opened the conference next to Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman of NHRC; H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage; and Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Director-General of Aljazeera Network.

The Doha Conference adopted by consensus a 5 pages Declaration with a broad range of recommendations after two days of meeting with around 150 delegates (NGOs, journalists' associations, human rights experts, representatives of international organizations) coming from more than 40 countries. The recommendations
are addressed to the United Nations and its agencies, to governments, to news organizations and to journalists.
PEC welcomes the recommendations of the conference that highlight that scores of journalists and media workers continue to be killed every year while carrying out their professional responsibilities. Many of such abuses are not investigated and remain unpunished. According to the Doha Declaration, renewed and urgent action is necessary to press for robust implementation to the existing mechanisms and procedures by increasing the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement of the current instruments.

The Doha Declaration calls for developing new tools to bind all States to acknowledge and accept a standing obligation to provide particular safeguards and protection for journalists beyond the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 1738 reminding States of their obligations to give journalists protection as civilians
in situations of conflict.

It recommends to adopt ambitious reforms to United Nations mechanisms and procedures such as through regional security organizations, expanding the mandates of Special Rapporteurs and concerned UN bodies,
organizing emergency alerts and missions, considering intrusive inspections and mandatory sanctions, developing or renewing existing systems, developing further monitoring and peer review processes and work towards an ultimate goal setting up an international treaty so that countries can collectively adopt a set of radical new measures to afford credible protection to journalists.

The Doha Declaration recommends to expand the current legal provisions beyond the obligation to protect journalists against attacks on their life, and include forced disappearances and kidnapping (by state or private actors), arbitrary arrest, intimidation, deportation/refusal of entry, confiscation/ damage to
property, and new forms of violence experienced by journalists during the 2011 Arab spring, and further develop Human Rights Council resolutions S-2/1 and S-9/1 concerning the attacks on media installations and allowing access as well as safe media corridors in conflict zones.

It requests the Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur on the protection of journalists and the High Commissioner of Human Rights (HCHR) to create a unit to follow up media cases. It requests news organizations and journalists to do more safety training.

Participants agreed to transmit these recommendations to the President of the General Assembly for discussion at the UN General Assembly. This would be done by a delegation led by the Qatari national human rights commission and comprising International Federation of Journalists, The Press Emblem Campain, Federacion de periodistas de America Latina y Caribe, Federation of African Journalists, Federation of the Arab Journalists, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

Participants agreed also to work towards a new meeting to be attended by all stakeholders including governments to further discuss and develop the recommendations after one year.

On Sunday, Qatari minister of culture, art and heritage Dr Hamad Bin Abdelaziz Al Kuwari told the opening session that  the global cause to protect journalists did not receive the necessary attention from many countries despite efforts to develop a new international convention to protect journalists.

Aljazeera network Director General  Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani said that the scope of aggression against
freedom of the media and access to information calls for developing a new international convention for the protection of media in dangerous zones.

Chairman of the Qatari national human rights committee Doctor Ali Bin  Samikh Al Marri said the current situation of the order to protect journalists needs further development taking into account that the
current criteria of international law were crafted 50 years ago, when at that time the media was limited in reaching the whole globe as well as conflicts were different. (END)

PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONTRIBUTION (English, Arabic, French below)

Doha Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations, 22-23 January 2012

Presentation of the draft international convention specific to the protection of journalists in conflict zones and other violent areas. Blaise Lempen, Secretary General of the PEC

Does the current law that is in effect sufficiently protect journalists? This is the question that the organizers of this conference have asked me to answer.

First of all, it is important to state that existing law protects journalists. The question is whether this protection is sufficient and effective.

Existing law protects journalists as it protects any other human being. It is forbidden to kill, to injure, a person except in legitimate defense. This prohibition is found already in the Bible and in the Coran. National
legislation in force in all the countries of the world contain binding provisions to this effect, just as do the international treaties of the United Nations.

Regarding international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions have a specific article regarding the protection of journalists in conflict zones that affirms that journalists benefit from the same protection as
civilians (Article 79 of Protocol 1).

The Facts

Is this enough? Let us examine the facts. This legal protection has not prevented the killing of an average of two journalists every week over the past five years – nearly 550 in five years. Thus, somewhere, something is
seriously wrong. In more than two thirds of the cases, these journalists died in conflict zones or during violent political unrest. For the remaining third, a case can be made for isolated events related to criminal activities in otherwise peaceful regions. Last year, en 2011, at least 20 journalists were killed covering the "Arab Spring" in Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Syria and Tunisia.

One can reasonably conclude that existing law is not effective enough to protect journalists in areas of conflict and violent unrest.

Why? Because in many circumstances, existing law is not observed. There are no effective enforcement mechanisms.

At the international level, there is no legislation dealing specifically and in detail with the protection of journalists in dangerous areas. There are international conventions on the rights of the child, of women, of the
handicapped, of migrants, of sailors, for example. None, however, on the activities of the media. The profession of journalist nonetheless comports duties and rights different from those of other professions. In the Geneva
Conventions, medical personnel benefit from extensive and specific protection in many articles. There is no such provision for journalists.

They have a mission to accomplish, that of providing independent information, of bearing witness, in particular to human rights violations, a mission useful to all society. By the very nature of their work, they
are exposed to substantial risks: rather than fleeing combat or violence, they must approach it in order to be able to tell what is happening as neutrally and impartially as possible.

Non-Solution Solutions

The Americans found two sorts of solutions, first during the Gulf War then during the invasion of Iraq. During the Gulf War, in 1991, journalists were simply excluded from combat zones, and the only information available
was given out by the Pentagon at a high-security military base. It was orchestrated information, unverifiable in any impartial way. Simultaneously, a few rare journalists relayed the Saddam Hussein’s propaganda from the hotel in Baghdad where they were holed up. More recently, journalists did the same thing from a hotel in Tripoli during the last months of the Muammar Gadhafi regime.

During the invasion of Iraq, in 2003, the Americans embedded journalists in their military units. The incorporation of journalists into such military units is a frequent practice, for example today in Afghanistan.
This practice is highly contested by the media: journalists effectively lose their independence. They can be considered an enemy by the adversary, which can result in their losing all legal protection. Using an armed
escort for journalists is sometimes the only possible solution – but it is very dangerous, since journalists can then be taken for combatants.

There is a third possibility, often practiced: clandestine work. A journalist enters a country or region without declaring her/his identity, without official approval, sometimes using local informers. These experiences have often finished badly with hostage taking (numerous in Iraq, for example), arrests and ill treatment (several recently in Libya), expulsions (for example in Syria last year), or even reprisals against the local informers. The "local informers" or "free-lancers" hired by the international media that cannot go into the field themselves are, in this respect, greatly at risk.

These solutions are non-solutions. There is a huge problem of access, of security in areas of combat and violent unrest. Training can be improved to minimize risks. Certain measures are useful, such as traveling in
groups and wearing bullet-proof vests. But it is also essential to improve observance of existing law.

Definitions

One of the first things to do in the framework of the drafting of a convention would be to define what one is talking about. Here, we come to two important points: the evolution of the media and the evolution of the
nature of conflicts.

First, the evolution of the media. The number of information providers has increased. This is related to the rise of the social networks. Are bloggers who create their own blogs journalists? Are citizens who witness
an act of violence and tweet their own information journalists? Is the NGO militant creating an internet site a journalist? They all do important information work, but they are not professional journalists accredited by
a recognized medium. The United Nations, for example, will not accredit as journalists bloggers or internet site web managers. It is a very delicate problem still under discussion. Generally, one must distinguish between
freedom of expression and press freedom.

The second problem in definition is the protection of journalists in areas of conflict or danger. What would be the area of applicability of the future convention? What is a conflict zone? According to the Geneva
Conventions, it is an area of armed conflict, domestic or international. There can, however, be violence without armed conflict strictly speaking, for example during the uprisings that broke out in several Arab countries
last year – or in Latin America in the struggle between the drug cartels and the authorities. Journalists face grave dangers in this sort of situation. The future convention should cover this sort of conflict by
complementing the protection offered by the Geneva Conventions. There is also a great number of extended conflicts that are not overt conflicts but that create high risk areas such as Iraq today and the Russian Caucasus.
There are also terrorist situations that expose media representatives to high risks. Such situations would also have to be included in the area of applicability of the convention, as well as non-state actors.

Impunity

After the indispensable work of definition and the recall of existing law, the convention should provide for mechanisms of concrete application. These provisions should concern obligations in training, access and
identification, complaints, investigations, compensation and reparation, legal action against and conviction of those responsible and follow up.

The Geneva Conventions do not cover investigations. The ICRC never investigates. In fact, nearly 90% of the crimes committed against journalists are not followed up by legal action nor do they they result in
identifying and convicting those really guilty. This problem of impunity is very serious. It encourages others to commit such crimes.

Why this impunity? There are many reasons: for example, the crimes targeting journalists are sometime ordered at a very high level, thus police and judicial investigations are thwarted. Soldiers who have knowingly or by negligence killed journalists in a war zone are protected by their chain of command or else claim that they did not know that the victim was a journalist – a frequently heard argument. Or those behind the killings are not identified because the local authorities, police or judicial, are non-existent or corrupt.

When the investigation mechanisms on the national level are not effective, there must be investigations on the international level. When local justice does not do its work, cannot do its work, when the territory on
which the crime took place is under the control of an armed group or a rogue state or plunged in anarchy, the international community must take over. The convention could thus institute appropriate mechanisms, for
example an international commission of inquiry that the states parties to the convention would be committed to working with. The affected individual or medium would have to be allowed access to it. It is also important to
allow for compensation and reparation, either to the families or to the media. The convention could institutionalize a solidarity fund.

Identification

The problem of identification of journalists must also be discussed. Every journalist must currently prove his/her identity by means of a press card and/or an accreditation letter from a medium. In dangerous areas,
journalists decide whether to identify themselves by a visible emblem in such a way as to show that they are not combatants but media representatives. Such emblems are more often than not cobbled together in
an artisanal manner, and there is an infinite variety of them on all continents. The purpose of the convention should be to create a uniform emblem internationally recognized that journalists could use, as now, when
the situation requires it. It is important to clarify that this emblem would never be compulsory and that the choice of wearing it would be incumbent upon the journalist or the journalist's medium. An internationally recognized emblem would have a more binding legal force for the parties recognizing it in the convention. The PEC has proposed an emblem: an orange disc with the work PRESS in black letters.

The convention should, moreover, reaffirm the necessity for signatory governments to give access to journalists in all circumstances. This is far from being the case at present.

Finally, the convention should create follow-up mechanisms. One can imagine the setting up of an international commission of experts, a body for the implementation of the treaty, and an organization dealing with the
subject, a sort of ICRC of journalists, capable of defending and rescuing media employees in difficulty in all circumstances and of intervening with the competent authorities, or a specialized service within the United
Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. For the time being, the follow-up to all this is done primarily by NGOs that have a high capacity for analysis, alert, sensitizing, but no binding authority
regarding any states or judicial instances. 

The PEC has drafted a preliminary convention which is on its website. This text, proposed for adoption by governments, can serve as a starting point and can be changed, improved, with the agreement of all concerned parties.

It is impossible for me to go into all the details here. However, the members of the PEC, nearly 40 journalist associations throughout the world, are certain of one thing: it is imperative to begin the work of
drafting a convention on the protection of journalists in areas of conflict and violent unrest, with a view to its being adopted as soon as possible. Waiting will not resolve the problem. We encourage as many
countries as possible to join this project and work for its success.

Thank you for your attention.

PEC Vice-President and Swissinfo Representative Mohamed Cherif at the International Conference for Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Zones in Doha (photo pec)

مؤتمر الدوحة حول حماية الصحفيين في المناطق الخطيرة 22-23 يناير 2012

 

ورقة عمل  حول مشروع معاهدة دولية خاصة بحماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاعات وباقي مناطق الاضطرابات. من تقديم السيد بليز لامبن، الأمين العام للحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي، جنيف سويسرا.

هل القوانين السارية المفعول بها ما يكفي لحماية الصحفيين؟ هذا هو السؤال الذي طلب مني المنظمون تقديم إجابة عنه.

من المهم في البداية القول بأن القوانين السارية المفعول تقدم حماية للصحفيين. ولكن السؤال المطروح هو هل هذه الحماية كافية وفعالة؟.

فالقوانين الحالية تقدم حماية للصحفيين شأنهم في ذلك كباقي البشر. إذ هناك تحريم لقتل إنسان او إصابته بجراح خارج نطاق الدفاع عن النفس. وهذا التحريم ورد في البداية في الإنجيل والقرآن. وكل القوانين الوطنية السارية المفعول في الدول تحتوي على نصوص ملزمة بهذا الخصوص، ونفس الشيء نجده في المواثيق الدولية والمعاهدات الأممية.

وعلى مستوى القانون الانساني الدولي، تحتوي معاهدات جنيف على بند يهتم خصيصا بحماية الصحفيين في مناطق الصراعات، والذي ينص على أن الصحفيين يتمتعون بنفس الحماية التي يتمتع بها باقي المدنيين( البند 79 من البروتوكول الاضافي الأول).

الواقع

هل هذا كاف؟ اسمحوا لي بأن نلقي معا نظرة على الواقع: هذه الحماية القانونية لم تسمح بتجنب أن نشاهد خلال السنوات الخمس الأخيرة، مقتل صحفيين بمعدل اثنين كل أسبوع. أي حوالي 550 في غضون خمسة أعوام. وهذا ما يعني أن هناك خللا في مكان ما.

وأن ثلثا هذا العدد من الصحفيين سقط في مناطق صراعات مسلحة أو في مناطق اضطرابات عنف سياسي. أما بالنسبة للثلث المتبقي، فقد يتعلق الأمر بحالات متفرقة مردها الى نشاطات إجرامية تقع في مناطق لا تعرف اضطرابات.  ففي السنة الماضية 2011، قُتل 20 صحفيا على الأقل أثناء تغطيتهم للأحداث التي لها علاقة ب"الربيع العربي"، في ليبيا ، واليمن، ومصر، وسوريا وتونس.

ويمكن أن نستخلص من ذلك بكل منطقية، بأن القوانين السارية المفعول، ليست فعالة بما يسمح بحماية الصحفيين في مناطق الصراعات المسلحة او الاضطرابات العنيفة.

لماذا؟ لأن القوانين السارية المفعول لا يتم احترامها في ظروف عديدة، ولأن هناك افتقارا لآليات تطبيق فعالة وقادرة على فرض هذا الاحترام.

لا يوجد أي نص قانوني على المستوى الدولي، يهتم خصيصا وبالتفصيل بحماية الصحفيين في المناطق الخطيرة. إذ هناك معاهدات دولية حول حقوق الطفل، والمرأة، والأشخاص ذوي العاهات، والمهاجرين، والبحارة على سبيل المثال. ولكن لا توجد أية معاهدة تعنى بنشاطات العاملين في وسائل الإعلام، على الرغم من كون مهنة الصحفي تحتوى على واجبات وحقوق تختلف عن باقي المهن الأخرى.  وفي معاهدات جنيف يستفيد عمال الاغاثة الطبية بحماية واسعة مفصلة في العديد من البنود، بينما لا يوجد أي من ذلك بالنسبة للصحفيين.

فالصحفيون يتولون مهمة الإعلام بطريقة مستقلة، وتقديم شهادتهم، بالأخص فيما يتعلق بانتهاكات حقوق الإنسان، وهي مهمة لفائدة المجتمع بأكمله. وهم بحكم مهنتهم هذه معرضون لأخطار جسيمة: فهم على العكس، ليسوا مطالبين بمغادرة مناطق القتال والعنف، بل الاقتراب أكثر من مكان وقوعها لنقل ما يقع بطريقة محايدة وغير منحازة.

حلول ليست بحلول على الإطلاق

لقد وجد الأمريكيون نوعين من الحلول أثناء حربي الخليج الأولى والثانية. فقد تم أثناء حرب الخليج الأولى ما بين عامي 1990-1991 اقصاء الصحفيين ببساطة من مناطق الصراع، وأن المعلومات الوحيدة التي كانت متاحة هي التي تصدر عن وزارة الدفاع الأمريكية ( البنتاغون) في قاعدة عسكرية محصنة. ويتعلق الأمر في هذه الحالة بطريقة إعلام موجهة، لا يمكن التأكد من صحتها بطريقة مستقلة. وفي نفس الوقت كان هناك بعض الصحفيين القليلين المحصنين في فندق في بغداد، و الذين كانوا ينقلون الدعاية التي كان يروجها صدام حسين. ونفس الشيء تكرر مؤخرا في أحد فنادق طرابلس أثناء الأشهر الأخيرة من نظام معمر القذافي.

وأثناء حرب الخليج الثانية في عام 2003، أقدم الأمريكيون على إدخال مفهوم  (EMBEDDED) الصحفيين المدمجين في وحداتهم العسكرية. وهناك لجوء أكثر فأكثر الى إدماج الصحفيين في الوحدات العسكرية، مثلما هو الحال اليوم في افغانستان. لكن هناك معارضة قوية لمثل هذا التصرف من قبل وسائل الإعلام: لأن الصحفي يفقد في هذه الحالة استقلاليته ويمكن اعتباره عدوا من قبل الطرف الثاني، الأمر الذي يفقده أية حماية قانونية. وهناك إمكانية مرافقة الصحفيين من قبل مسلحين كحل وحيد، ولكن حتى هذا الحل يعتبر خطيرا للغاية، نظرا لإمكانية اعتبار الصحفي مقاتلا.

وهناك حل ثالث كثيرا ما يلجأ إليه الصحفيون: وهو القيام بالتغطية الصحفية بطريقة سرية. بحيث يتسلل الصحفي الى بلد او الى منطقة بدون الافصاح عن هويته، وبدون الحصول على ترخيص من السلطات، وباستخدام مخبرين  محليين في بعض الأحيان.  ولكن مثل هذه التجارب كثيرا ما انتهت بطريقة غير جيدة: كالتعرض للاختطاف( كثير منها وقع في العراق على سبيل المثال)، او التعرض للاعتقال وسوء المعاملة( العديد من الحالات في ليبيا مؤخرا)، او التعرض للطرد (مثلما وقع في سوريا العام الماضي)، أو تعريض المخبرين المحليين لمضايقات. وهؤلاء المخبرون المحليون او "الصحفيون المستقلون" الذين توظفهم وسائل الاعلام التي لا تستطيع التواجد في عين المكان، هم الذين يعرضون انفسهم أكثر للخطر.

وهذه الحلول المقترحة ليست بحلول بالمرة، نظرا لكون أن هناك عراقيل كثيرة لدخول الصحفيين وتأمين حياتهم في مناطق الصراعات والاضطرابات العنيفة. وهناك إمكانية لتحسين طريقة تكوين هذا الطرف أو ذاك للحد من الأخطار. مثل السفر في مجموعات ، أو ارتداء سترات واقعية من الرصاص، ولكن ما هو أهم هو تحسين احترام القوانين السارية المفعول.

تحديد المفهوم

الخطوة الأولى التي يجب القيام بها في إطار تحضير معاهدة، هو تحديد مفهوم ما نتحدث عنه بدقة.  وهنا يجب أن نتطرق لنقطتين هامتين: تطور الساحة الإعلامية من جهة ، وتطور طبيعة الصراعات المسلحة من جهة أخرى.

فيما يتعلق بتطور الساحة الإعلامية، هناك تكاثر لعدد الشركاء في العملية الإعلامية. وهناك ضرورة لفتح النقاش بهذا الخصوص بعد التطور الكبير الذي عرفته وسائل الاتصال والشبكات الاجتماعية. فالمدون الذي يفتح مدونة على شبكة الإنترنت هل يمكن اعتباره صحفيا أم لا؟ والمواطن الذي يكون شاهد عيان لحادث عنف وينقله على موقعه في تويتر هل هو صحفي؟  والناشط في منظمة غير حكومية الذي يفتح موقعا لمنظمته على الانترنت هل يمكن اعتباره صحفيا أيضا؟ هؤلاء جميعا يقومون بعمل إخباري هام، ولكنهم ليسوا صحفيين محترفين معتمدين من قبل وسيلة إعلامية معترف بها. فالأمم المتحدة على سبيل المثال لا تعتمد لا المدونين او المسؤولين عن مواقع على الإنترنت بصفة صحفيين. وهذا موضوع دقيق في مناقشته ، إذ يتطلب الأمر عموما تفريقا بين حرية التعبير وحرية الصحافة.

 

المشكلة الثانية في عملية تحديد المفاهيم، تكمن في كوننا نتحدث عن حماية الصحفيين في مناطق الصراعات المسلحة او المناطق الخطيرة. وهنا يجب تحديد نطاق تطبيق المعاهدة المقبلة؟ وتحديد ما المقصود بمنطقة الصراع ؟ من منظور معاهدات جنيف هناك منطقة صراع مسلح إما دولية او داخلية. ولكن بالإمكان أن تكون هناك مناطق عنف حتى بدون وجود صراع بمفهوم الصراع المسلح كالتي وقعت في العديد من الدول العربية أثناء انتفاضات الربيع العربي في العام الماضي، أو ما يحدث في أمريكا اللاتينية من مواجهات بين السلطات وكارتيلات المخدرات. وهي حالات يواجه فيها الصحفيون مخاطر كبرى. لذى على المعاهدة الجديدة أن تشمل مثل هذه الصراعات، وأن تكمل التغطية التي توفرها معاهدات جنيف. وهناك العديد من الحالات التي تعرف فيها الصراعات تمديدا لنشاطاتها دون اعتبارها صراعات مفتوحة، لكنها تبقى محفوفة بالمخاطر: ويعتبر العراق من هذه الحالات اليوم، شأنه في ذلك شأن منطقة القوقاز في روسيا. كما أن هناك حالات إرهاب تعرض وسائل الإعلام لمخاطر كبرى. وهو ما يتطلب إدماج هذه الصراعات في المعاهدة الجديدة وإدماج  العناصر غير الحكومية المشاركة في الصراعات المسلحة.

الافلات من العقاب

بعد هذا العمل الضروري في مجال تحديد المفاهيم، وبعد التذكير بالقوانين السارية المفعول، يجب على المعاهدة القادمة أن تحدد آليات تطبيق عملية.  وهذه الإجراءات يجب أن تشمل ضرورة توفير التكوين، وإمكانية الوصول الى مكان الحادث والتعرف على هوية الأطراف، والحق في  التحقيق وفي تقديم الشكوى، والحق في تقديم التعويض عن الأضرار، والحق في المتابعة القانونية وفي إدانة المسئولين عن ذلك، والحق في متابعة الملف.

فمعاهدات جنيف لا تشتمل على أية آليات للتحقيق. كما أن اللجنة الدولية للصليب الأحمر لا تقوم بأية تحقيقات. وأن حوالي 90% من الجرائم المرتكبة ضد الصحفيين لا تتعرض لمتابعة قضائية، ولا تتوصل الى تحديد لهوية مرتكبي تلك الجرائم او الى إدانتهم. ومسالة الافلات من العقاب هذه تعتبر خطيرة للغاية، لأنها تشجع آخرين على مواصلة ارتكاب تلك الجرائم. والسؤال المطروح: لماذا هذا الإفلات من العقاب؟

هناك عدة أسباب لذلك: أولا كون أوامر عمليات استهداف الصحفيين، في بعض الأحيان، تصدر عن جهات رفيعة المستوى، وبالتالي يصبح التحقيق فيها متعذرا على السلطات البوليسية والقضائية. فالجنود الذين قتلوا عن قصد او خطأ صحفيين في مناطق قتال، يتلقون تغطية من قياداتهم او يزعمون بأنهم لم يكونوا يعرفون أن الضحية صحفي، وهي مزاعم كثيرا ما سمعناها. أو أن مرتكبي عمليات القتل لا يتم التعرف عليهم نظرا لكون السلطات المحلية لا تملك قوات شرطة أو قضاء، أو أنها يمكن ارتشاؤها.

فعندما تكون آليات التحقيق على المستوي الوطني غير ناجعة، يجب القيام بتحقيق دولي. وعندما لا تقوم العدالة المحلية بعملها، أو أنها تكون في وضعية لا تسمح لها بذلك، أو عندما تكون المنطقة التي وقع فيها الحادث تحت سيطرة مجموعة مسلحة، أو تحت سلطة دولة مارقة، او تعمها الفوضى، يجب أن تتولى المجموعة الدولية ذلك. لذا يمكن للمعاهدة الجديدة أن تقر مثل هذه الآليات، كتحديد لجنة تحقيق دولية تلزم الدول الموقعة على المعاهدة بالتعاون معها. ويجب أن يتمتع الشخص المتضرر او وسيلة الإعلام المتضررة  بحق  رفع شكوى أمام هذه اللجنة. كما يجب تحديد تعويضات سواء بالنسبة لعائلة الضحية، او لوسيلة الإعلام التي كانت تشغل الضحية. كما أن بإمكان المعاهدة أن تقر إنشاء صندوق تضامن.

شارة مميزة

هناك ضرورة أيضا لمناقشة موضوع تحديد شارة مميزة للصحفي. إذ هناك ضرورة بالنسبة لكل صحفي في أن يثبت هويته كصحفي عن طريق بطاقة صحفية او عبر رسالة اعتماد من وسيلة الإعلام التي يشتغل فيها. لكن الصحفيين عندما يتواجدون في مناطق خطيرة، يلجئون إضافة الى ذلك الى استعمال شارة واضحة للعيان وذلك لتوضيح بأنهم صحفيون وليسوا مقاتلين. وهم في تصميمهم لتلك الشارة يلجئون بطريقة عشوائية الى تصميم عدد لا متناهي من هذه الشارات التي تختلف باختلاف  القارات. لذلك على المعاهدة الجديدة ان تحدد شارة موحدة ومعترف بها دوليا ، يمكن للصحفيين ان يستخدموها عند الضرورة مثلما هو الحال اليوم. ويجب التوضيح بأن هذه الشارة يجب ألا تكون إجبارية وأن استخدامها يبقى من اختيار الصحفي او وسيلة الإعلام التي تشغله. لأن استخدام شارة معترف بها دوليا يكون مدعوما قانونيا بالتزام الدول الموقعة على المعاهدة. وقد قدمت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي نموذجا للشارة يتمثل في دائرة برتقالية اللون وبداخلها عبارة "PRESS " باللون الأسود.

كما أن على المعاهدة الجديدة ان تؤكد ضرورة افساح المجال أمام الصحفيين في كل الظروف، من قبل الدول الموقعة. وهو ما لا يتوفر اليوم.

و على المعاهدة  تحديد آليات متابعة، كالتفكير في إقامة لجنة خبراء دوليين، ولجنة تطبيق بنود المعاهدة، أو لجنة متخصصة، تكون على شكل اللجنة الدولية للصليب الأحمر ومتخصصة في قضايا الصحفيين ، وبإمكانها الدفاع عنهم  وتقديم الدعم لموظفي وسائل الإعلام عند تعرضهم للمشاكل وفي كل الظروف، والتي بإمكانها التدخل لدى السلطات المعنية، أو إقامة مصلحة متخصصة بالصحفيين لدى مكتب المفوضة السامية لحقوق الإنسان.

إن متابعة هذا الموضوع في الوقت الحالي يتم فقط عبر منظمات غير حكومية  لديها قدرة على التحليل ، والإنذار، والتحسيس، ولكن ليست لديها أية سلطة ملزمة سواء تجاه الدول او أمام القضاء.

وقد قامت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي بتحديد معالم مشروع معاهدة موجود على موقعها على الإنترنت. وبالإمكان اتخاذ هذا النص المقترح على الدول كأرضية يمكن تحسينها وتنقيحها بمشاركة جميع الأطراف المعنية.

وقد يصعب التطرق لكل التفاصيل الخاصة بموضوع حماية الصحفيين في هذا الظرف الزمني المخصص  لي هنا، لكن الأمر المؤكد منه في الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي التي تضم حوالي 40 جمعية صحفية في العالم، هو أنه يجب الشروع في اشغال تحديد معالم معاهدة لحماية الصحفيين في مناطق الصراعات او الاضطرابات العنيفة، بغرض المصادقة عليها في أقرب وقت. وإن أي انتظار سوف لن يعمل على حل المشكل. أملنا في أن ينضم أكبر عدد من الدول في هذا المشروع وأن يسهم في إثرائه.

شكرا على حسن المتابعة والإصغاء.              

Conférence de Doha sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses - 22-23 janvier 2012 - Exposé sur le projet de convention internationale spécifique à la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit et autres zones de violences. Blaise Lempen, secrétaire général de la PEC.

Le droit en vigueur protège-t-il suffisamment les journalistes ? Telle est la question à laquelle les organisateurs de la conférence m'ont demandé de répondre.

Il est d'abord important de dire que le droit existant protège les journalistes. La question et de savoir si cette protection est suffisante et efficace.

Le droit existant protège les journalistes comme tout autre être humain: il est interdit de tuer, de blesser une personne, en dehors de la légitime défense. L'interdiction de tuer se trouve déjà dans la Bible et le Coran. Toutes les législations nationales en vigueur dans les Etats comportent des clauses contraignantes à cet effet, de même que sur le plan international les traités de l'ONU.

En droit international humanitaire, les Conventions de Genève comportent un article spécifique à la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit qui affirme que les journalistes bénéficient de la même protection que tous les civils (article 79 du protocole 1).

Les faits

Est-ce suffisant ? Observons les faits: cette protection juridique n'a pas évité que ces cinq dernières années, deux journalistes en moyenne soient tués chaque semaine, près de 550 en cinq ans. Il y a donc quelque part une faille.

Pour plus des deux tiers, ces journalistes sont morts dans des zones de conflit ou lors de troubles politiques violents. Pour le tiers restant, il peut s'agir de cas isolés relevant d'activités criminelles dans des régions en paix. L'an dernier, en 2011, au moins 20 journalistes ont été tués en couvrant les événements liés au "printemps arabe", en Libye, au Yémen, en Egypte, en Syrie et en Tunisie.

On peut raisonnablement en conclure que le droit existant n'est pas assez efficace pour protéger les journalistes dans les zones de conflit et de troubles violents.

Pourquoi ? Parce que le droit en vigueur n'est pas respecté dans diverses circonstances. Des mécanismes d'application efficaces, capables de le faire respecter, font défaut.

Il n'existe aucun texte sur le plan international qui traite spécifiquement et de manière détaillée de la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses. Il y a des Conventions internationales sur les droits des enfants, des femmes, des handicapés, des migrants, des marins par exemple. Aucune concernant l'activité des medias. La profession de journaliste comporte pourtant des devoirs et des droits différents d'autres professions. Dans les Conventions de Genève, le personnel médical bénéficie d'une protection étendue et précisée dans de très nombreux articles. Rien de tel pour les journalistes.

Ils ont une mission à accomplir, celle d'informer de manière indépendante, de témoigner, en particulier des violations des droits de l'homme, une mission utile à la société tout entière. De par la nature de leur travail, ils sont exposés à des risques considérables: ils ne doivent pas fuir les combats ou les violences, mais au contraire s'en approcher pour raconter ce qui se passe de manière neutre et impartiale.

Des solutions qui n'en sont pas

Les Américains ont trouvé deux types de solution lors des deux guerres du Golfe. Lors de la première guerre du Golfe, en 1990-1991, les journalistes avaient tout simplement été écartés des zones de combat et la seule information disponible était donnée par le Pentagone dans une base militaire retranchée. Il s'agissait d'une information dirigée, non contrôlable de manière impartiale. Simultanément, de rares journalistes répercutaient la propagande de Saddam Hussein coincés dans un hôtel de Bagdad. Comme plus récemment des journalises l'ont fait dans un hôtel de Tripoli pour les derniers mois du régime de Mouammar Kadhafi.

Lors de la seconde guerre du Golfe, en 2003, les Américains avaient incorporé (embedded) les journalistes dans leurs unités militaires. L'incorporation des journalistes parmi les militaires est fréquemment pratiquée, par exemple encore aujourd'hui en Afghanistan. Cette pratique est très contestée parmi les medias: le journaliste perd en effet son indépendance. Il peut être considéré comme un ennemi par le camp opposé, ce qui peut lui enlever toute protection juridique. La solution d'une escorte armée pour les journalistes est parfois la seule possible - mais elle est très dangereuse, puisque le journaliste peut alors être assimilé à un combattant.

Il existe une troisième possibilité, souvent pratiquée: celle de la clandestinité. Un journaliste s'introduit dans un pays ou une région sans déclarer son identité, sans l'accord des autorités, en utilisant parfois des informateurs locaux. Ces expériences se sont souvent mal terminées: prises d'otages (nombreuses en Irak, par exemple), arrestations et mauvais traitements (plusieurs exemples récents en Libye), expulsions (par exemple, de Syrie l'an dernier), ou bien représailles contre les informateurs locaux. Les dits "informateurs locaux" ou "free-lance" engagés par les medias internationaux qui ne peuvent pas se rendre sur place sont à cet égard très exposés.

Ces solutions n'en sont pas. Il y a un grand problème d'accès, de sécurité dans les zones de combat et de troubles violents. On peut améliorer la formation des uns et des autres pour minimiser les risques. Certaines précautions, comme de voyager en groupe, de revêtir des gilets pare-balle, sont utiles. Mais il est aussi essentiel d'améliorer le respect du droit existant.

Définitions

Une des premières choses à faire dans le cadre de l'élaboration d'une convention serait de définir de quoi on parle. Et là nous abordons deux points importants, celui de l'évolution du paysage médiatique et celui de l'évolution de la nature des conflits.

D'abord, l'évolution des medias. Le nombre d'acteurs de l'information s'est accru. Il y a là un sujet à discuter à la suite de l'explosion des communications et des réseaux sociaux. Le blogeur qui crée son blog est-il ou non un journaliste ? Le citoyen témoin d'un acte de violence qui twitte son info est-il un journaliste ? Le militant d'une ONG qui crée son site internet est-il un journaliste ? Ils font un travail important d'information, mais ce ne sont pas des journalistes professionnels accrédités par un media reconnu. Les Nations Unies, par exemple, n'accréditent pas comme journalistes les blogueurs ou responsables de sites internet. C'est un problème très délicat à discuter. De manière générale, il faut faire la distinction entre liberté d'expression et la liberté de la presse.

Deuxième problème de définition. Nous parlons ici de la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit ou zones dangereuses. Quel serait le champ d'application de la future Convention ? Qu'est-ce qu'une zone de conflit ? Au sens des Conventions de Genève, une zone de conflit armé, international et interne. Il peut cependant y avoir des violences sans conflit armé proprement dit, par exemple lors des soulèvements qui ont éclaté dans plusieurs pays arabes l'an dernier - ou bien en Amérique latine dans la lutte entre les autorités et les cartels de la drogue. Les journalistes affrontent dans ce type de situation de très grands dangers. La future Convention devrait couvrir ce type de conflit, en complétant ainsi la protection offerte par les Conventions de Genève. Il existe en outre un grand nombre de conflits prolongés, qui ne sont plus des conflits ouverts, mais sont encore des zones à risques: l'Irak aujourd'hui, le Caucase en Russie, par exemple. Il existe aussi des situations de terrorisme, qui exposent les medias à des risques élevés. Il faudrait inclure ce type de situations, et les acteurs non étatiques, dans le champ d'application de la Convention.

Impunité

Après le travail indispensable de définition, et le rappel du droit en vigueur, la Convention devrait élaborer des mécanismes d'application concrets. Ces dispositions devraient concerner des obligations en matière de formation, d'accès et d'identification, de plainte et d'enquête, d'indemnisation et de réparation, de poursuite et de condamnation des responsables et enfin de suivi.

Les Conventions de Genève ne comportent pas de mécanismes d'enquête. Le CICR ne fait jamais d'enquête. Or, près de 90% des crimes commis contre les journalistes ne sont pas poursuivis ou n'aboutissent pas à identifier et condamner les vrais coupables. Ce problème d'impunité est très grave. Car il encourage d'autres à commettre de tels crimes. Pourquoi cette situation d'impunité ? Il y a de nombreuses raisons: par exemple, les crimes visant des journalistes sont parfois commandités à très haut niveau et donc les investigations poolicières et judiciaires bloquées. Les soldats qui ont tué sciemment ou par mégarde des journalistes dans une zone de guerre sont protégés par leur chaîne de commandement ou bien affirment qu'ils ne savaient pas que la victime était un journaliste - un argument fréquemment entendu. Ou bien encore les auteurs des assassinats ne sont pas identifiés parce que les autorités locales, de police et judiciaires, sont inexistantes ou corrompues.

Lorsque les mécanismes d'enquête sur le plan national ne sont pas efficaces, il faut des enquêtes sur le plan international. Lorsque la justice locale ne fait pas son travail, n'est pas en mesure de fonctionner, que le territoire sur lequel le crime a eu lieu est sous le contrôle d'un groupe armé ou d'un Etat voyou ou plongé dans l'anarchie, il faut que la communauté internationale prenne le relais. La Convention pourrait donc instituer de tels mécanismes, par exemple une commission internationale d'enquête avec laquelle les Etats signataires de la Convention s'engageraient à collaborer. Il faudrait que l'individu ou le media lésé puisse les saisir. Il est important aussi de prévoir des indemnisations et des réparations, soit pour les familles, soit pour les medias. La Convention pourrait institutionnaliser un fonds de solidarité.

Identification

Le problème de l'identification des journalistes doit être aussi discuté. Tout journaliste doit actuellement prouver son identité par une carte de presse ou/et une lettre d'accréditation d'un media. Dans les zones dangereuses, les journalistes décident en outre de s'identifier par un emblème visible à l'extérieur de manière à signaler qu'ils ne sont pas des combattants, mais appartiennent à la presse. Ils fabriquent le plus souvent cet emblème de manière artisanale et il en existe une variété infinie sur tous les continents. Le but de la Convention devrait être de créer un emblème uniforme reconnu internationalement, que les journalistes pourraient utiliser, comme actuellement, lorsque la situation l'exige. Il est important de préciser que cet emblème ne serait jamais obligatoire et que le choix de le porter reviendrait uniquement au journaliste ou à son media. Un emblème reconnu internationalement aurait une force juridique plus contraignante pour les parties le reconnaissant dans la convention. La PEC a fait une proposition d'emblème, un disque orange avec le mot PRESS en lettres noires.

La Convention devrait en outre réaffirmer la nécessité pour les gouvernements signataires de donner accès aux journalistes en toutes circonstances. C'est loin d'être le cas actuellement.

Enfin, la convention devrait créer des mécanismes de suivi. On peut imaginer la création d'une commission internationale d'experts, celle d'un organe de mise en oeuvre du traité, ou encore celle d'une organisation compétente en la matière, un CICR des journalistes, capable de défendre et de porter secours aux employés des medias en difficulté en toutes circonstances et d'intervenir auprès des autorités compétentes, ou encore un service spécialisé au sein du Haut Commissariat aux droits de l'homme. Pour l'instant, le suivi de cette problématique est assuré avant tout par des ONG qui ont une capacité d'analyse, d'alerte, de sensibilisation, mais pas d'autorité contraignante vis-à-vis des Etats ni de pouvoir judiciaire.

La PEC a rédigé un avant-projet de convention qui se trouve sur son site web. Ce texte, proposé pour adoption par les gouvernements, peut servir de point de départ et peut être modifié, amélioré avec le concours de toutes les parties concernées.

Il m'est impossible de rentrer dans tous les détails ici. Mais les membres de la PEC, près de 40 associations de journalistes dans le monde, ont une certitude: il faut commencer les travaux d'élaboration d'une Convention sur la protection des journalistes en zones de conflit et de troubles violents, en vue d'une adoption la plus rapide possible. Attendre ne résoudra pas le problème. Nous souhaitons que le plus grand nombre d'Etats se rallient à ce projet et y collaborent.

Merci de votre attention.

***11.01.2012. Journaliste français tué en Syrie: la PEC consternée (English, Arabic and Spanish below)

Genève (PEC), 11 janvier - La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) est consternée par la mort, ce mercredi, d'un journaliste de la télévision française France 2 Gilles Jacquier (photo) en Syrie et condamne cet attentat dans les termes les plus vifs. Le journaliste se trouvait avec d'autres confrères en reportage à Homs, dans le centre de la Syrie.

Selon un photographe sur place, un obus est tombé sur le groupe de journalistes. Il y a eu également plusieurs blessés dans le groupe de journalistes étrangers, qui se trouvait à Homs dans le cadre d'un
voyage autorisé par les autorités syriennes. Gilles Jacquier était un journaliste très expérimenté qui avait travaillé depuis 1991 notamment en Irak, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Israël et l'an dernier en Côte d'Ivoire et Libye.

La PEC demande l'ouverture d'une enquête indépendante par le Haut Commissariat de l'ONU aux droits de l'homme pour déterminer l'origine des tirs, identifier et poursuivre les responsables.

Le journaliste français est le premier journaliste occidental tué en Syrie depuis le début de la révolte contre le régime le 15 mars. Trois autres journalistes de nationalité syrienne ont été tués en Syrie depuis le
début des troubles. "Les autorités de Damas doivent non seulement assurer l'accès des journalistes indépendants à leur territoire, mais assurer leur sécurité", a affirmé la PEC.

Ce nouvel attentat démontre encore une fois la nécessité pour la communauté internationale de prendre d'urgence des mesures supplémentaires afin de renforcer la sécurité des journalistes dans les zones de conflit, a affirmé la PEC. La PEC exprime sa profonde sympathie aux familles des journalistes tués et blessés en Syrie qui paient, elles aussi, un prix très élevé.

Au total, 23 journalistes ont été tués en un an à l'occasion du "printemps arabe" (Tunisie, Egypte, Libye, Yémen, Bahreïn et Syrie) et 107 journalistes sont morts dans l'exercice de leur métier l'an dernier, rappelle la PEC.

Gilles Jacquier, grand reporter témoin des conflits des 20 dernières années

PARIS (AFP) Kosovo, Afghanistan, Algérie, révolutions arabes, Gilles Jacquier, grand reporter de France 2 tué mercredi à Homs, a couvert la plupart des conflits des 20 dernières années et obtenu le prix Albert Londres pour des reportages lors de la seconde Intifada.

"J'ai horreur de la guerre mais sur ces terrains, je peux faire de vraies rencontres. Le plus souvent les gens sont eux-mêmes, très sincères face à une caméra et on ne peut rester insensible à leur souffrance", racontait le journaliste dans une interview.

"Moi, j'aime surtout filmer les gens au plus près de l'action, avec leurs émotions et sans voyeurisme", ajoutait-il.

Né le 25 octobre 1968, ce passionné d'images depuis sa plus tendre enfance, démarre sa carrière comme journaliste reporter d'images (JRI) dans une chaîne locale à Annecy en 1989, TV HUIT Mt Blanc.

Deux ans plus tard, il entre à France télévisions et rejoint la rédaction nationale de France 3 en 1994.

Il sillonne le monde, couvre les Jeux olympiques d'hiver de Lillehammer, de Nagano, le Festival de Cannes, les élections en Afrique du Sud.

Mais surtout, caméra sur l'épaule, Jacquier couvre tous les conflits depuis les années 1990, à commencer par celui du Kosovo. Suivront la République démocratique du Congo (ex-Zaïre), l'Algérie, la Côte d'Ivoire, Haïti, l'Irak, Israël, la Palestine, jusqu'aux révolutions arabes.

Jacquier dit avoir vu la "mort à grande échelle, avec des trous béants et des dizaines de cadavres arrivant sur des brancards et jetés là toutes les heures".

Il est particulièrement bouleversé par les massacres en Algérie dans les années 1990 et dans la jungle de Kisangani au Zaïre, avant la chute de Mobutu en 1997.

En 2003, Jacquier obtient le prestigieux prix Albert Londres avec Bertrand Coq, autre grand reporter, pour sa couverture durant la deuxième Intifada.

"Gilles était un excellent reporter de guerre, il n'avait peur de rien, avait un côté casse-cou mais ne prenait jamais de risques inconsidérés", témoigne Bertrand Coq, interrogé par l'AFP.

Lors des reportages à Naplouse, Jaquier est blessé. "Une balle avait pénétré par le côté de son gilet pare-balles et l'avait touché à la clavicule. La balle avait été extraite par un médecin suisse à l'hôpital de Naplouse", se rappelle Bertrand Coq.

Féru de sport, ancien champion de descente à ski, le grand reporter "mettait dans son travail tout l'acharnement, tout le talent et toute la motivation d'un grand sportif. Il ne rentrait jamais sans les images. Jamais", souligne Bertrand Coq.

"Gilles était un des meilleurs de France 2, un homme hors norme, on est tous sous le choc, il va beaucoup, beaucoup nous manquer", a déclaré Thierry Thuillier, directeur de l'information du groupe France Télévisions.

bur-bow/jca/far/ej# LIRE AUSSI TEMOIGNAGES EN PAGE PRESS

PEC saddened by the death of Gilles Jacquier

Geneva (PEC) – 11 January 2012- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is deeply saddened by the death of French TV journalist of France 2 Gilles Jacquier, who was killed in Syria by a bomb blast in Homs.

The PEC condemns the killing of Gilles Jacquier in the strongest possible manner.

According to a cameraman the blast fell over many journalists. Mostly foreign journalists were covering the Syrian uprising and the visit was organized by the Syrian authorities.

Gilles Jacquier was an experienced journalist who worked in several war zones since 1991: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Israel, Ivory Coast and Libya.

The PEC calls for an independent enquiry by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to locate the firing of the blast, those responsible and to bring them to justice.

The French TV journalist is the first Western journalist killed since the beginning of the people’s uprising in Syria as of 15 March 2011.

Three other Syrian journalists were killed since the beginning of the uprising and the PEC calls upon the Syrian authorities not only to ensure access for media but to provide the necessary actions for their protection.

The Geneva based NGO; with special UN consultative status calls upon the international community to take up the necessary additional measures for the protection of journalists in conflict zones.

The PEC expresses its deep sympathy with the families of journalists killed or wounded in Syria, who they themselves like the journalists pay a very high price.

23 journalistes so far were killed during the current Arab uprising, in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bharain and Syria.

107 journalists were killed in 2011 while exercising their profession. 

حملة الشارة الدولية ادين مقتل
الصحفي الفرنسي جيل جاكيه

جنيف-القاهرة (حملة الشارة) – 12 يناير 2012- دانت اليوم حملة الشارة الدولية لحماية الصحفي بأقصى الكلمات مقتل صحفي فرانس 2 الفرنسي جيل جاكيه حينما سقطت عليه و زملائه قذيفة و هم يقومون بتغطية لمسيرة مؤيدة في "منطقة الزهراء- حي عكرمة" في مدينة حمص.

يذكر أن السلطات السورية كانت المنظمة لهذه الزيارة.

و كان الصحفي الفرنسي من أصحاب الخبرة في تغطية الحروب أذ قام بتغطية العراق و افغانستان و كوسوفو و إسرائيل.

و طالبت حملة الشارة الدولية بتحقيق مستقل من قبل مكتب مفوضة حقوق الانسان لتحديد مكان اطلاق القذيفة و ملاحقة من اطلقها و تقديمه للمحاكمة.

و الصحفي الفرنسي المقتول هو أول صحفي غربي يقتل في سوريا في حين قتل من قبله 3 من الصحفيين السوريين منذ بداية انتفاضة الشعب السوري في 15 مارس الماضي.

و حملت الحملة الدولية الحكومة السورية المسئولية في توفير التغطية للصحفيين للأحداث و في حمايتهم.

و طالبت المجتمع الدولي باتخاذ خطوات عاجلة و ضرورية من أجل حماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح.

و اعربت حملة الشارة عن عميق تعازيها لأسر القتلى من الصحفيين في سوريا و أيضاً الجرحى منهم لأنهم يدفعون ثمنا باهظاً في فقدان أحبائهم.

يذكر ان 23 من الصحفيين قتلوا أثناء انتفاضة الربيع العربي في تونس و مصر و ليبيا و اليمن و البحرين و سوريا.

و تذكر حملة الشارة أن 107 من الصحفيين قتلوا في 2011 و هم يؤدون عملهم.

لمزيد من المعلومات برجاء الاطلاع على موقع الشارة 

SIRIA : La PEC consternada por asesinato de periodista francés

Ginebra,  11 ene (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC*) está consternada por la muerte, este miércoles, del periodista  Gilles Jacquier, de la televisión francesa France 2, en Siria y condena este atentando en los términos más enérgicos. El periodista se encontraba junto a otros colegas realizando un reportaje en Homs, en el centro del país.

Según un fotógrafo que se hallaba en el lugar, un obús cayó sobre el grupo de periodistas. Hubo también varios heridos en el grupo de periodistas extranjeros, que se encontraban en Homs como parte de un viaje autorizado por las autoridades sirias. Gilles Jacquier era un periodista experimentado que había trabajado desde 1991 en Irak, Afganistán, Kosovo e Israel, fundamentalmente.

La PEC demanda la apertura de una investigación independiente por parte del Alto Comisariado de la ONU para los derechos humanos, a fin de determinar el origen de los tiros, identificar a los responsables y llevarlos  ante la justicia.

El periodista francés es el primer periodista occidental muerto en Siria desde el inicio de la revuelta contra el régimen, el pasado 15 de marzo. Tres otros periodistas de nacionalidad siria resultaron muertos en Siria desde que comenzaron los disturbios. “Las autoridades de Damasco deben no sólo asegurar el acceso de los periodistas independientes a su territorio, sino garantizar la seguridad de los mismos”, ha afirmado la PEC.

Este nuevo atentado demuestra una vez más la necesidad de que la comunidad internacional adopte urgentemente medidas adicionales a fin de reforzar la seguridad de los periodistas en zonas de conflicto, ha reiterado la PEC.   La Campaña Emblema de Prensa expresa  sus condolencias a los familiares de los periodistas muertos o heridos en Siria que pagan, ellas también,  un precio muy alto.

En total, 23 periodistas han sido asesinados en un año en la “primavera árabe” (Túnez, Egipto, Libia, Yemen, Bahrein y Siria) y 107 periodistas perdieron la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión en el transcurso  del pasado año.

(*) Siglas en inglés.

***10.01.2012. PEC SPECIAL REPORT ON LATIN AMERICA - PERIODISMO INDEPENDIENTE BAJO FUEGO CRUZADO EN LATINOAMERICA (Summary in English below)

En América Latina no importa el país, no importa el gobierno, no importa la ideología de los Estados, el periodismo independiente y el derecho de la sociedad a la información se encuentran a fuego cruzado entre la
agresión física de unos grupos, y las amenazas y acoso psicológico de otros, en una atmósfera de impunidad y corrupción sin límites.
Actualmente, el problema para los comunicadores independientes es crítico in extremis porque el ejercicio de la violencia contra ellos va acompañada de otros agravantes como amenazas de muerte, atentados terroristas a
instalaciones, ataques a familiares y la imposición de autocensura a los medios para acallar la voz de la sociedad representada en el periodismo.
Latinoamérica lleva el triste liderazgo a nivel global, de violencia y muerte ejercida contra los profesionales de la comunicación independiente.
Según el Ticking Clock de Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), en América Latina, al menos 35 periodistas han sido asesinados sólo en 2011, lo que representa un 33% de un total de 107, las evidencias colectadas por PEC
muestran inequívocamente que cada vez son más los países implicados donde la violencia se inflinge directamente contra periodistas de parte de diferentes actores.
Por países, han sido asesinados: 12 en México, 6 en Honduras, 6 en Brasil, 3 en Perú, 1 en: Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Haití, Panamá, R. Dominicana, El Salvador y Venezuela. 1 Lo que muestra a Centro América,
con 23 asesinatos, como la región más crítica para el periodismo, siendo México con el 11.5% el que lleva la bandera de sangre contra profesionales y medios a nivel global. Efectivamente, la intensidad de la violencia en
México da cuenta, desde el 2008, que un periodista (+) muere o desaparece cada mes (con una frecuencia de 1.13). Chihuahua, Guerrero y Tamaulipas son las regiones más inseguras para los periodistas, donde se comete el 50% de los atentados, mientras que Michoacán es la región con mayor número de desapariciones de periodistas. A este fenómeno de muertes violentas de comunicadores, hay que adjuntar situaciones de amenazas y desapariciones y exilios.
18 DESAPARICIONES FORZADAS. Se han reportado 18 periodistas desaparecidos en México desde el 2003, de los cuales 4 han sido encontrados muertos, de acuerdo a la agencia latinoamericana de información AMENAZAS DE MUERTE.
Al menos, 34 periodistas han sido amenazados de muerte en América Latina: 7 en Honduras; 5 en Colombia; 3 en Perú; 3 en Argentina; 3 en Venezuela; 2 en Ecuador; 2 en Haití y uno en: República Dominicana, Brasil, Argentina, Bolivia y Paraguay. Notando que en la práctica, las muertes de periodistas van precedidas de amenazas, por lo que muchos periodistas se han exiliado.
EXILIADOS DE: Venezuela, G. Zuloaga, R. Poleo y P. Poleo. Nicaragua, S. Gonzáles; México, A. Hernández y Rosa Pérez; Ecuador, E. Palacio y Mary Luz Avendaño.
En la práctica, las amenazas de muerte a los periodistas son mucho más numerosas de lo que pueden recoger las estadísticas, ya que por ejemplo, las Networks del narco-terror se extienden fácilmente desde México hacia
pequeños pueblos en el interior del resto de países centroamericanos, donde constantemente, medios como radio y televisión son amenazados y atacados.

FULGURANTE AGRESION AL PERIODISMO. AMERICAS: DE LA CENSURA A LA AUTOCENSURA
Las muertes, amenazas y desapariciones no son los únicos fenómenos que se producen en Latinoamérica, la realidad muestra que se están desarrollando otros tipos de violencia contra la labor del periodismo independiente.
Analizamos por país esta perspectiva:
MEXICO. AGRESIONES : el 49.03 % de agresiones durante el 2010 y 2011 fueron cometidas por autoridades públicas. Las agresiones pueden ser físicas y verbales, individuales y colectivas contra comunicadores
independientes. SECUESTROS: 4 secuestros en el 2011 donde no se pidió dinero de rescate sino difusión de videos. La Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos ha detectado en e último decenio, más de 600 casos de
quejas por violaciones, sin contar extorsiones, amenazas, secuestros, que provienen tanto del crimen como del aparato estatal. VIOLENCIA CONTRAFAMILIARES: En este período uno de los hechos de mayor impacto
ocurrió el 20 de junio 2011, en Veracruz, cuando fue asesinado Miguel Ángel López Velasco, columnista del periódico Notiver, junto con su hijo Misael López, y su esposa Agustina Solana. VIOLENCIA SIMBOLICA: El 2 de
julio, un grupo de sujetos desconocidos arrojó los cadáveres de dos hombres decapitados a las instalaciones de los periódicos Noroeste y El Debate del puerto de Mazatlán. Dos chicas estudiantes ejecutadas por sus
denuncias sobre narcotráfico en las redes sociales, M- Macías encontrada con su cuerpo desmembrado y su cabeza juto a un teclado y ratón de computadora. 11 ATAQUES A INSTALACIONES: según Artículo 19 se han
perpetrado dos a Vanguardia y uno a: Televisa Piedras Negras; El Norte Suplemento; Radiorama; Canal 9 Multimedios; El Sur; El Sol de Chilpancingo; El Debate; El Noroeste; El Siglo de Torreón.Notando que la
violencia tiene aspectos de guerra, por ejemplo, en mayo 2011 fueron atacadas con granadas a fragmentación las oficinas del periódico La Vanguardia. Cinco reporteros de ese medio decidieron abandonar la ciudad
ante la falta de garantías para su protección.
HONDURAS. Existe evidencia irrefutable de 28 casos de atentados a la prensa en el 2011, remarcables sobre todo por la violencia extrema contra el ejercicio del periodismo IMPUNIDAD ESCANDALOSA: 17 periodistas han sido asesinados en los últimos 20 meses y ningún caso se ha investigado.
AMENAZAS E INTIMIDACIONES: realizadas contra periodistas y editores (y familiares) de: El Heraldo, La Tribuna, Televicentro, Radio Globo, y Globo TV. El problema de las amenazas a periodistas es de tal grado, que ha
debido intervenir la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos con medidas cautelares, en los casos de Aguilar y Gadalmez, por ejemplo.
ATENTADOS: Gabriel Alvarez, hijo de una pareja de periodistas recibió amenazas de muerte.El 23 de mayo Manuel Acosta Medina sufrió un atentado en la ciudad de Tegucigalpa, recibió cuatro impactos de bala y sobrevivió gracias a una oportuna intervención médica. DENEGACION DE JUSTICIA: El 8 de octubre, la empresa Teleunsa interpuso recursos legales ante la Corte Suprema de Justicia por la confiscación del Canal 8. Asimismo, el grupo denunció denegación de justicia en los casos de interferencia de las frecuencias de sus otros dos canales de televisión de parte de un operador privado y de la no inclusión de los mismos de parte de un operador de cable a pesar que la ley los obliga a ello.
BRASIL. 33 AGRESIONES: seis asesinatos, dos intentos de asesinato, dos detenciones, ocho casos de agresión física, seis casos de censura judicial y tres abusos de poder. 3 confiscaciones de equipos. 3 acusaciones de
desacato con multas. SENSURA JUDICIAL: Hace dos años y medio se impuso judicialmente una cessura al diario O Estado de Sao Paulo y al grupo Estado. Un fallo dictado por el juez de apelaciones Dacio Vieira, del
Tribunal de Justicia del Distrito Federal y Territorios, prohibió la publicación por el diario O Estado de S. Paulo, o cualquier otro medio suscrito a los servicios editoriales del grupo O Estado, de informes que contengan información resultante de archivos obtenidos por la Policía Federal de Maranhão sobre supuestas irregularidades de parte del empresario Fernando Sarney, hijo de José Sarney, presidente del Senado y ex presidente de la República, so pena de incurrir en una multa de R $ 150,000 por “cada acto de violación de esta orden judicial”.
COLOMBIA. ATENTADOS: Rodríguez periodista radial, salió ileso de un atentado a bala por su labor periodística. G. Guillén, robo disco duro de 1000 gigas y computador con información sensible. ACCIONES JUDICIALES: en
la actualidad, es muy preocupante la prescripción jurídica de crímenes contra periodistas y el uso de acciones civiles como la tutela y la acción popular, para demandar información sobre reportes judiciales que publican
los medios, a los que la policía entrega datos. Medios demandados por este hecho: El Tiempo, El País, El Colombiano y el Meridiano de Córdoba. Un fallo condenando a Luis González director del Cundinamarca Democrática, 20 meses de prisión y pago de veinte salarios mínimos mensuales, por delito de injuria y calumnia agravada.
VENEZUELA. AGRESIONES: L a libertad de expresión bajo fuego del Estado en un 81%. 113 agresiones directas contra la prensa y 34 radios embargadas. Tres periodistas y la directora de Control Ciudadano R. San Miguel
declarados como ¡objetivo militar!. CONDENAS JUDICIALES: siete procesos contra Globovisión, y por la cobertura de una crisis carcelaria que dejó unos 30 muertos, detienen a su directora, y condena al pago millonario de
2.16 millones de dólares. MECANISMOS DE SENSURA INDIRECTA: abuso de la publicidad oficial para castigar a los supuestos opositores y premiar a los obedientes; se abren procesos intimidatorios sin fundamentos; se
utilizan dineros del Estado para comprar medios independientes. Según el Consejo Nacional de Periodistas sección Zulia, la empresa Zuvisión dejó en la calle a mas de 50 trabajadores cuando tuvo que cerrar, comprado luego por grupos del gobierno igual que Tele N. Descalificación de la oposición con hackers y por Internet. CLAUSURA DE MEDIOS: 32 radios las concesiones fueron clausuradas. Cierre de canal de televisión en Pedraza y cierre de Zuvisión. ATAQUE A INSTALACIONES Y EQUIPOS: canal Anzátegui TV, robo de equipos técnicos del control máster. Canal de TV Vive de Maracaibo atacado a balazos hiriendo a dos periodistas.
PERU. ACOSO Y ACUSACIONES CONTRA LA JUSTICIA: 5 acusaciones, querellas judiciales y condenas contra periodistas por opinar sobre corrupción. 7 casos de periodistas obligados a renunciar a su trabajo por presiones,
censura y amenazas. Condena a tres años de pena privativa de la libertad efectiva y multa al periodista Garay Ramírez por 3500 S/.
GUATEMALA. INTIMIDACIONES: aunque registra en el 2011 un periodista asesinado, las amenazas son incalculables en los pequeños pueblos. Por ejemplo, el director de El Periódico denunció que grupos dedicados al
narcotráfico intentan sobornar a funcionarios y jueces para ser procesado y así acallar sus investigaciones periodísticas.
ARGENTINA. SECUESTROS: 2 en Argentina por cubrir denuncias sobre tráfico humano. ADJUDICACION INDISCRIMINADA DE PUBLICIDAD: según el informe 2011 de la sociedad interamericana de prensa, hasta un 44% de la publicidad destinada al sector, le ha sido adjudicada a un medio dócil al gobierno.
De las adjudicaciones a televisión, un 48% se otorgó a un canal de tercera categoría en audiencia, mientras que un 0,5% al de primera categoría (…).
ATAQUE DIRECTO AL PERIODISMO INDEPENDIENTE: a través de la declaración de interés público de la producción, comercialización y distribución del papel periódico y contenidos, concesión de licencias e instalación de sanciones a medios audiovisuales.
HAITI. DESPIDOS: 5 periodistas despedidos de la Haïti TNH presuntamente, por su postura política contra el presidente. ATAQUE A INSTALACIONES: Incendiada estación de radio comunitaria Tét Ansanm Karis. ACUSADOS Y DETENIDOS: Ernst Joseph y Wolf Duralph de radio Prévention.
CHILE : en los últimos 2 años, Más de 700 han perdido su trabajo en los últimos dos años según la red Bitacoras, así: unos 200 de Canal 13; unos 350 de Copesa; 67 de RedTV; 120 de El Mercurio; 30 de Iberoamericana. 500 periodistas están en cesantía según CIAP-FELAP.
ECUADOR. PROCESOS JUDICIALES: contra 3 directivos y 1 editor de El Universo, tres años de prisión y 40 millones de dólares a favor del presidente Correa. 1 periodista Walter Vite, sentenciado por injurias y
encarcelado y 500 mil dólares. 4 periodistas y 1 director de El Diario demandados penalmente y pago de un millón 500 mil dólares, por publicar noticias de corrupción. ENCARCELADOS: 1 bloguero y 1 camarógrafo.
QUERELLAS: administrativas en contra 1 diario (Hoy), 1 Canal (Ecuavisa) y 5 denuncias contra la revista vistazo. 2 autores C. Zurita y J. Calderón por libro “El Gran Hermano”. Procesados por la administración Correa y pago de 10 millones de dólares. Los 2anteriores tienen: 4 demandas de secretarios del gobierno, piden cinco años de prisión..2 a Franco de El Universo, prisión y 3 000 dólares, y en segunda denuncia pago de 10 millones de dólares. La Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones notificó a 7 estaciones de radio con procesos judiciales por haberse enlazado sin autorización el día de la independencia 10 de Agosto. Fotoperiodista S. DÍaz detenido. Un actor Alberto Cajamarca planteó contra presentadores de canal RTS, demanda indemnización de 40 millones del canal y 10 millones de una reportera y 5 millones por cada uno de los 3 presentadores total 65 millones. AGRESIONES : 1 Peter Tavra, ataque a su vivienda y captura. Ataque a bala a las instalaciones de El Diario de Manta. En Chone, una amenaza de muerte. Eduardo Benítez de Telecosta herido a bala en un brazo. Aquiles Arismendi de La Voz, disparos contra su vehículo junto a su familia y amenaza de muerte. Elena Rodríguez de Telesur pateada en el suelo con traumatismo craneal y amenazada de muerte (Fuente: CIDH).
Un total de 19 medios de comunicación entre periódicos, canales de televisión y otros, han pasado a manos del gobierno. en 2010,hubo 151 agresiones a comunicadores y 156 en el 2011 (Fuente: Fundamedios). En
total los periodistas en Ecuador han sido demandados entre el 2010 y 2011 al pago de más de 127 millones de dólares.
Una propuesta del ejecutivo de reforma al Código Penal dedicada a los periodistas establece 3 años de prisión a la injuria contra una autoridad.
Se introduce una figura penal de responsabilidad de un contenido difundido por un medio de comunicación a los directivos de la empresa que no da a las autoridades el nombre de la persona que hizo la noticia.
CONCLUSIONES: El periodismo se encuentra a fuego cruzado de cuerpos de seguridad del Estado y de grupos armados ilegales, los asesinatos y agresiones a periodistas se presentan en países de tendencia derechista e
izquierdista. Si en la época de la guerra fría el enemigo de los gobiernos eran los ejércitos revolucionarios, actualmente, se está instrumentalizando al periodismo independiente como al nuevo enemigo
interno. En Latinoamérica, cada vez hay más países en los que más medios pasan a manos del Estado, el objetivo es construir una estructura mediática para oficial a la que los gobiernos no tienen que rendir
cuentas. Asesinatos, atentados, amenazas, juicios, agresión a familiares, encarcelamientos e indemnizaciones millonarias han impuesto una censura estratégica que yugula la libre opinión y atenta contra el derecho de la
sociedad a la información. Este macabro contexto en el que se instrumentaliza al miedo está ayudando a que se instale, definitiva y firmemente, la autocensura.
Para Press Emblem Campaign PEC.
Darío Cervantes.

SUMMARY: PEC SPECIAL REPORT ON LATIN AMERICA 2011 
By: Dario Cervantes (PEC board member)
This paper shows that violent deaths are not the unique danger faced by journalists in Latin America. Effective violence is always preceded by direct threats against journalists and their families: killings, enforced
disappearances and terrorist attacks against local and national journalism agencies. But the Latin American context provides a large range of grievances, which goes beyond physical violence, making journalism
activities more critical in a variety of ways, and rising Latin America to the most dangerous region, for freedom of expression, at global level.
VIOLENT DEATHS. According to Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) in 2011, 35 journalists were killed in the region, which means 33% out a total of 107. Implicated countries are Mexico 12; Honduras 6; Brazil 6; Peru 3; and
Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, Dominican R., El Salvador and Venezuela, 1 for each one. There is no doubt, Mexico is globally the most dangerous with 11.5%, besides, since 2008, with a frequency of 1.13
journalists killed or disappeared.
18 ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES, 30 DEATH THREATS AND 8 EXILES. All enforced disappearances correspond to Mexico only, where 4 of them have been found right dead. Death threats concern countries like: Honduras 7; Colombia 5; Peru, Argentina and Venezuela 3 by country; Ecuador 2; Haiti 2; and Dominican R., Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, 1 in each country.
Exiled journalists from: Venezuela 3; Mexico 2; Ecuador 2; Nicaragua 1. In this context it is important to highlight that journalist murders are always preceded by threats and enforced disappearances.
ATTEMPTED MURDERS OF JOURNALISTS. In Honduras, Manuel Acosta received four gunshots and survived thanks to timely medical assistance. In Colombia, Rodriguez escaped a fire attack for his labour as a radio journalist. In Venezuela, two journalists were injured following an attack to TV Vive channel. In Ecuador, following a heavy attack to the daily El Diario, fortunately, no human injury was reported, but, in another case, Eduardo Benitez from Telecosta and A. Arismendi from La Voz were seriously wounded.
ATTACKS ON PRESS FACILITIES. Attacking media facilities seems to be a new way of stifling freedom of expression. With 11 cases, Mexico is on top of the list, where violence has rather aspects of war; i.e. on May 2011, La Vanguardia was attacked with fragmentation weapons. In Mazatlán, unknown people threw beheaded bodies of two men into the premises of the newspapers Noroeste and El Debate. Venezuela with 2 cases is another country where war has shown different forms; i.e. TV Vive channel from Maracaibo was heavily attacked with weapons, two journalists were injured.
In Haiti was burned down a radio station. In Ecuador, the newspaper El Diario from Manta was fired.
THREATS AGAINST JOURNALISTS AND THEIR RELATIVES. This kind of violence is particularly aggressive to intimidate journalists. In Veracruz Mexico, on June of this year, a journalist from the Notiver newspaper was murdered, besides his son and his wife were brutally killed. In Honduras, Gabriel Alvarez, the son of a journalist couple was threatened of death. In Ecuador, Aquiles Arismendi of La Voz radio was furiously fire attacked
while he was with his family.
MASSIVE AGRESSIONS AND INTIMIDATIONS. In Honduras, there are irrefutable evidences of at least 28 cases of attacks against the press. In Brazil the have been 33 aggressions. In Venezuela, 113 direct aggressions, 34
embargoed radios, and 3 journalists and Watch director declared a “military target”. In Chile, more than 700 journalists have been fired from their jobs, about 200 of Channel 13 and about 350 of Copesa (…). In
Colombia, 67 attack on journalists according to FLIP. Ecuador with 156 cases has the aggression record of the continent. In addition, journalists in this country have been sued for the payment of more than 127 million
dollars, and there are 40 millions outstanding a legal process in favour of the President.
OUTRAGEOUS IMPUNITY. In Latin America, there is a widespread climate of impunity, where cases of victims involving journalists and their families are the least investigated ones. In México, impunity reaches 98.5%
according to Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey. In Honduras, 17 journalists have been murdered in the last 20 months and no case has ever been investigated. In Colombia, impunity is part of a rational strategic
construction; there is a strong concern on legal prescription of crimes against journalists, in 2011, eight crime cases have, already, legally prescribed.
ABUSE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. Another challenge is the abuse of legal system from governmental authorities against those whose comments are seen as “political or personal offence” by the regime. In Brazil, judicial censorship is being used against media, emblematic is the case against the O Estado newspaper, in which a judgement prohibits any edition concerning information about the family of
former president Sarney. In Colombia is used “la tutela” to control information from newspapers. In Venezuela 7 court sentences and 32 radios closed down. In Peru 5 legal charges and 7 journalists forced to quit
their job. In Guatemala is normal to bribe judges to prosecute journalists. En Ecuador, 19 media have been shifted to the State. In Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Nicaragua etc. lucrative advertising contracts are awarded to media in recognition of his pro-government editions.
CONCLUSIONS : Journalism finds itself cross fired by State and Non-State actors, and this context is very far to come to an end. Where there have been no death, it has been repression, manipulation and abuse of legal
framework against media. If at the time of the Cold War illegal armed groups were considered enemies by governments, in L.A. nowadays, independent journalism is being, dangerously, manipulated as “the new
internal enemy”. There are more countries where more media pass in government’s hands; additionally huge advertising rewards are being used by some States to build devices in order to put information media under
their absolute control.
END

***19.12.2011. PEC ANNUAL REPORT 2011 - at least 106 JOURNALISTS KILLED IN 2011 // Rapport annuel de la PEC: au moins 106 journalistes tués en 2011 // PEC INFORME: Al menos 106 periodistas asesinados en 2011 (English, French, Spanish, Arabic) (Click left on Ticking clock for details on casualties)

PEC report 2011 (French, Spanish and Arabic below)

At least 106 journalists killed in the course of the year

Geneva, 19 December 2011 (PEC) -- According to the figures registered by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), at least 106 journalists have been killed during the current year in 39 countries -- around 2 every week. The revolutions of the Arab Spring resulted in at least 20 journalists killed.

Compared with 2010 (105 killed), the figure on 18th December shows no improvement - while 2009 was a record year, largely owing to the massacre of 32 journalists in the Philippines in one day, for a total of 122 killed. 91 journalists were killed in 2008 and 115 in 2007.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said that 2011 was a particularly dangerous year for media work because of the coverage of the uprisings in many Arab countries. In addition to the killing of more than 20 journalists during the Arab Spring, more than 100 others were attacked, intimidated, arrested and wounded in countries of the region, including Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.

Mexico, Pakistan most dangerous countries

For the second year in a row, Mexico has been the most dangerous country for media work with 12 journalists killed since January. The raging war between the army and the drug cartels in the north explains this heavy toll in Mexico. The casualties could be higher if figures were known for journalists who were victims of enforced disappearances.

Again for the second year in a row, Pakistan comes in second with 11 journalists killed, the majority of whom were killed on the border with Afghanistan.

Iraq is tied for third place with Libya with 7 journalists killed during the Libyan armed conflict. In these 4 countries are concentrated more than one third (37) of all casualties.

Next come the Philippines with 6 killed, Brazil (6) and Honduras (6), then Yemen with 5 killed followed by Somalia (4), then Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Peru, and Russia with 3 each.

Two journalists died in Bahrain, 2 in Thailand. One was killed in each of the following countries: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Gaza (OPT), Guatemala, Haiti, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uganda, Panama, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

Latin America the most dangerous region

By region, Latin America leads with 35 killed in one year. The situation is worrying. In addition to the killing of journalists, threats and attacks against media and their representatives have increased. Press freedom is threatened in many Latin American countries by government tactics to obtain control of information and to discredit, intimidate and prosecute journalists, all of which leads to self-censorship. Asia (excluding the Middle East) is the second most dangerous region with 30 killed, then the Middle East and North Africa with 28 killed. In Africa (excluding North Africa) 9 journalists were killed, in Europe 4 (3 in Russia and 1 in Ukraine).

One year after the beginning of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, PEC president Hedayat Abdelnabi noted that improvements are very slow in the field and that remnants of the past still prevail in curbing freedom of expression. When young people express thenmselves through social media and internet and flood into the streets in peaceful demonstrations, they are faced with the brutal use of force.

One year later, the security apparatus is still using the tactics of the past, remarked Abdelnabi, and hunting down journalists. As 2011 ends and 2012 starts, says Abdelnabi, impunity must disappear and the rule of law must take precedence over all current conflicting interests. Women journalists in particular paid the highest price when attacked sexually both in Libya and Egypt.

Owing to the gravity and intensity of the situation, the Geneva based NGO with UN consultative status issued 46 press statements and intervened 11 times during the Human Rights Council's discussions this year.

Intentionnaly targeted

Two thirds of the journalists killed, that is some 70 of the total, were intentionally targeted, especially in Latin America. Others were accidentally killed during demonstrations, in fights, in suicide bombings or in mine explosions. There are half a dozen cases worldwide where the causes leading to the death of journalists are still unclear, stressed PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen.

Lempen added that 68 of the fallen journalists were killed in countries experiencing armed conflict, popular uprisings, repression, terrorism and crime. Others were killed in countries where peace prevailed.

Some progress

In view of this serious situation, the PEC warmly applauds the governments and international organizations for their growing awareness that the journalism profession faces growing dangers in totally novel situations.

A number of countries have launched initiatives for the protection of journalists, and a number of conferences have been organized to this effect, notably that of UNESCO in Paris in September, one in Vienna organized by the Austria government in November, and a forthcoming conference organized by Qatar and scheduled for January 2012 in Doha.

In the Amman - Dead Sea forum organized by the Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ), a resounding call echoed throughout the forum for an Arab convention for the protection of journalists, which would draw on the current document circulated as the PEC's December 2007 draft convention.

Rapport annuel de la PEC
Au moins 106 journalistes tués en 2011

Genève (PEC, 19 décembre 2011) - Au moins 106 journalistes ont été tués dans 39 pays en 2011, a affirmé la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) dans son rapport annuel, soit près de deux journalistes par semaine. Les troubles liés au "printemps arabe" ont  été à l'origine d'au moins 20 décès.

Comparativement à 2010 (105 journalistes tués), le chiffre de 2011 (jusqu'au 18 décembre)  ne marque aucune amélioration. En 2007, 115 journalistes avaient été tués, et en 2008 : 91. L'année 2009 avait constitué un record avec 122 journalistes tués (en raison du massacre de 32 journalistes aux Philippines en un seul jour),  selon le décompte de la PEC.

"L'année écoulée a été particulièrement dangereuse pour de nombreux employés des medias, en raison des soulèvements dans plusieurs pays arabes. Au moins 20 journalistes sont morts dans l'exercice de leur métier pendant ces troubles. Une centaine d'autres employés des medias ont été attaqués, harcelés, arrêtés, blessés lors des événements en Egypte, Libye, Syrie, Tunisie et Yémen", a affirmé le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Mexique, Pakistan pays les plus dangereux

Le pays le plus dangereux pour les journalistes est le Mexique, comme l'an dernier, avec au moins 12 victimes depuis janvier. La guerre qui fait rage entre l'armée et les cartels de la drogue dans le nord du pays explique ce bilan très élevé. A noter que le bilan réel pourrait être encore plus lourd dans ce pays, en raison de plusieurs cas de disparition non élucidés.

Le Pakistan a été le deuxième pays le plus meurtrier (comme en 2010), avec 11 tués, principalement dans les zones frontalières de l'Afghanistan.

L'Irak a été le troisième pays le plus dangereux, avec sept morts, en même temps que la Libye, où sept journalistes sont décédés en relation avec le conflit.

Les Philippines sont au 5e rang (six tués),  avec le Brésil (six) et le Honduras (six). Suivent le Yémen (cinq), la Somalie (quatre), puis l'Afghanistan (trois), l'Inde (trois), l'Egypte (trois), la Russie (trois) et le Pérou (trois).

Deux journalistes sont morts au Bahraïn,  et 2 en Thaïlande. Un journaliste a été tué dans chacun des pays suivants: Algérie, Azerbaïdjan, Bolivie, Chine, Colombie, Côte d'Ivoire, Gaza (territoires palestiniens occupés), Guatemala, Haïti, Népal, Nigéria, Ouganda, Panama,  République démocratique du Congo, République dominicaine, Salvador, Sierra Leone, Syrie, Tunisie, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Amérique latine en tête

Par région, l'Amérique latine a été la plus meurtrière, avec 35 journalistes tués en un an. L'évolution y est inquiétante. Outre les assassinats de journalistes, les menaces et attaques à l'encontre de medias se sont multipliées. La liberté de la presse y est menacée dans plusieurs pays par des manoeuvres de gouvernements visant à contrôler l'information en discréditant et intimidant les journalistes, les harcelant sur le plan judiciaire et en les contraignant à l'autocensure.

Suit l'Asie avec 30 tués. Au Moyen-Orient plus l'Afrique du Nord, 28 journalistes sont morts, en raison des troubles dans plusieurs pays arabes. Neuf journalistes ont été tués en Afrique (sans l'Afrique du Nord). En Europe, quatre victimes sont à déplorer (3 en Russie et 1 en Ukraine).

"Un an après le début de la révolution en Tunisie le 17 décembre, les progrès sont très lents sur le terrain et les habitudes du passé continuent de restreindre la liberté de la presse. Les jeunes qui manifestent sur les réseaux sociaux, dans les blogs et dans la rue continuent de se heurter à l'usage de la force", a déclaré la présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi.

"Un an après, l'appareil de sécurité continue d'agir avec les tactiques du passé et de pourchasser les journalistes", a ajouté la présidente de la PEC. Elle a appelé à lutter contre l'impunité et pour le respect de l'Etat de droit en 2012.

Les journalistes femmes ont payé en particulier un prix très lourd lors du "printemps arabe", avec plusieurs cas de violences sexuelles en Egypte et Libye.

Visés intentionnellement

Plus des deux tiers des journalistes (70) ont été visés intentionnellement (pratiquement tous ceux tués en Amérique latine). Les autres sont morts accidentellement lors de manifestations, dans des combats, lors d'attentats à la bombe ou d'explosions de mines. Les causes sont encore incertaines dans une demi-douzaine de cas, a souligné le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Plus des deux tiers des victimes (68) sont mortes dans des pays traversant une période de conflit (guerre ouverte, soulèvements populaires, répression sanglante, terrorisme, criminalité à grande échelle); le reste dans des pays en paix.

Conséquence de cette forte actualité, la PEC a publié cette année un record de 46 communiqués et est intervenue 11 fois lors des débats du Conseil des droits de l'homme à Genève.

Des progrès

La PEC salue une plus grande prise de conscience de gouvernements et des organisations internationales sur le fait que la profession de journaliste est confrontée à des risques accrus et doit bénéficier d'une plus grande protection en raison de la multiplication des conflits.

Plusieurs pays ont lancé des initiatives au cours de l'année écoulée. Des réunions ont eu lieu sur la nécessité de renforcer la sécurité des journalistes, notamment à Paris en septembre, à l'initiative de l'UNESCO, et en novembre à Vienne, organisée par l'Autriche. Une conférence organisée par le Qatar sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones dangereuses est en outre prévue en janvier à Doha.

Lors du forum organisé par le Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) début décembre à Amman (Jordanie), le projet de convention internationale de la PEC a reçu un large soutien.

PEC Informe
Al menos 106 periodistas asesinados en 2011

Ginebra, 19 dic 2011 (PEC). Por lo menos 106 periodistas fueron asesinados en 39 países durante 2001, es decir cerca de dos periodistas por semana, según afirma la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC*) en su informe anual. Los acontecimientos vinculados a la « primavera árabe » fueron la causa de al menos 20 muertes.

En comparación con 2010 (105 periodistas asesinados, hasta el 18 de diciembre)  2011 no muestra mejoria. El año 2009 constituyó un récord con 122 periodistas muertos, en particular debido a la matanza en un solo día de 32 periodistas en Filipinas. En orden decreciente siguen 2007 con 115 y 2008 con 91 periodistas asesinados, según las cifras de la PEC.

«El año transcurrido ha sido particularmente peligroso para numerosos trabajadores de los medios, debido a los levantamientos en países árabes. Al menos 20 periodistas perdieron la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión durante la cobertura de estos acontecimientos. Un centenar de otros empleados de los medios fueron objeto de ataques, acoso, detenciones, o resultaron heridos durante los sucesos en Egipto, Libia, Siria, Túnez y Yemen», ha afirmado el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

México y Pakistán, países de mayor peligrosidad

México es el país de mayor peligrosidad por segundo año consecutivo. Desde el pasado enero, se han reportado por lo menos 12 víctimas mortales. La guerra entre el ejército y los carteles de la droga en el Norte del país son las causantes de este elevado balance. Sin embargo, hay que tener en cuenta que el registro podría incluso ser más pesado a causa de numerosos casos no resueltos de desaparecidos.

Pakistán –al igual que en 2010- es el segundo país más sangriento, con un total de 11 periodistas asesinados, en particular en las zonas fronterizas con Afganistán.

Irak fue el tercer país más peligroso, con siete muertes, junto con Libia, donde siete periodistas murieron en relación con el conflicto.

Le siguen las Filipinas (seis muertos), Brasil (seis), Honduras (seis), Yemen (cinco), Somalia (cuatro), Afganistan (tres), Egipto (tres), India (tres), Rusia (tres) y el Perú (tres).

Dos periodistas murieron en Bahréin, y Tailandia. Un periodista fue asesinado en cada uno de los siguientes países: Argelia, Azerbaidjan, Bolivia, China, Colombia,  Costa de Marfil, Gaza (territorio ocupado por Israel), Guatemala, Haití, Nepal, Nigeria, Nueva Zelanda, Uganda, Panamá, República Democrática del Congo, República Dominicana, El Salvador, Sierra Leona, Siria, Túnez, Ucrania, Venezuela y Vietnam.

América Latina la mas mortifera

Por regiones, América Latina fue la más mortífera en 2011, con 35 periodistas asesinados durante el año. La evolución de la situación es inquietante. Además de los asesinatos de periodistas, se han mutiplicado las amenazas y ataques contra los medios. La libertad de prensa está amenazada en varios países debido a las maniobras de los gobiernos tendientes a controlar la información mediante el descrédito y la intimidación de los periodistas, el acoso sobre el plano judicial y el obligarlos a la autocensura.

Seguidamente viene Asia, con 30 asesinados. En el Medio Oriente y en África del Norte, respectivamente, 28 periodistas han muerto a causa de los disturbios en numerosos países árabes. Finalmente, nueve periodistas fueron asesinados en África (a excepción de África del Norte). En Europa, cuatros asesinatos en total, de ellos tres en Rusia y uno en Ucrania.

« Un año después del inicio de la revolución en Túnez el 17 de diciembre, el progreso ha sido lento sobre el terreno y los hábitos del pasado siguen restringiendo la libertad de expresión. Los jóvenes que se expresan a través de las redes sociales, en los “blogs” y en las calles continúan enfrentándose al uso de la fuerza », afirmó la presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi.

«Un año después, el aparato de seguridad ha continuado haciendo uso de los métodos del pasado y persiguiendo a los periodistas », ha añadido la presidenta de la PEC, quien – además- ha exhortado a luchar contra la impunidad y por el respeto del Estado de derecho en el 2012.

Las mujeres periodistas en particular han pagado un precio muy pesado en la « primavera árabe », durante la cual fueron objeto de numerosos casos de violencia sexual en Egipto y Libia.

Como consecuencia de esta gran actualidad, la PEC ha publicado este año un récord de 46 comunicados y ha intervenido en 11 ocasiones en los debates del Consejode Derechos Humanos en Ginebra.

Ataques dirigidos

Más de dos tercios de los periodistas (70) fueron atacados intencionalmente (casi todos los muertos en América Latina). Los otros murieron accidentalmente durante manifestaciones, en combates, en ocasión de atentados suicidas o de explosiones de minas. Las causas de una docena de casos todavía siguen siendo inciertas, según subrayó el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

Más de dos tercios de las víctimas (68) murieron en países que atraviesan un período de conflictos (guerra, levantamientos populares, represión sangrienta, terrorismo, criminalidad a gran escala) y el resto en países en condiciones de paz.

Progresos

La PEC saluda una mayor toma de conciencia por parte de gobiernos y organizaciones internacionales sobre el hecho de que la profesión de periodista se enfrenta a riesgos mayores y debe beneficiarse de una mayor protección en razón de la multiplicación de los conflictos.

En el último año varios países han puesto en marcha iniciativas. Se han celebrado reuniones sobre la necesidad de reforzar la seguridad de los periodistas, en especial la que tuvo lugar en Paris el pasado septiembre, a iniciativa de la UNESCO, y otra en noviembre en Viena, organizada por Austria. Una tercera conferencia, auspiciada por Qatar sobre la protección de los periodistas en las zonas peligrosas está prevista para efectuarse en Doha, en enero de 2012.

A principios de diciembre, el proyecto de convención internacional que patrocina la PEC ha recibido un amplio apoyo en ocasión de un foro organizado por el Centro para la Defensa de la Libertad de los Periodistas (CDFJ*) en Amman, Jordania.

(*) Siglas en inglés

تقرير حملة الشارة السنوي

106 ضحايا النزاعات من الصحفيين

جنيف-القاهرة 19 ديسمبر (حملة الشارة) – أعلنت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي أنه طبقاً للأرقام التي رصدتها فإن 106 من الصحفيين قد قتلوا في عام 2011 في 39 دولة بمعدل 2 من الصحفيين في الأسبوع. و كان عدد القتلى من الصحفيين في دول الربيع العربي 20 على الأقل.

و بالمقارنة بالأرقام التي رصدت حتى 15 ديسمبر من قبل حملة الشارة فلا يوجد تحسن يذكر في حماية الصحفيين، بينما قفز العدد في 2009 إلى 122 من الصحفيين بسبب مذبحة الفلبين الذي قتل فيها في يوم واحد أو ربما خلال ساعة واحدة 32 من الصحفيين، و قتل 91 في 2008 و توقف العدد في 2007 عند 115 من الصحفيين. 

و صرح سكرتير عام الحملة بليز ليمبان أن سنة 2011 كانت سنة خطيرة للغاية فيما يتعلق بالتغطية الإعلامية بسبب اعتقال الصحفيين في عدد من دول الربيع العربي فضلاً عن مقتل أكثر من 20 في تغطية هذه الأحداث و مشيرا إلى أن مائة صحفي على الأقل واجهوا الترهيب و التخويف و هوجمت الصحفيات و تحرشن بهن جنسياً و بصفة خاصة في ليبيا و مصر.   

و يعد يومين من إحياء الذكرى الأولى للثورة التونسية، التي الهبت الوجدان و عقول الشباب في العالم العربي و دفعتهم إلى الثورة، صرحت رئيسة حملة الشارة هدايت عبد النبي بأن ما يطرأ من تحسن في الميدان في المنطقة العربية بطئ بطئ و أن فلول العقود السابقة مازالت تقود حرية الرأي و التعبير حين يلجأ الشباب إلى مظاهرات سلمية فيواجهون باستخدام وحشي و مفرط للقوة. 

و أضافت عبد النبي أن الأجهزة الأمنية لازالت تعمل بعقيلة العقود السابقة و تقوم بصيد الصحفيين.

و قالت أنه و نحن ننهي عام 2011، عام الثورات العربية، و نبدأ عاما جديداً، فلابد من التخلص من عدم تقديم مرتكبي الجرائم ضد الصحفيين للمحاكمة و يجب أن نرى حكم سيادة القانون يعتلي على كل مصالح متضاربة و دول الربيع العربي تبدأ في عملية إعادة البناء إلى دول حديثة من عقود أتت عليها.

و بسبب خطورة الموقف بالنسبة للصحفيين اذاعت الحملة الدولية 46 بيانا و أدلت بـ 11 بيانا في مجلس حقوق الإنسان هذا العام.

المكسيك تظل الخطر للسنة الثانية على التوال

و رصدت حملة الشارة إلى أن المكسيك هي أخطر دولة في العالم للسنة الثانية على التوالي بسقوط 12 من الصحفيين بسبب الحرب الضروس بين الجيش و كارتلات المخدرات و قد تكون الأرقام أعلى لو أن هناك رصداً لعدد الصحفيين الذين اختفوا بشكل قسري.

و مرة ثانية و للسنة الثانية على التوال جاءت باكستان في المرتبة الثانية بسقوط 11 صحفياً في منطقة الحدود مع أفغانستان.

و جاءت العراق في المرتبة الثالثة و ليبيا بسقوط في كل منهما 7 صحفيين قتلا، و في حالة ليبيا قتلوا خلال النزاع المسلح الأخير.

و في هذه الدول الأربعة مجتمعة قتل على الأقل ثلث عدد الصحفيين ضحايا العمل الصحفي هذا العام بواقع 37 من بين الـ 105.   

و قتل في الفلبين 6 و في البرازيل 5 و في هندوراس 6 و في اليمن 5 ثم في أفغانستان 3 و في الصومال 4 و في مصر 3 و في بيرو 3 

و قتل 2 من الصحفيين في البحرين و تايلاند و صحفي واحد في كل من: الجزائر، أذربيجان، بوليفيا، الصين، كولومبيا، كوت ديفوار، غزة، جواتيمالا، هايتي، نيبال، نيجيريا، أوغندا، بنما، جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية، جمهورية الدومينكان، السلفادور، سيراليون، سوريا، تونس، أوكرانيا، فنزويلا و فيتنام.

  
أمريكا اللاتينية تتصدر أكثر المناطق خطورة

و تشير الأرقام أن أكثر 7 دول خطرة قتل فيها 53 من الصحفيين أي أكثر من نصف الرقم العالمي، و سقط في أمريكا اللاتينية 35، و في آسيا 30، و في الشرق الأوسط و شمال إفريقيا 28، و في إفريقيا بدون شمال إفريقيا 8، و في أوروبا 4 من بينهم 3 في روسيا و واحد في أوكرانيا. 

و يذكر أن ثلثي الصحفيين الذين قتلوا سقطوا في حوادث مرتبطة باستهدافهم وهم يقومون بتغطية حدث صحفي أي نحو 70 من الصحفيين. 

و في مصر استهدفت عيون المصورين الصحفيين في شارع محمد محمود بالقاهرة المعروف اليوم بشارع عيون الحرية في نوفمبر 2011. 

 
بعض التقدم

تهيب حملة الشارة باهتمام متزايد من قبل الحكومات و المنظمات الدولية للأخطار المتزايدة ضد الصحفيين، و أن نوعية الأخطار جديدة و متنوعة في مواجهة آلة القمع.

و أيدت عدد من الدول المبادرات المطروحة لحماية الصحفيين كما عقد عدد من المؤتمرات منها مؤتمر باريس لليونسكو في سبتمبر، و مؤتمر في فيينا نظمته الحكومة الاسترالية في نوفمبر، فيما يعقد في الدوحة بقطر اجتماعا في يناير 2012 في نفس الاتجاه. 

و في عمان – البحر الميت بالأردن عقد منتدى المدافعين عن حرية الاعلام في العالم العربي حيث دوت كلمات الدعم لمعاهدة عربية لحماية الصحفيين و تستفيد من الوثيقة التي وزعتها حملة الشارة و هي مشروع معاهدة دولية لحماية الصحفيين وزعت على الحكومات في ديسمبر 2007.



و صرح نضال منصور المدير التنفيذي لمركز حماية و حرية الصحفيين، بأنه يؤيد فكرة الشارة المعترف بها دولياً و التوصل إلى معاهدة دولية لحماية الصحفيين.

بينما أعرب مدير البرامج بالمركز فتح منصور عن ضرورة تشكيل تحالف دولي لمساندة جهود شارة الصحفي من أجل التوصل إلى معاهدة دولية لحماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح و ظروف أخرى خطرة. 

لمزيد من المعلومات رجاء تصفح إلكترونيا موقع حملة الشارة  

***02.12.2011. SYRIA. PEC written statement at the 18th special session of the UN Human Rights Council (English, French, Spanish) - see Human Rights documents A/HRC/18/NGO/57

General Assembly - Human Rights Council - 18th special session

Insure the security of journalists during civil unrests in the Syrian Arab Republic

Last August, at the 17th special session of the Human Rights Council, Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) requested the Syrian authorities to grant immediate access to the country to any foreign journalist wanting to carry out an assignment on the country's territory. Today, PEC deeply regrets that his call has been ignored by the Syrian government, in violation of international standards subscribed to by the Syrian Arab Republic.

More than three months later, PEC notes that the situation of press freedom has deteriorated in Syria. As the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (IICI) point out[1] that «A number of journalists and web activists claimed they had been detained and tortured for reporting on demonstrations.» PEC holds information on threats, arrests and torture during interrogation, committed against employees of international media in Syria. The family members of some of them were subjected to threats and reprisals.

Last November 20, was found in Al-Qasir the mutilated and lifeless body of Ferzat Jarban, a freelance Syrian cameraman. PEC condemns in the strongest terms this deliberated killing.

Cases of disappearances have been reported among journalists and media. PEC calls upon the IICI to further investigate these cases to clarify their fate and to prosecute those responsible.

This case demonstrates once again the need for a new international instrument that provides greater protection for journalists and their staff.

PEC supports the recommendation addressed by the IICI to the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic[2] to ensure full access for media and allow both national and international journalists to cover the events in the country without harassment or intimidation;

PEC demands that those responsible for violations of freedoms and rights of journalists be brought to justice and that the victims and the members of their families be entitled to reparation.

 
[1] A/HRC/S-17/2/Add.1 par.56[2] Ibid, par. 112(h)

SYRIE. Déclaration écrite de la PEC à la 18e session spéciale du Conseil des droits de l'homme

Assemblée générale - Conseil des droits de l'homme - 18e session spéciale

Assurer la sécurité des journalistes au cours des violences en Syrie

En août dernier, à l'occasion de la 17e session spéciale du Conseil des droits de l'homme, la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) a demandé aux autorités syriennes de donner immédiatement accès au pays à tout
journaliste étranger désireux de couvrir les événements. Aujourd'hui, la PEC regrette profondément que cet appel ait été ignoré par le gouvernement syrien, en violation des obligations internationales acceptées par la
République arabe syrienne.

Plus de trois mois plus tard, la PEC note que la situation de la liberté de la presse s'est encore détériorée en Syrie. Comme la Commission internationale d'enquête l'a affirmé: "un certain nombre de journalistes
et de militants sur le web ont indiqué avoir été détenus et torturés pour avoir diffusé des informations sur les manifestations".

La PEC a reçu des informations sur des menaces, arrestations et tortures pendant les interrogatoires, commis contre des employés locaux des médias internationaux. Les membres de la famille de certains d'entre eux ont été harcelés et menacés de représailles.

Le 20 novembre dernier, le corps mutilé sans vie du cameraman freelance syrien Ferzat Jarban a été retrouvé à Al-Qasir. La PEC condamne dans les termes les plus vifs cet assassinat. D'autres cas de disparition ont été
rapportés parmi des journalistes et employés des médias.

La PEC demande à la Commission d'enquête internationale de poursuivre son enquête sur ces cas de disparition afin de clarifier leur sort et de poursuivre les responsables en justice. Ces cas démontrent une fois encore
la nécessité d'élaborer un nouvel instrument international renforçant la protection des journalistes et des employés des medias.

La PEC exprime son soutien à la recommandation de la Commission d'enquête faite au gouvernement de Damas d'assurer le plein accès des medias et de permettre aux journalistes nationaux et étrangers de couvrir les
événements dans le pays sans subir d'entraves et de menaces. La PEC demande que les responsables de violations des droits des journalistes soient traduits en justice et que les victimes ainsi que les membres de
leur famille obtiennent réparation.

Garantizar la seguridad de los periodistas durante la violencia en Siria

El pasado agosto, en ocasión de la 17a sesión especial del Consejo de Derechos Humanos, la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (*) pidió a las autoridades sirias que permitieran el acceso inmediato al país de todo periodista extranjero interesado en cubrir los acontecimientos en ese país. Hoy, la PEC lamenta profundamente que el Gobierno sirio haya ignorado este llamamiento, en franca violación de las obligaciones internacionales
aceptadas por la República árabe de Siria.

Más de tres meses después de ese llamamiento, la PEC ha notado que la situación de la libertad de prensa en Siria continúa deteriorándose. Asimismo, recuerda y cita las afirmaciones hechas por la Comisión
internacional de investigación: “Un cierto número de periodistas y de militantes han indicado sobre la WEB haber sido detenidos y torturados por haber difundido informaciones sobre las manifestaciones”.

La PEC ha recibido informaciones de amenazas, arrestos y torturas durante los interrogatorios, que han sido cometidas contra empleados locales de medios internacionales. Los miembros de la familia de algunos de ellos
fueron hostigados y amenazados con represalias.

El 20 de noviembre último, fue hallado en Al-Qazir el cuerpo mutilado y sin vida del camarógrafo independiente sirio Ferzat Jarban. La PEC condena en los términos más severos este asesinado. Asimismo recuerda que otros
casos de desapariciones de periodistas y empleados de los medios han sido también reportados.
La Campaña pide a la Comisión internacional de investigación que prosiga su encuesta sobre estos casos de desapariciones a fin de esclarecer la suerte de estos periodistas y de llevar a los responsables ante la
justicia. Estos casos demuestran una vez más la necesidad de elaborar un nuevo instrumento internacional que refuerce la protección de los periodistas y de los empleados de los medios.
La PEC expresa su apoyo a la recomendación hecha por la Comisión de investigación al Gobierno de Damasco de asegurar el pleno acceso de los medios y de permitir a los periodistas nacionales e internacionales la
cobertura de los acontecimientos en el país sin que sean objeto de obstrucción y de amenazas. La PEC demanda que los responsables de violaciones a los derechos de los periodistas sean llevados ante la
justicia y que las víctimas, así como los miembros de sus familias, obtengan una compensación.

***25.11.2011. PEC statement. PEC strongly condemns sexual assaults on women journalists in Egypt (read also on page PRESS, OTHER NEWS)

Geneva/Cairo, November 25 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner attacks against women journalists including sexual harassment and calls for an urgent enquiry in those attacks with the goal of bringing the perpetrators to justice and paying compensation to the victims.
The PEC, a Geneva based NGO with special UN consultative status, expresses its horror at the detailed narration of Egyptian-American journalist Mona Al Tahawi of the assault on her by security forces that included sexual harassment.
According to Al Tahawi both her hands were broken and she was thrown on the ground by several security forces for a final sexual assault, she escaped this demeaning criminal act by standing up again.
Then she was detained for hours and hours with no medical help. She appeared Thursday with the renowned Egyptian anchorman Yosri Fouda where she went into the details of the crime.
Another French TV journalist, a woman Caroline Sinz, was sexually attacked, but saved by the young demonstrators who took her to safe haven in a nearby apartment and barricaded the entrance to protect her, under intense shock.
The PEC says this must stop immediately and an immediate enquiry must be in place on specifically attacks against women journalists and a wider enquiry on the attacks against journalists covering the demonstrations against the military council in Egypt.
The PEC calls upon all media parties to be involved in this urgent enquiry and is ready to be part of it.

***21.11.2011. PEC statement. PEC expresses solidarity with the Egyptian journalists and calls for an independent enquiry (Arabic and Spanish below) 

PEC expresses solidarity with the Egyptian journalists 

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) expresses its strong solidarity with the Egyptian journalists covering the serious unfoldoing extreme dangerous situation. 

Horror stories have been reported by the members of the board of the Egyptian Syndicate of journalists among those stories that are  unimaginable event whereby journalist Sarhan Sennara, working for  one of the leading government newspaper,  ALAKHBAR, was stripped off his clothes by an identified group, assaulted with bad language then taken to custody for a couple of hours. The Chairman of the Syndicate of Egyptian journalists Mamdouh Al Wali told the PEC that Sennara was crying on the phone after his release. Al Wali said Sennara was crying out of shame of what happened to him. It is not known yet what took place between stripping him off his clothes, taking him to custody and his release.  
 
So far the number of journalists that were injured comes close to 14, a photo journalist, Ahmad Abdel Fatah, from Al Masry Al Youm, a leading independent newspaper, was shot by snipers in the right eye. 
 
Whether the figure is a dozen or 14, reports indicate that Journalists were targeted to obstruct their mission from being witnesses to the tragic events.  

The PEC believes that Egypt's obligations under international law and its signature on international conventions obligates it to respect freedom of opinion and expression according to article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
 
The Geneva based NGO, with special UN consultative status, calls for an urgent neutral independent inquiry with results made public as soon as possible.

Alaa Al Atar, a board member of the syndicate of journalists, told the PEC that the board held an emergency meeting this morning and has formed an emergency operation room.   

Egypt, says the PEC, is in a dangerous crossroad, it is a must that basic human rights be protected and respected, at the forefront of those rights is the basic human right to life.

The PEC re-states its position that the developments of the Arab Spring and the media casualties is a solid proof of the validity of its call for an international convention to protect journalists in conflict zones, dangerous situations, civil unrest such as peaceful demonstrations like those taking place currently in Egypt and Syria while being crushed by the excessive unjustified use of force. 

The indiscriminate attacks on Saturday and on Sunday in Tahrir square and in Alexandria and elsewhere in Egypt prooves the PEC position on the protection of journalists.

Since January, 95 journalists were killed, according to the PEC, among them more than 22 in the "Arab spring".  

حملة الشارة تتضامن مع الصحفيين المصريين

جنيف في 21 نوفمبر 2011 – أعلنت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي و مقرها جنيف تضامنها الكامل مع الصحفيين المصريين في هذه الظروف الصعبة التي يقومون فيها بتغطية أحداث خطيرة للغاية تعرضهم لأخطار كبيرة.

و طبقا لحملة الشارة و نقلاً عن نقيب الصحفيين المصريين ممدوح الولي فقد تعرض سرحان سناره الصحفي بالأخبار إلى نزع ملابسه كاملا من قبل مجموعة غير معروفة ثم اعتقل لعدة ساعات و تلقى اهانات بالغة و بكى بعد الافراج عنه في مكالمه هاتفية مع الولي. و طبقاً للولي في محادثة هاتفية مع الحملة فإنه ليس معروفاً بالضبط ملابسات ما حدث ما بين نزع ملابسه فاعتقاله فالإفراج عنه.

و طبقا للأرقام المبدئية لنقابة الصحفيين فقد تعرض نحو 14 صحفياً و صحفية لإصابات مختلفة و من بينهم أحمد عبد الفتاح مصور المصري اليوم الذي فقد عينه اليمنى.

و طبقاً لشهود في مناطق المظاهرات سواء ميدان التحرير أو الإسكندرية أو منطقة قناة السويس فإن الاعتداءات على الحصفيين كانت تستهدف عملهم و منعهم من التغطية كشهود على انتهاكات جسمية.

و قالت المنظمة من جنيف أن لدى مصر التزامات دولية تتطلب احترام حرية الرأي و التعبير و احترام المادة 19 من الاعلان العالمي لحقوق الانسان. 

و طالبت الحملة الدولية بتحقيق فوري و سريع و شفاف في هذه الأحداث و أن تعلن نتائجه في أقرب وقت.

و صرح علاء العطار، عضو مجلس نقابة الصحفيين، أن مجلس النقابة برئاسة الولي اعقد اجتماعاً طارئاً صباح اليوم من أجل الاتفاق على الخطوات الضرورية لحماية الصحفيين.   

و قالت الحملة الدولية في بيانها العاجل اليوم أن مصر في منعطف خطير و أنه لابد لها من احترام حقوق الانسان و حمايتها و أن في مقدمة هذه الحقوق هو حق الحياة.

و أكدت الحملة في بيانها أن تطورات الربيع العربي و الاصابات الخطيرة بين الصحفيين و الاعلاميين تؤكد من جديد صحة موقف الحملة من ضرورة التوصل الى معاهدة دولية لحماية الصحفي و العمل الإعلامي في حالات تغطية المظاهرات السلمية و الحروب و الظروف الخطيرة في مواجهة استخدام القوة المفرطة غير المبررة مثلما يحدث في مصر و الأحداث المستمرة في سوريا.

و طبقا للحملة الدولية فإن 95 من الصحفيين قد قتلوا منذ بداية العام و بينهم على الأقل 22 في ثورات الربيع العربي.   
  

PEC-EGIPTO

PEC se solidariza con los periodistas egipcios y pide una investigación independiente

Ginebra/Cairo (PEC, nov 21) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC*) expresa su firme solidaridad con los periodistas egipcios que cubren el desarrollo de tan extremadamente grave situación en el país.

Historias de terror han sido reportadas por miembros de la junta directiva del Sindicato Egipcio de periodistas, entre las cuales resalta un hecho tan insólito como lo ocurrido al periodista Sarhan Sennara, de uno de los principales periódicos del país, Al Akhbar, y quien fuera despojado de sus ropas por un grupo identificado, asaltado con insultos y retenido durante un par de horas.

El Presidente del Sindicato de Periodistas egipcios, Mamdouh Al Wali, dijo a la PEC que después de su liberación, Sennara estaba llorando en el teléfono. Según Al Wali,  “Sennara lloraba llorando de vergüenza por lo que le sucedió”. No se sabe aún con exactitude lo ocurrido en el tiempo transcurrido entre el quitarle la ropa, tomarle en  custodia y su puesta en libertad.

Hasta el momento, el número de periodistas que han resultado heridos se acerca a los 14. El fotógrafo Ahmad Abdel Fatah, del diario independiente As Masry Al Youm, fue alcanzado en el ojo derecho por disparos de francotiradores. Según las informaciones, los periodistas han devenido objetivos a eliminar a fin de impedir que sean testigos de los trágicos acontecimientos en curso.

La organización no gubernamental, radicada en Ginebra y con estatuto consultivo en la ONU, pide una investigación urgente, neutral e  independiente, cuyos resultados se den a conocer lo antes posible.

La PEC cree que las obligaciones contraídas por Egipto bajo las leyes internacionales y  la firma de las convenciones internacionales, lo obliga a respetar la libertad de opinion y de expresión, de acuerdo con el artículo 19 de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos.

Alaa Al Atar, un miembro de la junta del sindicato de  periodistas, dijo a la  PEC que la Junta celebró una reunión de emergencia esta mañana, en la cual se decidió formar una sala de operaciones de emergencia.

Egipto se encuentra en una encrucijada peligrosa y es imprescindible que  los derechos humanos básicos sean protegidos y respetados, y por encima de todos el derecho a la vida, afirma la Campaña Emblema de Prensa.

La PEC reafirma su posición de que los acontecimientos de la primavera árabe y las víctimas los medios de comunicación constituyen una prueba contundente de la validez de su petición de una convención internacional para proteger a los periodistas en zonas de conflicto, situaciones peligrosas, disturbios civiles, así como manifestaciones pacíficas similares a las que que tienen lugar actualmente en Egipto y Siria, al mismo tiempo que advierte que éstas podrían  ser aplastadas por el uso excesivo de la fuerza.

Los ataques indiscriminados, del sábado y el domingo últimos en la plaza Tahrir y en Alejandría y en otras partes de Egipto refuerza la posición de la PEC sobre la necesidad de dar protección a los periodistas.

Finalmente, la PEC subraya el hecho de que desde enero, 95 periodistas fueron asesinados, entre ellos más de 22 en la "primavera árabe".  

***17.11.2011. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes Vienna Expert Consultations on „Safety of Journalists: Towards a more effective international protection framework” 23 November 2011, Austrian Foreign Ministry

The Vienna consultations will discuss an Austrian non-paper on "Safety of Journalists: Towards a more effective international protection framework". The PEC warmly welcomes this initiative among others and will take part in the meeting. According to the Austrian non-paper:

"There is a worldwide increase in attacks against journalists. In most cases, these are a direct response to critical reporting, in particular on issues like organised crime, drug trafficking, environmental questions,
human rights violations and corruption. Local journalists are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Many are threatened, detained or forced to leave their country, but it is the increase in targeted killings of journalists
that is of particular concern.
According to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of
opinion and expression, 81% of journalists who lost their life while on duty are victims of targeted killings. While there are particular risks for journalists reporting in conflict zones, a high percentage of targeted
killings occurrs outside of the context of conflicts. The Special Rapporteur highlighted in his 2010 report to the General Assembly, for instance, the Philippines, Somalia, Iraq, Pakistan, Mexico and the Russian
Federation as countries with the highest number of casualties.

International Protection Framework

It is widely acknowledged that there is no legal gap for the protection of journalists at the international level. There are, however, serious shortcomings in the implementation of universally accepted international
standards and norms, in particular at the national level.
Experts, and journalists themselves, caution against the qualification of journalists as a „vulnerable group“ and
against granting a specific status to journalists (such as that, e.g., of refugees). Measures such as stricter
requirements for formality, status (e.g. registration) and visibility (e.g. specific symbols) could compromise their
protection. In addition to human rights norms, which apply in all situations, journalists in armed conflicts enjoy
the full protection of international humanitarian law, as they are considered civilians.

From both a human rights perspective as well as a democratic and rule of law point of view, attacks against journalists are an especially deplorable form of violence. Independent reporting of journalists is an
essential requirement for the freedom of the media, which is considered a corner-stone of any democratic state based on the rule of law. Each state has a clear duty to protect journalists, which includes a guarantee to enable them to exercise their work independently without any interference, as well as to ensure access to information. This obligation applies in conflict as well as in times of peace. Measures to limit the freedom of
the press can only be taken in strict accordance with human rights standards.

Efforts to improve the protection of journalists are presently ongoing in various international as well as
regional fora. The OSCE, in particular, is currently preparing a draft Decision on the safety of journalists to be
adopted by the Ministerial Council.

Impunity

Impunity for those responsible for attacks constitutes the biggest obstacle for the effective protection of journalists. 94% of reported cases of abuse remain unresolved. Moreover, the situation of freelance
journalists is especially problematic, because they usually lack institutional backing.

It is important to continue to call for swift and independent investigations into attacks in accordance with international standards. To put an end to impunity is the most effective way to guarantee the safety
of journalists. The Human Rights Council and its mechanisms play an essential role in this respect. International criminal courts and tribunals, such as the ICC, also have a responsibility in this context.

Prevention

The overarching goal is the prevention of attacks against journalists. At the national level it is crucial to raise awareness for the protection of journalists, in particular in training programmes of the police and the
military. This also includes the question of how to deal with non-state actors. The prevention of violations must also include the establishment of early warning mechanisms. Existing models for protection schemes for
human rights defenders can be used in this respect. In order to prevent violations against journalists it is important to call on states to amend laws which unduly limit freedom of expression and the media. The
development of „model legislations” in the area of press freedom would contribute to greater coherence in the implementation of international obligations.

Effective protection of journalists can only be ensured in a sustainable way through democratic institutions and adherence to the rule of law. Technical assistance in the development of these institutions is
essential, and so is support for civil society, especially through development assistance.

Self-Protection and strengthening the existing legal framework

Physical attacks against media professionals are never justified. Professional standards and ethics such as the Principles for the Conduct of Journalists, are designed to guide journalists in their work with a view to preventing and dissipating hostilities. In cases of conflict situations, adequate preparation through specific training by media companies themselves is of highest importance. However, limited resources and capacities can become a problem for the implementation of such standards, particularly in the context of less developed countries. A number of media companies have also developed guidelines to strengthen the protection of journalists in conflict situations.
Consolidation of existing standards and guidelines, as well as concrete measures to promote them, may be necessary. Many open questions remain with regard to the protection for what is generally referred to as „citizen journalists“, which are not affiliated with any media company. Discussions should explore the options how best to approach this issue in the international context.

The Protection of Journalists and the United Nations System

Security Council Resolution 1738 lays out a set of measures to protect journalists in armed conflict situations. The Council’s call on states and other parties to a conflict to prevent attacks against journalists and to
prosecute those responsible for these attacks has to be more vigorously enforced. The UN Secretary-General reports on the protection of journalists in the framework of his regular reports on the protection of
civilians. In his latest report of November 2010, he highlighted the important role the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms have to play in strengthening the protection of journalists.

The protection of journalists is of concern to a number of special procedures of the Human Rights Council. The work of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression is particularly relevant: States should pay high attention to his recommendations on how the
protection of journalists can be enhanced. In particular, his recommendation to develop UN guidelines for the
protection of journalists should be pursued further. In addition, coordination within the UN system has to be further strengthened. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should play a more
pivotal role in this respect.

The protection of journalists is a key element in the work of UNESCO, where important initiatives have been introduced and implemented (e.g. the Medellin Declaration, and regular public statements by the Director
General of UNESCO on individual cases). Overall, synergies between the human rights component of the UN, its field presences and the work of UNESCO need to be harnessed more effectively.

The Protection of Journalists: A concern for Austria

In the framework of its membership in the UN Human Rights Council 2011-2014, Austria intends to pursue these issues together with partners from civil society, governments, and international organizations, taking
into account experiences of journalists and media representatives.

In order to move this agenda forward, Austria is planning a one day expert consultation in Vienna towards the end of November 2011. This workshop aims at gathering a number of eminent experts to discuss the international and regional legal framework guiding the protection of journalists and its implementation at national level. Topics to be addressed shall include the fight against impunity, preventive measures, the role of citizen
journalists and successful best practice examples.

Participants will be independent experts, representatives of UN organizations (e.g. UNESCO, OHCHR), regional organizations and bodies (Council of Europe, OSCE, European Union Fundamental Rights Agency) as
well as a of a number of states and civil society organizations representing journalists and / or paying particular attention to the issue of press freedom and the protection of journalists.

As a result, we expect operational recommendations on how the protection of journalists can be strengthened. Particular attention shall be given to the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council. Subsequently, the results will be introduced into activities in the framework of the Human Rights Council as well as into the UN
system as a whole".

Vienna, September 2011.

***07.10.2011. The PEC congratulates Tawakkol Karman for the Nobel Peace Prize

Geneva (PEC), Oct 7 - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) heartily congratulates Yemeni journalist Tawakkol Karman for winning this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

The award which was bestowed on Tawakkol Karman (photo) as well as two other prominent women Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and women’s rights activist Leyna Gbowee is a tribute to the Arab revolutions and the continuing revolution in Yemen. 

Karman in her first reaction said that the dedication of the award to her is honoring those who sacrificed their lives for freedom of opinion and expression and those who were injured during the current unfolding revolution. 

She added that she will continue her struggle until the Yemeni regime is overthrown. 

Karman's struggle as a journalist and as a political activist goes back to 2007 in staunch opposition to the current Yemeni regime. She heads the human rights group “Women Journalists without Chains”.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi, said that while rejoicing that the first Arab woman and journalist has been dedicated the Nobel award, she reminds the Yemeni government and all governments and holders of power in the region that repression will not work and that freedom of opinion and expression will prevail. 

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen on this historic occasion reminds the world of the vital role journalists play to safeguard the tenants of democracy. In many cases they are harassed, intimidated and killed. He adds that so far 79 journalists were killed in 2011, among them 3 in Yemen.  

Korman represents the struggle of all journalists in the  world and what makes it extremely significant is that the Nobel committee before the world recognized that vital role in bestowing the award to her, said the PEC.  
The PEC believes that the Nobel award going to a woman journalist with an outstanding struggle to put the rule of law in place gratifies the 7-year efforts of the PEC, which are still continuing in full force, to  protect journalists in dangerous and conflict situations.

As an active woman journalist, Korman has achieved a dual victory by not only honoring the profession by being at the center of the struggle but also a woman leading the news of the day. 

This June, the PEC bestowed its annual award to the Tunisian journalists, a Libyan NGO and the Egyptian bloggers for honoring their vital role in the Arab Spring and the success of the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.  

حملة الشارة الدولية تهنئ توكل كارمان بجائزة نوبل للسلام 

 
هنأت اليوم بحرارة بالغة الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي و هي منظمة غير حكومية معتمدة لدى الأمم المتحدة و مقرها جنيف الصحفية و الناشطة السياسية اليمنية توكل كارامان بحصولها على جائزة نوبل للسلام  

 
و قالت الحملة في بيانها أن حصول الصحفية اليمنية على جائزة نوبل هو تكريم للثورات العربية و الثورة اليمنية
 

و في أول رد فعل لها أهدت كارمان جائزتها لشهداء الثورة اليمنية و المصابين في الثورة المستمرة من الذين ضحوا بكل ما عندهم من أجل حرية الرأي و التعبير.

و صرحت رئيسة الحملة الدولية هدايت عبد النبي أنها في الوقت الذي تشعر بالسعادة لحوصل كارمان بالجائزة الأكثر شهره في العالم و لكونها أول إمرأة عربية تحصل عليها، فإنها تذكر الحكومة اليمنية و من يحكمون دول الثورات العربية الناجحة أنه لا مفر من نجاح حرية الرأي و التعبير و الديمقراطية و لا مكان للطغاة و الدكتاتورية و القمع


و أكد سكرتير عام حملة الشارة الدولية بليز ليمبان أنه في هذه المناسبة التاريخية فإنه يذكر العالم بالدور الحيوي للصحفيين و الإعلاميين في حماية اسس الديمقراطية حيث يواجهون بالقمع و التهديد و القتل في كثير من الأحوال 
 

و قالت حملة الشارة، في بيانها، أن كورمان تمثل كفاح الصحفيين في كل أنحاء العالم و أن ما يجعل هذه المناسبة ذات أهمية كبيرة أن لجنة نوبل قبل العالم أجمع أدركت هذا الدور المهم في تقديم الجائزة لكورمان.

و أضافت الحملة أن ذهاب الجائزة مناصفة بين كورمان و رئيسة ليبريا و ناشطة ثالثة يؤكد للحملة صحة موقفها و كفاحها مدة السنوات السبع الماضية لوضع وثيقة قانونية لحماية الصحفيين  
 .    

***27.09.2011. PEC STATEMENT AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL. So far, 78 journalists killed in 2011 - the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) alarmed by the deterioration in Latin America with 30 journalists killed in nine months. Statement delivered by the PEC UN Representative Gianfranco Fattorini. (see also on page PRESS for stories in Spanish and French)

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
18th session

Item 8     Follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action
 
General debate

Madame President,

The international community, in adopting the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action underlined the importance of objective, responsible and impartial information about human rights and humanitarian issues and encouraged the increased involvement of the media, for whom freedom and protection should be guaranteed (par. 39).

In fact, since 1993, hundreds of journalists lost their lives in performing their duty.

Madame President,

It is undeniable that the collection and dissemination of information participate directly to the human development, the formation of consciences and as well as the formation of personal and collective will. As stated by the Human Rights Committee in his last July General Comment (CCPR/C/GC/34) on article 19 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, journalists often face threats, intimidation and attacks because of their activities.

As of today, in 2011, 78 journalists died in the world in the exercise of their mission. Many others were injured, harassed, expelled. The PEC is particularly alarmed by the deteriorating situation in Mexico, the most dangerous country for journalists, where 12 journalists have been killed so far this year, including seven in the last three months.

In general, the protection of journalists is not improving in Latin America: thus, this year, four journalists were killed in Honduras, four in Brazil, three in Peru, one in Colombia, one in Guatemala, one in Venezuela, one in Bolivia, one in El Salvador, one in Dominican Republic and one in Haiti. A total of 30 journalists have been killed in Latin America in nine months.

The PEC is also deeply concerned by the evolution in several countries in conflict or post-conflict situations around the world. Since January 1st, in Pakistan, the second most dangerous country this year, nine journalists have been killed, seven in Iraq, five in Libya, two in Afghanistan and two in Somalia. The majority of victims are the result of targeted killings and the perpetrators of those crimes are rarely prosecuted.

The PEC is convinced that the international community has to find the means and ways to better fulfil his engagement to guarantee the freedom and protection of the media.

I thank you Madame President.

27th September 2011

***19.09.2011. LIBYA. PEC STATEMENT AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL. INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. Statement delivered by the PEC Representative Gianfranco Fattorini.  

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
18th session

Item 4  -  Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Oral report of the International Commission of Inquiry on Libya

Madame President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has listened carefully to the Oral update of the International Commission of Inquiry on Libya and wishes to complete it with respect to journalistic profession.

In the report presented to the 17th session, the International Commission rightly pointed out that « Media professionals have been subject to arbitrary arrest, torture, ill-treatment, harassment, intimidation, enforced disappearances and, in some cases, have been the subject of targeted attacks. »

In fact, journalists have paid dearly for their professional duty in the course of the uprising in Libya, five of them lost their live: Ali Hassan Al-Jaber, a Qatari cameramen (Benghazi, 12 March 2011), Mohammed al-Nabbous a Libyan journalist (Benghazi, 19 March 2011), Anton Hammerl an Austrian / South African freelance photographer (Brega, 20 May 2011), Tim Hetherington a Britton photo reporter (Misrata, 20 April 2011) and Chris Hondros an American photo reporter (Misrata, 20 April 2011).

Many media professional were released and were able to testify intimidation, persecution, abuses and torture they suffered; some others must still be regarded as disappeared because in reality there is no evidence of their whereabouts. Two journalists have been injured in recent days.

The Press Emblem Campaign will appreciate when the International Commission of Inquiry will consider pursuing its investigations into the fate of media professionals.

The PEC calls upon the new transitional government in Libya:

Ø        to rapidly investigate in all the incidents that involved the killing, kidnapping and ambushing of journalists and to report to the International Commission;

Ø        to bring the responsible to justice, insure that they will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable law and that victims will be entitled to compensation;

Ø        and to uphold the principles of freedom of opinion in accordance with article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Furthermore, the PEC would like to see the creation of a new, independent syndicate of journalists in Libya.

19th September 2011

***15.09.2011. PEC calls on the Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution which will allow the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a study that will document the grave violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms of journalists in the last 10 years and to investigate causes and consequences of these violations; propose the best means to protect journalists in zones of conflict or civil unrest - oral statement delivered by the PEC UN Representative Gianfranco Fattorini:

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
18th session

Item 3    Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and
cultural rights, including the right to development

General debate

Madame President,

The Press Emblem Campaign, supported by some thirty organizations representing over 80,000 journalists throughout the world, wishes to draw the attention of the Council on the last General comment (CCPR/C/GC/34)  issued by the Human Rights Committee, last July, on article 19 related to Freedoms of opinion and expression.

In paragraph 3 of the General comment, the Committee states that « Freedom of expression is a necessary condition for the realization of the principles of transparency and accountability that are, in turn, essential for the promotion and protection of human rights. »

The Arab Spring shows us, once again, that it always comes a time in history when peoples raise their voices and demand politicians to account. Journalists, of course, are an essential vector for the dissemination of information, opinions that participate in the formation of the individual and the collective will.

In paragraph 7 of the General comment, the Committee emphasizes that « The obligation to respect freedoms of opinion and expression is binding on every State party as a whole. All branches of the State (executive, legislative and judicial)   are in a position to engage the responsibility of the State party. »

In too many countries, the current laws or the adoption of exceptional measures targeting the media constitute a permanent threat to the freedoms of opinion and expression. Too often, on every continent, journalists are physically targeted. As reported in our written statement (A/HRC/18/NGO/57), from January 2006-to December 2010, 534 journalists were killed. In nearly 90% of the cases, these crimes have gone unpunished and were not prosecuted.

This year, 72 journalists were killed in the course of their work. Since the end of the Council’s 17th session, we are particularly alarmed by the upsurge of killings of journalists in Latin America, particularly in two countries: Mexico where 5 journalists were killed and Honduras where 3 journalists were killed since July.

Madame President,

PEC calls on the Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution which will allow the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a study that will:

Ø             document the grave violations of fundamental human rights and freedoms of journalists in the last 10 years and to investigate causes and consequences of these violations;

Ø             propose the best means to protect journalists in zones of conflict or civil unrest.

I thank you Madame President.

15th September 2011

Read the full PEC written statement as a UN official document at:
 
Human Rights Documents
Body, Session, Date, Symbol, Title, Documents. HRC, 18th ...
ap.ohchr.org/documents/alldocs.aspx?doc_id=19000

***13.09.2011. STATEMENT OF THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) DELIVERED AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - PANEL ON PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CONTEXT OF PEACEFUL PROTESTS

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
18th session

Panel on promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests

Madame President,

Press Emblem Campaign, supported by some thirty organizations representing over 80,000 journalists throughout the world, is particularly concerned by the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. PEC wishes to thank Switzerland for this timely initiative.

PEC believes that freedom of peaceful assembly and of association can not be dissociated from freedom of expression. Journalists are not only, in many occasions, the only impartial witnesses, but undoubtedly they are an essential vector for both fundamental freedoms.

Since the beginning of the development of journalism, journalists have been targeted, too often intentionally, by the various actors. Since last century, many States have enacted legislations to regulate the profession: sometimes to fully ensure the freedom of journalists and sometimes in order to better control the flow of information.

Today, the development of communications technologies poses new challenges, to both the social body and the legislator: in fact we can also witness popular gathering having immoral, when not illegal scope, for example when the aim is the incitement to racial or religious hatred.

The implementation of exceptional measures towards the freedom of expression, as well as the targeting of bloggers and journalists constitute a real threat to the freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

The PEC has followed the Arab uprising with deep concern, the most worrying of its aspects to us is the indiscriminate attacks against dozens of journalists in all the countries that witnessed the uprising be it Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Bahrain or Yemen. Previously, some journalists were killed in protests in countries like Thailand in April and May 2010 and Myanmar in September 2007.

Today, PEC wishes to pay a particular tribute to three journalists who were killed in 2011 by security forces while covering peaceful protests:

·        Lucas Mebrouk Dolega, photograph for EPA agency, who received a bullet in the head on the 16th of January in Tunis;

·        Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud, working for Al-Taawun, killed in Cairo on the 4th of February;

·        Jamal al-Sharabi, photograph for Al-Masdar, killed in Sanaa, Yemen, on the 18th of March.

It is important where regimes have fell and a new order is in place that those who hold the strings of power learn from the lessons of subjecting journalists, cameramen, radio and TV broadcasters to the most inhuman brutal treatments. Such conduct did not save the former regimes from falling apart. It is the stories that witnessed human rights violations that prevailed.

Madame President,

There is an urgent need today to specifically protect journalists in the context of peaceful protests which could degenerate in violence and to distinguish journalists both, legally from the general definition of “civilians” and physically by adopting an internationally recognized Emblem.

I thank you Madame President.

13th September 2011

***05.09.2011. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) WELCOMES THE UN INTER-AGENCY MEETING ON THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS AND THE ISSUE OF IMPUNITY

A United Nations Inter-Agency meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 13 and 14 September 2011. On Tuesday 13, the meeting will be open to all participants, as well as to the Permanent Delegations and Observers to UNESCO. The session on Wednesday 14 September will be devoted to the preparation of a UN concrete plan of action and will only be open to UN agencies.

The event will bring together UN system organizations and will provide them with a forum in which to consult with other invited international and regional institutions, professional organizations and NGOs, with a view to formulating a comprehensive, coherent and action-oriented plan of action to address the issue of safety of journalists and the impunity of perpetrators of assaults against journalists.

Over the last ten years, more than 500 journalists and media workers have been killed worldwide, and many more were wounded or injured while carrying out their professional responsibilities. The great majority of casualties were not international war correspondents, but local journalists working in their own countries, mostly in peacetime, and covering local stories. In most of these cases, impunity precludes the way of justice, and if this trend prevails, journalists will remain easy targets.

Attacks on journalists, media professionals and associated personnel include abductions, hostage-taking, harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest, detention and even more, killings. Furthermore the threat of sexual attack is also frequently used as a weapon for silencing women journalists. The conference is being organized by UNESCO following the adoption of the Decision on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity at the 27th session of the Intergovernmental Council of the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) in March 2010. This Decision requests “the Director-General of UNESCO to consult with Member States on the feasibility of convening an inter-agency meeting of all the relevant UN agencies with a view to formulating a comprehensive, coherent, and action-oriented approach to the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity.”

On the basis of the responses received following a consultation with Member States, Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, announced the organization of the meeting on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, as part of UNESCO´s role to promote freedom of expression.  Ms. Bokova has publicly condemned attacks and the killings of journalists and media professionals (see UNESCO website “UNESCO Remembers Assassinated Journalists”), reminding the world that “Attacks on the right of journalists to work free from the threat of violence are attacks on everyone’s right to freedom of opinion and expression”.

As a first step towards this event, a meeting entitled Safety and Protection for Journalists: A Responsibility for the World was organized in June 2011 by the Initiative on Impunity and the Rule of Law, which is a joint project between the London City University’s Centre for Law, Justice & Journalism (CLJJ), and the University of Sheffield’s Centre for Freedom of the Media (CFOM). The conclusions drawn from this meeting will be presented at the UN Inter-Agency Meeting in Paris. The meeting will be webcasted.

***25.08.2011. LIBYA – PEC statement: PEC calls for the immediate release of 4 Italian journalists abducted in Libya

Geneva, August 25 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the flagrant attacks against journalists and hostage taking in Libya and calls for the immediate release of four Italian journalists kidnapped. The situation in Libya remains very dangerous, warns the NGO.

Two of the Italian reporters were covering the conflict for Italy's top newspaper, Corriere della Sera, while another writes for La Stampa, and the fourth for Avvenire.

The news that two French journalists shot and wounded while covering the fighting around ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli escaped death is a relief. A French cameraman working for the state-owned France 2 network, Bruno Girodon, was hit by a bullet yesterday as he worked near the Bab al-Aziziya complex. Separately, the news magazine Paris Match said photographer Alvaro Canovas had been shot through the thigh by an assault rifle round while covering Tuesday's rebel assault on the fortified base.

The PEC thanks the ICRC

News of the injuries came as around 35 journalists managed to escape from a Tripoli hotel where they had been held hostage by Gaddafi loyalists.

The PEC thanks the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for helping the journalists to leave the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli unharmed. The reporters had been unable to leave the hotel for several days.

"Our recognized role as a neutral intermediary enabled us to carry out this operation. We are glad that everything went smoothly, but we remain concerned about other civilians and journalists who may find themselves in danger,” said Georges Comninos, the head of the ICRC delegation in Libya. "Journalists must be protected and respected", said Mr Comninos.

However, though rejoicing for the events in Tripoli, PEC condemns the absence of safe media corridors to protect journalists when covering armed conflicts which put the lives of journalists in extreme danger. At least five journalists have been killed in Libya since the beginning of the conflict in February, dozens have been detained and illtreated. Since the beginning of the year, ICRC has received around 50 requests for help from media organizations and families of journalists, according to an ICRC news release.

The PEC reminds the parties of resolution 1738 of the UN Security Council which prohibits and condemns attacks against journalists in zones of conflict. The Geneva based NGO, PEC, expresses its hope that the Human Rights Council would move towards the adoption of a concrete resolution to protect journalists covering conflicts, civil unrest and dangerous situations in its September session. At least 65 journalists have been killed in 26 countries since January, according to the PEC.

For more info, click left on page PRESS - see also OTHER NEWS
 

***22.08.2011. SYRIA. 17th special session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Syria. Oral statement of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), delivered by the PEC Representative Gianfranco Fattorini (en français ci-dessous)

On Monday 22 August the PEC Representative to the UN addressed in Geneva a special session of the Human Rights Council on the situation in Syria asking the Syrian authorities to remove all restrictions on the exercise of the profession of journalism and free any journalists imprisoned for anything related to the exercise of the profession; to grant immediate access to the country to any foreign journalist wanting to carry out an assignment on the country's territory (photo PEC).

"Mr Chairman,
 
The Press Emblem Campaign, supported by some thirty organizations representing over 50,000 journalists throughout the world, denounces here the total absence of press freedom in the Syrian Arab Republic.
 
Besides the implementation of exceptional measures in force for ages, the very structure of the body of legislation curently in force incorporates within itself the constitutive elements of the systematic violation of freedoms and rights of the people of Syria.
 
The various provisions limiting -- indeed, prohibiting -- any critical analysis of the policies implemented by the state authorities violate freedom of the press and freedom of expression in general. Further, for decades, journalists, and today, bloggers, too, have been arrested, judged (often by the High Court of State Security) and sentenced to long prison terms.
 
In fact, for decades, the state has exercised a monopoly over the Syrian media, in particular the press. As the criteria for censorship have not been clearly defined, the security forces have been able, at their leisure, to exercise strict control over the profession, practicing harassment against its more recalcitrant members and thus creating a system of self-censorship within the profession.
 
Today, the Syrian authorities justify the use of force to deal with armed groups operating with the support of external forces: the presence in the country of independent representatives of the international media would certainly result in useful information.

The Press Emblem Campaign requests that the Syrian Arab Republic immediately:
-- remove all restrictions on the exercise of the profession of journalism and free any journalists imprisoned for anything related to the exercise of the profession;
-- grant immediate access to the country to any foreign journalist wanting to carry out an assignment on the country's territory.
I thank you, Mr Chairman. S

Assemblée générale
Conseil des droits de l’homme
17ème  session spéciale

"Monsieur le Président,
La Presse Emblème Campagne, soutenue par une trentaine d’organisations représentant 50'000 journalistes de par le monde dénonce ici l’absence totale de la liberté de presse dans la République arabe syrienne.
Au-delà de l’application des mesures d’exception en vigueur depuis des lustres, c’est bien la structure du corps législatif qui porte en elle les éléments constitutifs de la violation systématique des libertés et droits
des peuples de Syrie.
Les différentes dispositions en vigueur limitant, voire interdisant, toute analyse critique des politiques mises en œuvre par les autorités de l’Etat portent atteinte à la liberté de la presse et à la liberté d’expression en
générale. Ainsi, depuis des décennies les journalistes, et aujourd’hui les bloggers aussi, sont arrêtés, jugés (souvent par la Haute Cour de Sécurité de l’Etat) et condamnés à de lourdes peines d’emprisonnement.
Dans les faits, depuis des décennies l’Etat exerce le monopole sur les médias syriens, notamment la presse écrite. Les critères régissant la censure n’ayant pas été clairement définis, les forces de sécurité ont eu
tout loisir d’exercer un strict contrôle sur la profession, pratiquant le harcèlement à l’encontre des plus récalcitrants, instaurant finalement un système d’auto-censure au sein de la profession.
Aujourd’hui, les autorités syriennes justifient l’emploi de la force pour faire face à des groupes armés opérant avec l’appui de forces extérieures: la présence dans le pays de représentants indépendants des organes de la
presse internationale apporterait certainement des éléments d’information utiles.
La Presse Emblème Campagne demande instamment à la République arabe syrienne:

- de lever toute restriction à l’exercice de la profession de journaliste et de libérer tout journaliste emprisonné pour des motifs liés à l’exercice de sa profession ;
- d’accorder immédiatement l’accès au pays à tout journaliste étranger qui souhaite accomplir sa mission sur le territoire syrien.
Je vous remercie, Monsieur le Président."

***04.07.2011.  PEC report January-June 2011. Worldwide 52 journalists killed during the first 6 months of 2011 - Casualties among media represent a heavy toll in Arab countries   

(See French, Spanish and Arabic after English)

Worldwide 52 journalists killed during the first 6 months of 2011 - Casualties among media represent a heavy toll in Arab countries  

Geneva, 4 July 2011 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), in its biennium report, deplores that at least 52 journalists have been killed in 25 countries since the beginning of the year and denounces the fact that the international community does not react proactively.

The Arab Spring and its uprising has led to the death and targeting of at least 11 of the 52 journalists killed worldwide.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted with regret that there is no improvement in the working conditions of journalists in conflict zones, civil unrest and elsewhere, on average the figure remained unchanged 2 journalists killed weekly since the PEC started monitoring the situation several years ago.

Compared to the same period the figure of  52 journalists killed so far is a slight improvement from last year which stood at 59 (53 for the same period in 2009).

The PEC noted that there is a slight improvement in the media casualties in Latin America, Africa and Europe. However, the Arab uprising has had a heavy toll on journalists, at least 5 killed in Libya, two in Bahrain, one in Yemen, one in Egypt, one in Tunisia, and one in Algeria.    

Pakistan most dangerous country

Pakistan leads the most dangerous countries since January with 8 journalists killed; Mexico follows with 6 and Iraq with 6, a worrying deterioration from past year.

In Libya at least 5 journalists were killed in the fightings, others have disappeared and their fate remains unknown. The Philippines follow at the 5th place with 3 journalists killed since January.

Bahrain, Brazil, India, Russia witnessed the killing of 2 journalists in each country. One journalist was killed in the following countries: Algeria, Bolivia, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gaza, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Salvador, Sirra leone, Tunisia, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.  

Heaviest toll in the Arab region                                                                                                            

The Middle East and North Africa top the regions of the world in terms of media casualties: 18, followed by Latin America:  15, while 24 were killed during the same period in 2010, Asia: 14 killed a similar tally like 2010.

Sub-Sahran Africa saw a decline in the number of journalists killed (three in Cote d’Ivoire, DRC and Sierra Leone) compared to 9 killed during the same period last year, and in Europe 2 were killed in Russia, a decline to the figures of 2010.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi calls upon the Human Rights Council, the highest UN body entrusted with the protection of the values of human rights as well as basic human rights most importantly the right to life, to take the lead in the global issue of the protection of journalists.    

Abdelnabi added that the PEC welcomes the way forward from the Council  towards a resolution in its September 2011 session on the protection of journalists that would include the following ingredients: 1) that the specific profession of journalism unfolds a  unique situation in the field and journalists therefore need added protection, 2) establishing a working group to develop guidelines along this theme, 3) launching  a study documenting the urgency and need for such a bold step forward.

The PEC, says Abdelnabi, is reiterating its willingness to spearhead those efforts with likeminded associations and groups as well as UN member states.    

List of victims on page Ticking clock


52 journalistes tués au cours des six premiers mois de 2011 - lourd bilan dans les pays arabes

Genève (PEC), 4 juillet 2011 - Au moins 52 journalistes ont été tués dans 25 pays depuis le 1er janvier de cette année, a déploré lundi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Elle a dénoncé le fait que la communauté internationale ne réagit pas avec suffisamment de fermeté.

Les troubles liés au "printemps arabe" ont fait à eux seuls au moins 11 morts parmi les employés des medias.

"Il est grave de constater qu'il n'y a pas d'amélioration sensible dans les zones de conflit et de troubles internes et que l'on en reste depuis plusieurs années à une moyenne de deux journalistes tués par semaine", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen en présentant le rapport semestriel de l'organisation.

Les 52 journalistes tués au premier semestre 2011 marquent un léger recul par rapport aux 59 tués au cours de la même période de l'an dernier (53 au premier semestre 2009). Si une amélioration a été constatée en Amérique latine, en Afrique subsaharienne et en Europe, les troubles liés au "printemps arabe" ont pesé depuis janvier d'un poids particulier: cinq journalistes au moins sont morts jusqu'ici dans le conflit en Libye, deux au Bahreïn, un au Yémen, un en Egypte, un en Tunisie et un en Algérie.

Pakistan pays le plus dangereux

Le pays le plus dangereux depuis le début de l'année est le Pakistan, avec huit tués, dont plusieurs dans des attentats à la bombe, la plupart dans les régions frontalières de l'Afghanistan. Le Mexique se classe au second rang, avec six tués, en même temps que l’Irak, avec six tués également, ce qui marque une inquiétante recrudescence de l'insécurité pour les médias dans ce pays.

La Libye arrive au 4e rang, avec au moins cinq tués – alors que plusieurs cas de disparition ne sont pas encore éclaircis. Les Philippines se classent 5e, avec trois tués.

Viennent ensuite au 6e rang le Bahreïn (2 tués), le Brésil (2), l'Inde (2), la Russie (2). Un journaliste a en outre été tué dans les pays suivants depuis le 1er janvier: Algérie, Bolivie, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypte, Gaza, Guatemala, Haïti, Honduras, Pérou, République démocratique du Congo, Salvador, Sierra Leone, Tunisie, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yémen.

Pays arabes en tête

Par région, le Moyen-orient plus l'Afrique du Nord (soit les pays arabes) arrive en tête avec 18 tués, en nette hausse.  Suit l'Amérique latine avec 15 tués, nettement moins que les 24 tués du premier semestre 2010 (surtout grâce à une amélioration au Honduras et en Colombie). L'Asie vient au 3e rang avec 14 tués dans quatre pays (Pakistan, Philippines, Inde et Vietnam), un chiffre identique à l'an dernier.

L'Afrique subsaharienne a recensé moins de journalistes tués au premier semestre, soit trois tués dans trois pays (Côte d'Ivoire, RDC et Sierra Leone) contre neuf tués au premier semestre de l'an dernier, et l'Europe deux seulement (Russie), également en baisse par rapport à 2010.

Pour la présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi, le Conseil des droits de l'homme, comme organe chargé de promouvoir les droits humains dans le monde, porte la responsabilité de renforcer la protection des journalistes."Il faut une volonté politique pour aller de l'avant", a déclaré la présidente de la PEC. Elle a invité le Conseil à adopter une résolution sur la protection des journalistes lors de sa session de septembre 2011 comportant les éléments suivants: 1) l'affirmation que la profession de journaliste nécessite un statut spécial et que les employés des medias ont besoin d'une protection accrue 2) la création d'un groupe de travail pour développer des directives sur ce sujet 3) le lancement d'une étude documentant la situation et établissant le besoin d'une protection renforcée.

La PEC, a souligné Hedayat Abdelnabi, renouvelle sa volonté de ne pas ménager ses efforts avec les autres associations concernées et les pays membres de l'ONU.

Liste des victimes sur la page Ticking clock

52 PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS EN EL TRANSCURSO DEL PRIMER SEMESTRE DE 2011. PESADO BALANCE EN LOS PAISES ARABES.

GINEBRA, 4 julio 2011.- Al menos 52 periodistas han sido asesinados en 25 países desde el 1 de enero de este año, deploró este lunes la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC, por sus siglas en inglés). Ella denunció el hecho de que la comunidad internacional no reaccionó con suficiente firmeza ante estos acontecimientos.

Los desordenes ligados a la “primavera árabe” han producido, ellos solos, al menos 11 muertos entre los empleados de los medios.

“Es grave constatar que no hay una mejora sensible en las zonas de conflicto y de desordenes internos y que se sigue manteniendo desde hace muchos años un promedio de dos periodistas asesinados por semana”, declaró el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, al presentar el informe semestral de la organización.

Los 52 periodistas asesinados en el primer semestre de 2011 marcan un ligero descenso con relación a los 59 muertos en el transcurso del mismo período del año pasado (53 en el primer semestre de 2010).

Si una mejora ha sido constatada en América Latina, en Africa subsahariana y en Europa, los desordenes ligados a la “primavera árabe” han pesado particularmente fuerte: al menos 5 periodistas han sido muertos en el conflicto en Libia, 2 en Bahrain, 1 en Yemén, 1 en Egipto, 1 en Tunez y 1 en Argelia.

Paquistán, el país más peligroso

El país máa peligroso desde comienzos de año es Paquistán, con 8 muertos, entre las cuales se incluyen los asesinados por los atentados con bombas, la mayoría ocurridos en las regiones fronterizas con Agfanistán.

México se ubica en el segundo sitio, con 6 muertos.

Irak es el tercer país más peligroso, con 6 muertos igualmente, lo que marca une inquietante recrudescencia de la inseguridad para los medios de comunicación (3 periodistas asesinados unicamente en el transcurso del mismo período de 2010).

Libia se clasifica en el 4 sitio, con al menos 5 muertos; varios casos de desaparición no se han aclarado tampoco en este país.

Filipinas está colocado en la 5 posición, con 3 muertos.

Enseguida se ubican en el 6 rango los siguientes países: Bahrain (2), Brasil (2), India (2), Rusia (2). Además, un periodista ha sido asesinado en cada uno de los sigueintes países, desde el 1 de enero de 2011: Argelia, Bolivia, Costa de Marfil, Egipto, Gaza, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Perú, República Democrática del Congo, El Salvador, Sierra Leona, Túnez, Venezuela, Vietnam y Yemén.


Los países árabes a la cabeza

Por región, el Medio Oriente (incluyendo al Norte de Africa), es decir, los países árabes, se clasifican a la cabeza de este informe con 18 asesinatos, en neta alza. Sigue América Latina con 15 muertos, notamente menos que los 24 asesinados del primer semestre del 2010 (sobre todo, gracias a una mejora en Honduras y en Colombia). Asia viene en el tercer puesto con 14 asesinatos en 4 países (Paquistán, Filipinas, India y Vietnam), una cifra idéntica a la del año pasado.

El Africa subsahariana registró menos periodistas asesinados en el primer semestre, es decir, 3 muertos en 3 países (Costa de Marfil, República Democrática del Congo y Sierra Leona), contra 9 muertes en el primer semestre del año pasado.

Europa registra unicamente dos muertes (en Rusia), igualmente en baja con respecto al informe del 2010.

Para la presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, como organo responsable de promover los derechos humanos en el mundo, tiene la responsabilidad de reforzar la protección de los periodistas.

“Es necesaria una voluntad política para ir hacia adelante”, declaró la presidenta de la PEC.

Ella invitó al Consejo a adoptar una resolución sobre la protección de periodistas en zonas de peligro durante la próxima sesion del mes de septiembre del año en curso. Esta resolución tendría que incluir los siguientes puntos: 1) la afirmación de que la profesión de periodista necesita un statuto especial y que los empleados de los medios de comunicación tienen necesidad de una protección cada vez más fuerte; 2) la creación de un grupo de trabajo para desarrollar las directivas sobre este punto; 3) el lanzamiento de un estudio que documente la situación y que establezca la necesidad de una protección reforzada.

La PEC, señaló Hedayat Abdel Nabi, renueva su voluntad para no escatimar sus esfuerzos con las otras asociaciones relacionadas con esta práctica, asi como con los países miembros de la ONU.

 Lista de víctimas en el Ticking clock 

مقتل 52 صحفيا في الأشهر الستة الأولى من هذا العام

أكثر الضحايا سقطوا في أحداث انتفاضة الربيع العربي

جنيف 4 يوليو (حملة الشارة) – اعلنت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي و مقرها جنيف أن 52 صحفياً قد قتلوا منذ بداية العام الحالي لاستهداف عملهم و النيل منه أو لوجودهم في موقع الأحداث.

و اضافت حملة الشارة في بيانها النصف السنوي أن 11 صحفياً قتلوا على الأقل في أحداث انتفاضة الشعوب العربية المعروفة بالربيع العربي.

و أعرب سكرتير عام حملة الشارة الدولية بليز ليمبان أنه لا يوجد تحسن في الوضع بالنسبة لعمل الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع و التوتر الداخلي و غيرها لأنه في المتوسط فإن 2 من الصحفيين يقتلون اسبوعياً بنفس المعدل منذ بداية رصد الحملة لقتل الصحفيين.

يذكر أن 59 صحفياً قد قتلوا في نفس الفترة من العام الماضي و 53 لنفس الفترة في 2009.

تأتي باكستان في المرتبة الأولى من حيث عدد القتلى من الصحفيين على الأقل ثمانية تليها المكسيك (6)، ثم ليبيا (5) في حين اختفى عدد كبير أخر، و جاءت الفلبين في المرتبة الرابعة بمقتل 3 صحفيين، فالبحرين (2) و كذلك البرازيل و الهند و روسيا، كما قتل صحفي واحد في كل من الجزائر و بوليفيا و كوت ديفوار و مصر و غزة و جواتيمالا و هايتي و هندوراس و بيرو، و جمهورية الكونغو الديمقراطية و السلفادور و سيراليون و تونس و فنزويلا و فيتنام و اليمن.

تصدرت المنطقة العربية  أكثر مناطق العالم خطورة بالنسبة للعمل الصحفي حيث قتل 18 صحفيا، فيما قتل في امريكا اللاتينية 15 صحفيا.

و قالت الحملة الدولية في بيانها أنه حين يقتل الصحفيون ربما تكون هناك مقولة أنهم يقتربون بشدة من موقع الخطر و لكن أحداث ليبيا قد اثبتت أن الصحفيين يواجهون هناك الكمائن و الاستهداف المباشر لمنع خروج الرسالة الصحفية التي هي المصدر الأساسي في العالم للانتهاكات الخطيرة لحقوق الانسان، و هو أمر لم يقتصر على ليبيا فقط ففي تونس حيث كان حكم بن على حكماً ديكتاتوريا تم اسكات صوت الاعلام المستقل و استبعاده و كذلك تم نصفية البعض من الصحفيين جسدياً.  

و طالبت رئيسة حملة الشارة هدايت عبد النبي مجلس حقوق الانسان أن يأخذ المبادرة و يقود الجهد من أجل حماية الصحفيين بطرح مشروع قرار في دورته القادمة في سبتمبر بتبني قرار لحماية الصحفيين يتضمن العناصر التالية: أن العمل الصحفي من الأعمال ذات الخصوصية الخاصة التي تتطلب اقتراب الصحفي من الخطر إلى حد الموت، و لذلك فالصحفيون في حاجة إلى حماية اضافية غير المنصوص عليها في المواثيق الدولية، تشكيل مجموعة عمل تنظر في المضي قدماً لتحقيق هذه المطالب، اعتبار "المدونون" صحفيون و عدم إغلاق وسائط الانترنت تحت أي ظرف من الظروف، عمل دراسة تبين الحاجة الملحة لهذه التدابير العاجلة. 

و قالت عبد النبي أن هذه الخطوات لا تمثل خارطة طريق معقدة بل واحدة سهلة المنال.

و أضافت أن حملة الشارة على استعداد لقيادة هذا الجهد بالتعاون مع المنظمات و الدول التي ترى أهمية في ذلك.

لمزيد من المعلومات 

***29.06.2011. La PEC soulagée par la libération des journalistes français otages depuis un an et demi en Afghanistan 

Les deux journalistes français enfin libres à leur arrivée jeudi matin à l'aéroport de Villacoublay où ils ont été accueillis par le président français Nicolas Sarkozy  (voir press reports on our page PRESS)

Genève, 29 juin (PEC) - La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) exprime son immense soulagement après la libération des deux journalistes français Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier et de leurs accompagnateurs afghans. Ils ont été relâchés mercredi exactement après un an et demi de détention en Afghanistan. La PEC partage la joie des familles qui seront bientôt réunies et félicite les deux journalistes pour avoir surmonté cette dramatique épreuve.

Ils avaient été enlevés le 29 décembre 2009 à 60 km de Kaboul, dans la province de Kapisa, alors qu'ils réalisaient un reportage pour la chaîne de télévision France 3, et détenus par les talibans. "Rien ne justifie une aussi longue détention de ces journalistes. Elle démontre malheureusement une fois de plus les risques graves encourus de plus en plus par des journalistes courageux qui veulent témoigner de graves violations des droits de l'homme dans les zones de conflit", a déclaré la PEC. "Les journalistes sont des témoins indépendants de leur gouvernement et non une monnaie d'échange pour les groupes armés", a insisté l'ONG.

Les responsables de cet enlèvement odieux doivent être poursuivis, a ajouté la PEC. L'ONG de défense des journalistes basée à Genève demande qu'une enquête indépendante soit diligentée pour
clarifier les circonstances de cette détention.

The PEC rejoices by the release of the two French journalists in Afghanistan after a year and a half in captivity

Geneva, June 29 (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) rejoices whole heartedly by the release of the two French journalists Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier and their three Afghan assistants. They were released from captivity on Wednesday after spending exactly a year and a half in captivity in
Afghanistan since 29 December 2009. The PEC congratulates them and their families who will soon be united with them.

They were abducted by a Taliban group on 29 December 2009 60 km away from Kabul in the northeastern province of Kapisa while doing a report for the French TV station France 3. "Nothing justifies the holding hostage of journalists for such a long time. Once more it is a proof of the serious risks undertaken by courageous journalists who want to be witnesses of gross human rights violations in conflict zones", said the PEC. "Journalists are independent witnesses and must not be used as bargaining chips by armed groupes", stressed the NGO based in Geneva.

Those who abducted the journalists must be held responsible for such heinous crimes, said the PEC. The PEC calls for an independent enquiry into the circumstances that led to their captivity.

***16.06.2011. Human rights situation in SYRIA. Oral statement delivered by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Representative Gianfranco Fattorini.

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
17th session

Item 4:            Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Mr. President,

The Press Emblem Campaign believes that denying access to foreign media in Syria and hindering independent Syrian journalists from objective coverage of the turbulent events is a violation of article 19, on freedom of opinion and expression, of the International Covenant on civil and political rights.

The Geneva based NGO calls upon the Syrian government to grant access to foreign journalists to enter the country and cover the current explosive situation as well as to allow independent Syrian journalists to cover freely. If any are detained the PEC calls for their immediate release.

The world has observed that the developments in Syria were covered by amateur videos channeled through world satellite media, no first hand coverage was allowed by independent media.    

The PEC shares the views of Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director-General on the situation of journalists in Syria.

In this regards she was concerned about reports of journalists covering anti-government protests in countries such as Syria going missing or being subjected to threats and physical violence.

The PEC calls upon the Council to endorse a recommendation that would allow a study on such serious violations against journalists including the right to life covering 2010 and 2011 and to be presented to the Council in March 2012. The PEC expresses its willingness to spearhead this effort with other like-minded organizations.

I thank you Mr. President.

16th June 2011 

***14.06.2011. Human rights situation in Palestine. Oral statement of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) delivered by the PEC representative Gianfranco Fattorini

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
17th session

Item 1:            Organizational and procedural matters

Report of the HC on the status of the implementation of the conclusions contained in the report of the fact-finding mission  (HRC/17/47)

Item 7:            Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories

"Mr. President,

The Press Emblem Campaign would like to thank Madame High-Commissioner for her report.

Justice Karl Hudson-Phillips, Chair of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission said the Mission made critical findings. As far as journalists are concerned Justice Karl Hudson-Phillips noted in a press conference last March that the attack on the Mavi Marmara started from where the press center was functioning. He added Israeli Special Forces confiscated all equipment of journalists, several journalists were severely injured and at least one, a Turkish journalist was brutally killed.

The PEC asks whether the inaction of the international community on crimes against journalists will turn those tragedies in forgotten stories and requests the Council to take concrete action to bring the perpetrators of those attacks to justice.

The flotilla attacks reflect the escalating nature of killings which require an added attention from the international community to the global problem of the protection of journalists.

Mr. President,

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) monitored 218 violations against journalists and media outlets during 2010 in West Bank and Gaza Strip. During the Year 2011 there were no improvements regarding media freedoms in the Palestinian occupied territories. MADA has monitored many violations against journalists, committed by both the Israeli Occupation Forces and Palestinian security services.

The Center monitored 12 violations against media during last May. The Israeli Occupation Forces attacked 13 journalists, detained 5, prevented one from traveling, arrested two and prevented a group of journalists from covering. On the Palestinian side, there were many violations against journalists in the West Bank and the Gaza strip.

The PEC reminds the Council that during period of the Gaza war carried out by Israel a cap on media coverage was imposed by the Israeli authorities.

The Press Emblem Campaign would suggest to the Council to organize a working group to document all violations against journalists in 2010 and 2011 as a yardstick that would encourage the Council to embark on a resolution that would accord journalists in situations of military conflict a special status.

I thank you Mr. President.

14th June 2011"

***10.06.2011. LIBYA. PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) ORAL STATEMENT AT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL delivered by the PEC Rep Gianfranco Fattorini 

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
17th session

Item 4:            Interactive dialogue
Report of the HC on the situation of human rights in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

"Mr. President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the detailed report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mme Navi Pillay on the serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed during the current military conflict in Libya.

The PEC would like to draw the attention of members of the Human Rights Council that 5 journalists were killed during the current conflict from Qatar, Libya, the UK, the US and South Africa. They were ambushed and targeted.

Dozens others were detained and brutally treated, many have disappeared.

The PEC would like to ask the High Commissioner whether those responsible for the killing of the 5 journalists would be in the future brought to justice as well as those who have intimidated and tortured journalists.

The second point regards existing international law provisions and the question is: are they sufficient to protect journalists in military conflicts or is there an urgent need to look into this global matter by discussing and introducing new guidelines to protect journalists in military conflicts and situations of civil unrest?

The ongoing conflicts such as the Libyan one show without any doubt that media work is challenged by unprecedented dangers and new situations that make it impossible for journalists to register as witnesses gross human rights violations for a simple reason is that their basic right which is the right to life is being violated.

I thank you Mr. President".

***08.06.2011. PEC AWARD 2011. The PEC award 2011 honors leading media and civil society who played a pivotal role in the success of the ongoing Arab Spring // Le Prix PEC 2011 récompense des militants et organisations ayant joué un rôle-clef dans le succès du "printemps arabe" (go to our special page PEC AWARD) 

***06.06.2011. Oral statement of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) at the UN Human Rights Council, delivered by PEC representative Gianfranco Fattorini

General Assembly
Human Rights Council
17th session

Item 3:    Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

Gianfranco Fattorini, Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) representative at the United Nations (photo): 

"Mr. President,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) expresses its great appreciation to Mr. Frank La Rue for highlighting in his report the importance of opening the internet to all humanity without restrictions except in criminal cases.

However, considering the developments undergoing in the Arab region, the PEC would have liked Mr. La Rue to highlight the damage caused to journalists in conflict zones in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria. The PEC belives that those issues are of paramount importance to the future of freedom of opinion and expression.

In this regard, the PEC would like to draw the attention of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Mr. Frank La Rue, that his report did not include any information about the ordeal of foreign and national journalists covering the Arab uprising nor the tragedy of those who were killed in some cases directly ambushed by the forces of the regime in power.

According to the PEC figures, 43 journalists were killed since the beginning of 2011, at least 9 during the current Arab uprising and dozens have disappeared or are detained.

Now it has become a concrete issue that no member state of the Council nor the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression can ignore.

The PEC considers that the time has come to start deliberations in a Working Group on guidelines for the protection of journalists in conflict zones and during civil unrest. The PEC invites the Council’s members to consider the adoption of a resolution establishing this Working Group.

I thank you Mr. President".

***20.05.2011. LIBYA. PEC horrified by the death of South African journalist Anton Hammerl in Libya (read also on page PRESS)

Geneva, May 20 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is horrified by the death of South African journalist Anton Hammerl (photo), who was brutally killed by Libyan forces in Brega.
Freelance photographer Anton Lazarus Hammerl, a South African who also held Austrian citizenship, was killed in Libya on April 5, his family has just learned. Hammerl was traveling with three other journalists outside
of Brega when the group was attacked by government troops, who shot and killed him. Until this evening, when Hammerl's family announced his death in a post to the Facebook group "Free photographer Anton Hammerl," he was believed to be alive and detained by the Libyan government.
His colleagues recently released by Libyan forces said that when they arrived to Brega two armored Libyan military trucks carrying 10 pro-Gaddafi troops were all firing AK-47s over their heads.
All four journalists immediately dropped to the ground, diving to the side of the road. But the Libyan soldiers, who were coming over the hill, continued to fire, Foley said. Hammerl, who was closest to the fighting,
cried out for help. Foley called out, "Are you OK?"
"No," was Hammerl's only reply. After the third barrage of fire, Hammerl's cries ended.
American journalists James Foley and Clare Gillis and a Spanish photographer Manu Brabo were with Anton Hammerl.
They were abducted by Libyan forces since 5 April and were releases Thursday.
According to the accounts of the accompanying journalists Libyan forces were directly targeting journalists.
The PEC committee expresses its grief at this tragic loss of life in cold blood.
The Geneva based NGO calls upon the Human Rights Council in its June session and during the discussion of the report of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression to devote part of the discussion to
the protection needs of journalists in conflict zones and zones of civil unrest.

Message of the family on Facebook:

News on Anton Hammerl - Free photographer Anton Hammerl
At 10pm BST (11pm SA time) this evening we received devastating news
regarding Anton Hammerl.
On 5 April 2011 Anton was shot by Gaddafi’s forces in an extremely remote
location in the Libyan desert. According to eyewitnesses, his injuries
were such that he could not have survived without medical attention.
Words are simply not enough to describe the unbelievable trauma the
Hammerl family is going through.
From the moment Anton disappeared in Libya we have lived in hope as the
Libyan officials assured us that they had Anton.
It is intolerably cruel that Gaddafi loyalists have known Anton’s fate all
along and chose to cover it up.
Thank you so much for your love and support.
The Hammerl family

***19.05.2011. LIBYA. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) WELCOMES THE RELEASE OF FOUR JOURNALISTS - ANTON HAMMERL STILL MISSING

American journalists James Foley, rear, and Clare Gillis, right, and British reporter Nigel Chandler, left, and Spanish photographer Manu Brabo, center, arrive at the Rixos hotel in Tripoli, Libya, after they
were released by the Libyan government on May 18, 2011. (Reuters)

(PEC/Global Post) Libyan authorities released on Wednesday four foreign journalists who had been held for more than six weeks to a hotel in Tripoli. Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi first captured GlobalPost correspondent James Foley, Clare Morgana Gillis, who has written for The Atlantic and USA Today, and Manuel Varela, a Spanish photographer who works under the name Manu Brabo, on April 5.
The fourth reporter appears to be Nigel Chandler, a British freelance journalist. It is unclear when, and under what circumstances, authorities first detained him.
Speaking to GlobalPost by phone from the Rixos Hotel, Foley said he was relieved and grateful for all the help that had been given to him and the other journalists during their more than six weeks of detention.
"I am overwhelmed to hear about all the support," he said. In a phone call to his mother in New Hampshire, Foley said that he was glad to be finally out and "just wanted to get home."
“We were overjoyed to get a telephone call from Jim shortly after his release today in Tripoli. He told me he was well and looking forward to coming home,” said his mother, Diane Foley. “We are extraordinarily
grateful to the many people who have worked on his release and we hope to have him home as soon as possible.”
Foley, Gillis and Brabo have languished in a series of detention centers in Tripoli for more than six weeks, during which time the Libyan government allowed them little to no communication with the outside. News that their release was imminent first came after a foreign diplomat, one of the few still left in Tripoli, was allowed to visit the jailed journalists about two weeks ago.
Mousa Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Libyan government, told the Associated Press earlier this week that the four journalists were detained because they had entered the country illegally, presumably for not having valid
visas. Their final court appearance, he said, took place on Tuesday.
Ibrahim also told the Associated Press on Monday that their release had been delayed because a NATO air strike had damaged buildings belonging to the Justice Ministry in the capital. All four journalists have been escorted to the Tunisian border on Thursday.
Foley, Gillis and Brabo were all captured together on April 5 while they were reporting on the outskirts of Brega, the eastern oil town that has seen some of the worst fighting since the conflict began. Foley had been
reporting on the Libyan rebel army for GlobalPost since mid-March.
A fourth journalist, South African Anton Hammerl, is still missing. Hammerl was originally thought to have been captured alongside Foley, Gillis and Brabo. But Libyan authorities have denied that they are holding
him and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Their situation was complicated when the Turkish government, which had been one of the only channels of communication with the Libyans, closed its embassy in Tripoli earlier this month and called for Gaddafi to step
down. It was Turkish diplomats in Tripoli who managed to secure the release of four New York Times journalists detained in March.
As their detention dragged on, a movement calling for their release, led by friends and family, grew in numbers. More than 30,000 people have signed a petition appealing to the Libyan authorities to release them.
Supporters have also been holding regular vigils and rallies to draw attention to their detention, most recently one in New York City on Sunday that was attended by both David Rhode, a New York Times journalist who was
held captive by the Taliban in 2009 for seven months, and Tyler Hicks, who was one of the New York Times journalists captured by Gaddafi forces in March.
Officials at the United Nations added their voices to the cause as well, as did Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who last month urged the Libyan government to release all of the detained journalists. International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and others also campaigned for their release. 
Covering the Libyan conflict has proved dangerous for journalists. A number of Libyan journalists are missing and several foreign journalists remain in custody. Several journalists have also been killed while covering the fighting, including British photojournalist and filmmaker Tim Hetherington and American photographer Chris Hondros. The two were killed in April during clashes between rebels and government
forces in the Libyan city of Misurata.

***16.05.2011. LIBYA. URGENT APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON PHOTOJOURNALIST ANTON HAMMERL. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and  83 people signed the letter, representing the media, freedom of expression and human rights communities around South Africa and abroad.

Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Minister of International Relations and Co-operation
Government of South Africa

By Fax: 00 27 12 351 0091 / 329 1000
By Email: minister@dirco.gov.za / malokae@dirco.gov.za

URGENT APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON THE WELLBEING OF PHOTOJOURNALIST
ANTON HAMMERL

Dear Minister, We, the undersigned, respectfully appeal to the governments of South Africa, Austria
and Hungary to do everything within your power to ensure that freelance photojournalist Anton Hammerl is brought safely out of Libya. It has now been 42 days since Hammerl, a photojournalist with joint South African and Austrian citizenship, was reported missing in Libya. The Libyan government has assured Hammerl’s family and consular authorities of both countries that they have him in their custody but they have yet to produce evidence that he is alive and well.

The safety and wellbeing of journalists working in situations of armed conflict is protected under international human rights and humanitarian law. Notably, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) carries a specific obligation to protect individuals from arbitrary arrest or detention under Article 9, while Articles 6 and 7 stipulate that every human being has the right to life and to be protected from torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Article 19 of the ICCPR also provides crucial protection for journalists by means of the right to freedom of expression.

In addition, Article 79 of Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Convention specifically protects journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict, while UN Security Council Resolution 1738 of 23 December 2006 states that journalists and media workers should be “considered as civilians… and protected as such” during situations of armed conflict.

Further, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides for the interests and protection of country nationals within a foreign land. As a citizen of South Africa, Anton Hammerl is entitled to the consular services of the South African embassy in Tripoli. As a citizen of Austria, and therefore the European Union, Anton Hammerl is also entitled to support from Austrian consular services, through any functioning European diplomatic missions operating in Libya.

In a statement released by Hammerl’s family on Thursday 12 May, his wife Penny Sukhraj appealed to the South African government: the other journalists captured with Anton have been allowed to call their loved ones and receive visitors. We haven’t heard from him, and nobody has had access to him. We
absolutely need to know that Anton is well and that he will come home.”“Anxiety is escalating in the light of reports that Anton Hammerl is a seasoned photojournalist who was merely doing his job, covering the civil
conflict in Libya and attempting to bring images of this unfolding story into the wider world.

The family is desperate for news, having only received third-hand assurances that Hammerl is in custody. Sukhraj continued: “The only proof that Anton is well to date is that of the word of his captors. The Libyan authorities have made good on promises to those working to secure the release of the American and Spanish journalists but have yet to do so in the case of Anton. Why is Anton being treated differently to the other three?

“We are in regular contact with the Austrian and South African governments but they are yet to establish Anton’s whereabouts or safety. We need proof that Anton is well – and not just the word of the people holding him captive, but concrete proof in the form of a phone call or consular access. Where is the proof?”

We, the undersigned, are aware of the difficulties faced by diplomats during situations of
conflict. However, we respectfully urge you to: Co-operate fully among yourselves and with the Hammerl family, and to work in partnership in the best interests of Anton Hammerl’s safety.• Encourage the Libyan authorities to allow Hammerl to contact his family and be visited by consular officials, as a sign of good faith. We further urge President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to use his personal connection to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his role as a member of the African Union’s high-level panel on Libya to negotiate for Anton Hammerl’s immediate release. Ensure that Anton Hammerl, along with the other three foreign journalists he was reportedly captured with, is freed and allowed to return home as soon as safely possible.

Yours faithfully

ON BEHALF OF THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE PHOTOJOURNALIST ANTON HAMMERL COPIED TO:

1. Office of the President of South Africa: President Jacob Zuma
2. Foreign Minister of Austria: Dr Michael Spindelegger
3. Foreign Minister of Hungary (EU Presidency): Mr János Martonyi
4. UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression: Mr Frank LaRue
5. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, African Commission on Human and
People’s Rights: Ms Pansy Faith Tlakula
6. Representative on Freedom of the Media, Organisation for Security and Co-operation
in Europe: Ms Dunja Mijatovic

NOTES To reach Penny Sukhraj, please call +44 7758 318 815 or emailpenny.sukhraj@gmail.com.

Anton Hammerl travelled into Libya via Egypt in order to cover the unfolding civil conflict there. He last spoke to his wife Penny Sukhraj on 4 April, saying he was heading for a rural location some distance from Benghazi, along with a group of fellow journalists and photographers. He has not been heard from since. On 7 April, another photographer called Sukhraj to report that this group had been captured by troops loyal to the Gaddafi regime.
Human Rights Watch in Geneva later confirmed this information. The Libyan government also confirmed that it had four international journalists in their custody and it was presumed that this included Anton Hammerl.
Subsequently, it has emerged that three foreign journalists – United States citizens James Foley and Clare Gillis, and Spanish citizen Manu Brabo – are being held in Tripoli by the3Libyan regime. These three journalists have been in contact with their families and have been allowed consular access. However, although they have confirmed that Hammerl was captured with them, he has inexplicably been separated from the group and has had no further contact with them, or with the outside world.

Anton Hammerl is an experienced photojournalist who cut his teeth covering political and social events during the critical transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa in the early and mid-1990s. He has been senior photographer at the Sunday Independent, the Star and Saturday Star, and was also picture editor of the Saturday Star. As a freelance photojournalist, he has worked on assignment for Associated Press and several other local and international agencies.

Hammerl has also won a number of prestigious awards for his work, including the World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass (1997), the Abdul Shariff Humanitarian Photographer of the Year (1997, 1999), Mondi Shanduka Photographer of the Year (2005), and the Fuji Africa News Image of the Year (2006).
Hammerl is the father of a daughter and two sons. He lives with his wife and family in London, where he continues to work as a freelance photojournalist. END

***13.05.2011. AFGHANISTAN. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joins others to mark the 500 days that french reporters Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier have been held hostage in Afghanistan and renews its call for an immediate release // La PEC se joint aux autres organisations pour marquer les 500 jours de détention des journalistes français Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier en Afghanistan et renouvelle son appel à leur libération immédiate

EVENTS are being held around France to mark the 500 days that reporters Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier have been held hostage in Afghanistan.

The two journalists, who were filming a Pièces à Conviction segment for France 3 were kidnapped on December 29, 2009 at Kapisa, 60km from Kabul, along with three Afghan colleagues.

"It's the longest kidnapping of journalists since Lebanon in the 1980s," said the spokesman for the hostages' support group, Richard Coffin.

Several claims have been made by the French government that negotiations were on the brink of securing the release of the hostages.

The latest came from Defence Minister Alain Juppé who announced on May 4 that the pair were nearly freed at the beginning of year but the deal collapsed.
The faces of two French journalists taken hostage 500 days ago in Afghanistan occupied the front pages of several French dailies on Friday, amid hopes that the death of Osama bin Laden could lead to their release.

Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier, journalists with France 3 public television, were abducted on December 29, 2009, about 60 kilometres north-east of Kabul, along with three Afghan assistants.

The French government, which has been trying to negotiate their release, says it is certain they are still alive and being held by the Taliban, but has given few other details.

The last video recording of the two dates to December 20.

Their captivity is the longest by a member of the media in years.

Jean-Louis Normandin, a journalist who was held captive in Lebanon for two years in the 1980s, said Friday 500 days was an important symbol and called for people nationwide to 'shout their despair.'

The Taliban in January accused the pair of spying, allegations rejected by France as 'absurd.'

On May 2, Defence Minister Gerard Longuet said the killing by US commandos of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden could impact 'positively' on the fate of the two journalists.

In January bin Laden, in an audio message, had linked the fate of French hostages to the presence of French troops in Afghanistan.

France has around 4,000 troops serving under the NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan.

***12.05.2011. LIBYA: PEC denounces attempts of using journalists as human shields by Gadhafi

LINK TO THE VIDEO: Gadhafi holds meeting under journalists' noses at Tripoli hotel. #libya
Gadhafi appears on TV as rebels make gains - storyful

Geneva, 12 May (PEC) – Footage released by Sky News from a video shot by its reporter Mark Stone gives details of a room in Rixos Hotel where Gaddafi had apparently held a meeting Wednesday.

The Libyan regime by holding this  meeting in the hotel which hosts all the international media has turned its abuse of journalists to a new level using their presence as human shields for the protection of Gadhafi, said today the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC). 

According to the PEC, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi used the hotel for security reasons to deny rumors that he was killed during a coalition bombardment over Tripoli. Libyan public TV aired footage of this meeting.  

The journalists in Tripoli have no freedom of movement and are used by the regime for its propaganda, adds the PEC.

The PEC denounces this abuse of journalists which now has turned into a long chain from detention, to torture as well as of killing international journalists including Libyan and Arab journalists working for world outlets.

So far from the beginning of the Libyan conflict four journalists were killed from Qatar, Libya, the USA and the UK.  

In previous conflicts like that in Iraq in 2003 heavy bombardment of Baghdad by US forces led to the catastrophic tragedy of targeting the Palestine hotel that hosted international journalists.

The PEC calls for the immediate release of all journalists detained in Libya, among them for more than a month: James Foley (GlobalPost), Clare Morgana Gillis (USA Today, The Atlantic), Manuel Varela (or Manu Brabo), a spanish photographer, South Africain photographer Anton Hammerl, american freelancer Matthew VanDyke, british journalist Kamel al-Tallou (Al Jazeera), and others.

The journalists detained are used as a diplomatic bargaining tool by Muammar Gadhafi. Uncommunicado detention is unlawful, denounces the PEC.

***02.05.2011. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2011 – PEC statement (en français et espagnol après l’anglais)

The PEC denounces the repression of media during the evolving Arab Spring

GENEVA, (PEC) 2 May 2011- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) deplores in the strongest possible manner and condemns the killing of journalists during the current Arab revolt known as the Arab Spring. Four of the 9 journalists during the Arab Spring were killed  in Libya alone by an authoritarian regime. So as the other five targeted by ruling dictators in the region.

Since the beginning of the year 31 journalists were killed in work related activities. Four journalists were killed in Libya, two in Bahrain, one in Yemen, one in Egypt and one in Tunisia.

The casualty rate during the Arab Spring has made Middle East and North Africa the most dangerous working zone for journalists since January with another 5 journalists killed in Iraq, followed by four in Pakistan and one in Gaza: 19 media employees killed since January. Latin America is the second most dangerous region with 7 journalists killed in 4 months.

During the Egyptian revolution that led to the end of the Mubarak regime more than 150 aggressions were recorded against foreign and Egyptian journalists. At least 32 journalists were detained in an arbitrary manner in Libya by the Gaddafi forces, often mistreated, and the fate of another dozen is still unknown. In Bahrain, Syria and Yemen journalists whether local or foreign were intimidated, mistreated, and imprisoned.

In Afghanistan 2 French journalists are still detained as hostages by the Taliban since January 2010 some 16 months ago.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen saluted the fallen journalists on World Press Freedom Day by declaring that they have sacrificed their lives to inform international public opinion while taking great risks.

“They have fought for freedom, for justice and against violence. They were witnesses of horrors of war. We pay tribute to their courage and their work,” stressed Lempen.

He added that journalists were targeted by fear that their coverage would have a domino effect in other countries ruled by authoritarian regimes, however the restrictions imposed on media coverage did not hinder the flow of information through other channels. Dictators could not stop modern technology and social media who played a key factor to spread  information.

PEC President Hedayat Abdelnabi said that the Arab Spring has led to a new and constructive cooperation between bloggers and among bloggers across borders, a phenomenon that has become that of the "revolutions of bloggers without borders".

She added that the constructive cooperation between fellow bloggers from Tunisia, Sweden the US and other countries to reinforce the bloggers in Egypt and provide them with gateways to overcome the suspension of the Internet has opened new avenues for a new group of media across the globe, a new media to defend freedom of opinion and expression, with unhindered access that has put dictators in a state of paralysis.

The bloggers of Egypt, who led the revolution, said Abdelnabi, returned the favor and are now lending their arm to support other Arab bloggers in their efforts to move out the dictators.

Appalled by the heavy load for media, the PEC hopes nevertheless that a new era has opened the door to freedom of expression in the Arab countries and calls upon all regimes in the region to put an end to this wave of repression which was clearly condemned by the international community.

The Geneva based NGO, PEC, renews its call to all UN member states to adopt a new convention for the protection of journalists in conflict zones and in zones of internal unrest, the current events have proven to be a necessary and vital instrument.

Journée de la liberté de la presse 2011
La PEC dénonce la répression envers les medias lors du printemps arabe

Genève (PEC), 2 mai 2011 - 31 journalistes ont été tués en exerçant leur métier depuis le début de l'année, dont au moins 9 lors des troubles qui ont accompagné le printemps arabe, a déploré lundi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC), en dénonçant la poursuite de la répression exercée par des régimes autoritaires à bout de souffle.

4 journalistes ont été tués en Libye, deux au Bahreïn, un au Yémen, un en Egypte, un en Tunisie. Le Moyen-orient et l’Afrique du Nord est la région la plus dangereuse depuis janvier, si l'on y ajoute cinq journalistes tués en Irak, quatre au Pakistan et un à Gaza, soit 19 au total. L’Amérique latine suite avec 7 journalistes tués en quatre mois.

Le renversement d'Hosni Moubarak en Egypte a donné lieu à plus de 150 agressions diverses visant des journalistes égyptiens et étrangers. Au moins 32 journalistes ont été détenus de manière arbitraire en Libye par les forces de Mouammar Kadhafi, certains parfois maltraités, et le sort d'une dizaine d'entre eux n'est pas clarifié à ce jour. Au Bahreïn, en Syrie et au Yémen, des journalistes locaux et étrangers ont été harcelés, maltraités, emprisonnés. En Afghanistan, deux journalistes français sont détenus en otages par les talibans depuis janvier 2010, soit depuis 16 mois.

"Ils ont sacrifié leur vie par passion pour leur métier en prenant de grands risques pour informer l'opinion mondiale. Ils ont lutté pour la liberté, pour la justice, contre la violence. Ils ont voulu témoigner des horreurs de la guerre. Nous rendons hommage au courage de nos confrères", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen à l'occasion de la Journée mondiale pour la liberté de la presse.

"Les journalistes ont été ciblés par des régimes autoritaires soucieux de manipuler les faits et d'éviter l'effet domino. Pourtant, les restrictions dont ont été victimes les medias n'ont pas empêché l'information de circuler par de multiples canaux", a constaté Blaise Lempen. "Les dictatures ne peuvent rien contre les nouvelles technologies de l'information, contre la multiplication des medias, contre les nombreux militants qui informent sur
les réseaux sociaux", a-t-il ajouté.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdelnabi a souligné que le printemps arabe a été le témoin d’une nouvelle coopération entre blogeurs à l’intérieur des pays et à travers les frontières, un phénomène devenue « la révolution des blogeurs sans frontières ».

La coopération entre blogeurs de plusieurs pays, comme l’Egypte, la Suède et les Etats-Unis, a ainsi permis aux blogeurs en Egypte de contourner les obstacles mis par le pouvoir à l’utilisation d’internet et a ouvert de nouvelles voies pour la défense de la liberté d’expression avec un accès sans entraves qui a paralysé l’action des dictateurs. A leur tour, les blogeurs en Egypte ont soutenu les autres militants arabes dans leurs efforts pour neutraliser les dictatures.
 
Affligée par ce très lourd bilan pour les medias, la PEC a néanmoins l'espoir que la liberté de la presse sorte renforcée de ces événements dans l'ensemble des pays arabes. Elle exhorte tous les régimes autoritaires à cesser de réprimer ceux qui ont pour seul objectif d'informer, des abus fermement condamnés par la communauté internationale. L'ONG basée à Genève renouvelle son appel à tous les gouvernements pour l'adoption d'une convention internationale renforçant la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit et de violences internes, dont la nécessité a été fortement ressentie une fois de plus au cours de ces derniers mois.  

Dia de la libertad de prensa 2011
Denuncia la PEC represión contra los medios durante la “primavera árabe”

Ginebra, 2 mayo 2011.- En el día de la libertad de prensa, la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC)*denuncia enérgicamente la represión ejercida por los regímenes autoritarios contra los medios informativos, en particular la violencia contra los periodistas durante los sucesos en curso en países árabes, donde al menos nueve periodistas fueron asesinados en la denominada “primavera árabe”.

31 periodistas han sido asesinados en pleno ejercicio de su oficio desde que se inició el año, denuncia la PEC. Cuatro periodistas fueron asesinados en Libia, dos en Bahrein, uno en Yemen, uno en Egipto, uno en Túnez, asegura la ONG basada en Ginebra.

El Medio Oriente y el Norte de África –señala un comunicado de la PEC – dado a conocer hoy han devenido las regiones de mayor peligrosidad para los medios desde enero, si se tiene en cuenta que cinco periodistas fueron muertos en Iraq, cuatro en Pakistán y uno en Gaza, o sea 19 en total. A estas regiones les sigue América Latina, donde siete periodistas hallaron la muerte en cuatro meses en pleno ejercicio de su profesión.

El derrocamiento de Hosni Mubarak en Egipto dio lugar a más de 150 variadas agresiones cuyos objetivos eran
los periodistas egipcios y extranjeros. Al menos 32 periodistas fueron detenidos arbitrariamente en Libia por las
fuerzas de Muammar Gadafi, algunos en ocasiones maltratados, y la suerte de una decena de ellos no ha sido aún esclarecida.

En Bahrein, en Siria y en Yemen, periodistas locales y extranjeros han sido acosados, maltratados, encarcelados. En Afganistán, dos periodistas franceses son mantenidos como rehenes por los talibanes desde enero del 2010, es decir, desde hace 16 meses.

“Han sacrificado sus vidas por la pasión de su oficio, tomando grandes riesgos para informar a la opinión pública mundial. Han luchado por la libertad, por la justicia, contra la violencia, ellos han querido testimoniar los horrores de la guerra. Nosotros, rendimos homenaje al coraje de nuestros colegas”, ha dicho el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, en ocasión del Día mundial de la libertad de la prensa.

“Los periodistas - afirma Lempen- han sido un objetivo para los regímenes autoritarios empeñados en manipular los hechos y evitar el efecto dominó. No obstante, las restricciones de las cuales han sido víctimas los medios no han impedido que las informaciones circulen por múltiples canales”. “Las dictaduras no pueden nada contra las nuevas tecnologías de la información, contra la multiplicación de los medios, contra los numerosos militantes que informan a través de las redes sociales”, ha puntualizado Lempen.

La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdelnabi, por su parte, ha subrayado que “la primavera árabe ha sido testigo de una nueva cooperación entre los blogueros en el interior de los países y a través de sus fronteras, un fenómeno convertido en “la revolución de los blogueros sin fronteras”.

Asimismo, ha puesto énfasis en que la cooperación entre blogueros de numerosos países, como Egipto, Suecia y Estados Unidos, ha permitido a los blogueros en Egipto sortear los obstáculos puestos por el poder al uso de la Internet y ha abierto nuevas vías para la defensa de la libertad de expresión con un acceso sin trabas que ha paralizado la acción de los dictadores.

Aunque afligida por tan pesado balance para los medios, la PEC mantiene la esperanza de que la libertad
de prensa salga reforzada de los acontecimientos en los países árabes. La ONG –que goza de estatuto consultivo en el ECOSOC- ha exhortado a todos los regímenes totalitarios a cesar la represión contra quienes sólo tienen por objetivo informar de los abusos firmemente condenados por la comunidad internacional..

La PEC reitera su llamamiento a todos los gobiernos con vistas a la adopción de una convención internacional que refuerce la protección de los periodistas en las zonas de conflicto, o de violencias internas, una necesidad que se ha hecho más evidente en los últimos meses.
* Siglas en inglés.

***20.04.2011. LIBYA. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) SHOCKED AND OUTRAGED: two photoreporters Tim Hetherington and Chris Hondros killed in Misrata, two other journalists wounded. 

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Tim Hetherington was killed Wednesday in a mortar attack in Misrata, Libya, according to multiple news organizations. At least three other journalists were wounded in the same attack.

"Tim died about two hours ago," Peter N. Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch and a friend of Hetherington's told Vanity Fair. "Three other journalist[s] were also hit [in an] R.P.G. attack, one being Getty photographer Chris Hondros; photographer Guy Martin, of the Panos Agency, who is in very serious condition; and a freelancer, Michael Brown, who is slightly wounded." Chris Hondros also died.

Last year, Hetherington and journalist Sebastian Junger made the Afghanistan War documentary "Restrepo," which won won the Grand Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Hetherington also made a book of photographs titled "Infidel," which captured soldiers in northeastern Afghanistan in 2007-2008 serving battle, relaxing and sleeping in the Korengal Valley.

Tim and Chris are the third and fourth journalists killed in Libya since March (see details on PRESS)

On Wednesday, just before these dramatic events, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay expressed serious concern about the treatment of journalists by the Libyan authorities

“The unhindered presence of international observers, including media, would help calm the situation and curb excesses,” Pillay said on Wednesday. She expressed serious concern about the treatment of journalists by the Libyan authorities. At least two journalists have been killed, and some 16 others are missing, including ten international journalists and six Libyans. Dozens of others have been detained, assaulted, physically abused --
possibly to the point of torture -- or expelled.

"Journalists have been suffering a terrible toll in terms of assaults, arbitrary detentions and expulsions in all the crises taking place in the Middle East and North Africa, including most recently in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen," Pillay said. "But they have been hardest hit in Libya. I am extremely concerned about all those journalists known to be in detention in Libya, or whose whereabouts are unknown, and call on the Libyan government to release them immediately."

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Wednesday condemned the reported repeated use of cluster munitions and heavy weaponry by Libyan government forces in their attempt to regain control of the besieged city of Misrata, and said that such attacks on densely populated urban areas, resulting in substantial civilian casualties, could amount to international crimes.

"Since the city is largely cut off, it is not known precisely how many civilians have died or been injured during two months of fighting there, but it is clear that the numbers are now substantial, and that the dead include women and children” Pillay said.

"I urge the Libyan authorities to face the reality that they are digging themselves and the Libyan population deeper and deeper into the quagmire. They must halt the siege of Misrata and allow aid and medical care to reach the victims of the conflict," Pillay said.

***17.04.2011. GAZA. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns strongly the killing of Vittorio Arrigoni

Vittorio Arrigoni (photo ap, August 29, 2008) - The body of 36-year-old Arrigoni, active in the International Solidarity Movement with the Palestinians (ISM), was found hanging last week in an abandoned house in Gaza.
The kidnapping was made public on Thursday night, when the group uploaded a video to You Tube. The video showed Arrigoni after he had been beaten, with music and the words to an Islamic prayer playing in the background.
After a symbolic Gaza funeral on Monday, Arrigoni's body will be transferred to neighboring Egypt and then to Italy.
 

Geneva, 17 April, 2011 - (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns strongly the killing of Italian journalist and human rights activist Vittorio Arrigoni.

Vittorio Arrigoni. was known to be a stronger supporter of the Palestinian people, he went out with Palestinian fishermen to protect them against Israeli attacks, noting that his presence as a European with the flotilla of fishing boats will protect the Palestinian fishermen.

Hamas awarded Vittorio Arrigoni the Palestinian passport. The journalist wrote for the italian newspaper "Il Manifesto".

Acts like those that ended the life of Vittorio Arrigoni are nothing bit outright terrrorism acts that are heinous and despicable.

The kidnapped Italian journalist's body was found in Gaza after he was killed by a radical Islamist group, a Hamas security official said Friday.

The Salafist extremists, inspired by terror group al Qaeda, had posted a video of what they claimed was an Italian reporter on YouTube, tied up and blindfolded. They had threatened to kill him within 30 hours if Hamas did not release a number of Palestinian prisoners.

The PEC calls upon Hamas to bring the perpetrators of this crime that is outrageous to justice.

This killing brings to 27 the number of journalists killed since January in 13 countries. 

***11.04.2011. PEC condemns targeted killings of journalists recently in Iraq and Libya, 23 killed since January in 12 countries, calls for a special session of the HRC (French and Spanish below - DETAILS BELOW ON JOURNALISTS DETAINED AND FREED) (see also on page PRESS)

Geneva, April 11 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner targeting journalists in zones of conflict the latest Taha Hameed, Director of the Iraqi satellite news channel al-Massar TV. Hameed was traveling in Baghdad with human rights activist Abed Farhan Thiyab, when unknown gunmen shot them dead in their car on 9 April.

Recent killings of journalists in zones of military conflict include Jamal al-Sharabi, photojournalist, Al-Masdar, Sanaa, Yemen, March 18 and Mohammed al-Nabbous, Libya Al-Hurra (Free Libya), Benghazi, Libya, March 19. In addition the PEC condemns strongly the ambushing of Director of  photography at Al Jazeera Ali Hassan Al-Jaber near Benghazi, Libya, March 12.

The PEC is worried by the detention of some 30 journalists by Libyan authorities during the course of  the conflict and pronounces its strong denunciation  of their inhuman treatment by the authorities.

The PEC calls upon Libyan authorities to release all journalists detained and to put an end to its campaign of intimidation of media personnel. The Geneva based NGO calls upon the Libyan authorities to release without delay information on the missing journalists.

The Geneva based NGO joins all like minded defenders of human rights and NGOs who are calling for a special session of the Human Rights Council to discuss gross human rights violations by the current regimes in Bahreïn, Yemen and Syria and to include in that session a special section on the victimization of media.

In addition the PEC calls upon the Bahraini, Syrian and Yemeni governments to allow free access and coverage of the civil unrest underway, and to put an end to the crackdown on the local media.

According to the PEC monitoring of media casualties 23 journalists were killed from the beginning of this year among them 5 in Iraq. 

La PEC condamne les assassinats de journalistes en Irak et en Libye – 23 journalistes tués depuis le début de l’année dans 12 pays. L’ONG demande une session spéciale du Conseil de l’ONU sur le Bahreïn, la Syrie et le Yémen

Genève, 11 avril (PEC) – La Presse Emblème campagne (PEC) condamne de la manière la plus ferme l’assassinat de journalistes dans les zones de conflit dont le dernier en date, celui du directeur de la chaîne de TV irakienne Taha Hameed samedi 9 avril à Bagdad. Hameed se déplaçait avec le militant des droits de l’homme Abed Farhan Thiyab quand ils ont été tués dans leur voiture par des inconnus.
 
D’autres journalistes ont été tués récemment, Mohammed al-Nabbous, de Free Libya, à Benghazi le 19 mars et Jamal al-Sharabi d’Al-Masdar le 18 mars à Sanaa au Yémen.

La PEC condamne aussi l’embuscade dont a été victime Ali Hassan Al-Jaber d’Al-Jazeera près de Benghazi le 12 mars.
 
La PEC s’alarme aussi de la détention de plus de 30 journalistes de toutes nationalités par les autorités libyennes depuis le début du conflit et condamne les mauvais traitements subis par certains lors de leur détention.
 
L’ONG basée à Genève demande aux autorités de Libye de libérer tous les journalistes encore détenus et de mettre un terme à leur campagne d’intimidation du personnel des medias. Elle demande aux autorités de Tripoli de donner sans délai des informations sur les journalistes disparus.
 
La PEC se joint aux autres ONG qui demandent aux membres du Conseil des droits de l’homme de se réunir d’urgence en session spéciale pour débattre des graves violations commises ces derniers jours à Bahreïn, en Syrie et au Yémen en incluant les menaces dont sont victimes les médias.
 
Elle demande aux autorités du Bahreïn, de Syrie et du Yémen d’autoriser l’accès en toute sécurité des médias aux zones de troubles et de mettre un terme à la répression visant les médias locaux.
 
Selon le décompte de la PEC, depuis le 1er janvier, 23 journalistes ont été tués dans 12 pays dans le monde, dont cinq en Irak. 

La PEC condena el asesinato de periodistas en Iraq y en Libia- 23 periodistas asesinados desde el inicio del año en 12 países. La ONG pide una sesión especial del Consejo de la ONU sobre Bahrein, Siria y Yemen.

Ginebra, 11 de abril (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) condena enérgicamente el asesinato de periodistas en las zonas en conflicto; el último, el del director de la cadena de TV iraquí, Taha Hameed, el sábado 9 de abril en Bagdad. Hameed iba acompañado del militante de derechos humanos Abed Farhan Thiyab, cuando fueron asesinados en su coche por desconocidos.

Otros periodistas han sido también asesinados recientemente, entre ellos Mohammed al-Nabbous, de Libia Libre (Free Lybia), en Benghazi, el 19 de marzo, y Jamal al-Sharabi, de Al-Masdar, el 18 de marzo, en Sanáa, Yemen.
La PEC condena asimismo la emboscada de la cual fue víctima el pasado 12 de marzo Ali Hassan Al-Jaber, de Al-Jazeera, cerca de Benghazi.

La PEC está alarmada por la detención de más de 30 periodistas de todas las nacionalidades por las autoridades libias desde el inicio del conflicto y condena los malos tratos a que han sido sometidos durante su detención.

La ONG basada en Ginebra pide a las autoridades de Libia que liberen a todos los periodistas que todavía mantienen detenidos y que pongan fin a su campaña de intimidación del personal de los medios de comunicación. Asimismo solicita a las autoridades de Trípoli que suministren sin demora las informaciones correspondientes a los periodistas desaparecidos.

La PEC se suma a las otras ONG que demandan a los miembros del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU de reunirse con urgencia en sesión especial para debatir sobre las graves violaciones cometidas estos últimos días en Bahrein, Siria y Yemen, incluyendo las amenazadas de que son víctimas los medios.

Se solicita también a las autoridades de Bahrein, de Siria y de Yemen, que autoricen el acceso seguro a los medios en las zonas de disturbios y poner fin a la represión de los medios de comunicación locales.

De acuerdo con el recuento de la PEC, desde el 1ero de enero, 23 periodistas han sido asesinados en 12 países en todo el mundo, de los cuales, cinco en Iraq.

***07-14.04.2011. LIBYA. Journalists detained,  others missing (news updated in chronological order) (see also PRESS)

Al Jazeera calls for release of journalists in Libya - Qatar-based satellite channel Al Jazeera called on Wednesday 13 Aprisl for the release of two journalists still in detention in western Libya. The reporting team of two correspondents and two cameramen was arrested near Zintan last month.

Ahmed Vall Ould-Eddin was released to the Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, following the freeing of Lotfi al-Massoudi last week. But Ammar al-Hamadan from Norway, and Kamel al-Tallou from Britain remain in detention, Al Jazeera said in a statement. "We're extremely grateful for the support we've been receiving from around the world. This was vital in getting Lotfi and Ahmed out, and is still needed to secure the release of Ammar and Kamel," an Al Jazeera spokesman said.

Protests and vigils were held in support of the detained journalists, including in Jakarta, Cairo, Baghdad, Istanbul, Geneva, Khartoum, Nouakchott, Oslo and Doha, the channel said.

The Komsomolskaya Pravda journalists seized in Libya are free, a source at the newspaper told Itar-Tass April 11. “Alexander Kots called the newspaper office at about 9:30 p.m. Moscow time and said that they had just been freed. The contact was broken after that,” the source said.  “We are glad that everything is all right. The guys want to stay in Libya, although the newspaper administration is considering the expediency of their further work in that region. We want to thank everyone who has helped free our journalists,” he said.
Komsomolskaya Pravda journalists Alexander Kots and Dmitry Steshin and an NTV filming crew were seized between Ajdabiya and Benghazi at about 1:00 p.m. Moscow time on Friday. There is no information about the NTV filming crew so far.

There was no confirmation on Friday 8 April that more than 20 foreign journalists have been expelled by the Libyan government on the grounds that their visas had expired. The media outlets include Britain's Channel 4, CNN, Fox News, The Independent, Italian TV, ITV, Le Figaro, Los Angeles Times, The Times of London, NBC News, The New York Times, RAI, RTL, and The Sunday Times of London. Late Wednesday, Libyan officials in Tripoli posted a list of 26 foreign journalists whom they said were slated for departure on Thursday because their visas had expired. However, on Thursday, Libyan officials said that may have been an administrative error and no one on the list was expelled. It is not clear whether Libya intends to expel any of the journalists at a later date.

However it follows a series of individual arrests and deportations in recent weeks. The most recent was that of Daily Telegraph correspondent, Damien McElroy, on 3 April, preceded by Michael Georgy, an American journalist working for Reuters, on 30 March. Four journalists – a South Africa, two Americans and a Spaniard – have been missing in the east of the country since 4 April. Lofti Ghars, a journalist with Canadian and Tunisian dual citizenship who works for Al-Alam TV was arrested by pro-Gaddafi forces on 16 March as he arrived in Libya from Tunisia. Three Al-Jazeera journalists who were arrested in early March – Mauritian reporter Ahmed Vall Ould el-Dine, Norwegian photographer Ammar Al-Hamdane and British photographer Kamel Ataloua – are still being held by pro-Gaddafi forces in the west of the country. A fourth Al-Jazeera journalist who was arrested at the same time, Tunisian Lotfi Messaoudi, was released on 31 March. Rana Akbani, a woman reporter of Syrian nationality, has been missing in eastern Libya since 28 March.

On Thursday, pro-Qaddafi forces detained photographers Manuel Varela, Anton Hammerl, James Foley, and reporter Clare Morgana Gillis on the outskirts of the city of Brega. The Global Post, for which Foley was reporting,  confirmed that all four journalists were in government custody. Witnesses said the four journalists came under fire while traveling in a van near the north-central city, forcing them to stop, the Global Post said, citing information from Human Rights Watch. Pro-Qaddafi forces detained the four journalists while releasing their driver, the Global Post and others said. According to CPJ research Hammerl, who is South African, works for The Christian Science Monitor; Varela, who is Spanish, is a freelance photographer on contract with the European Pressphoto Agency; Foley, who is American, works for the Global Post; and Morgana Gillis, an American, is a freelancer for The Christian Science Monitor, The Atlantic, and USA Today. The PEC is also concerned about the fate of American freelance journalist Matthew VanDyke, who has been missing in Libya since mid-March, according to his family and news reports.

***03.04.2011. LIBYA. PEC joins call for release of Al Jazeera journalists held in Libya for three weeks.

Al Jazeera demands the immediate release of two correspondents and two cameramen detained again by Gaddafi's forces. On March 31, Libyan authorities re-arrested four Al Jazeera journalists just hours after they were released.

They had been detained earlier by Libyan authorities near Zintan, in the northwest of the country, and then imprisoned in Tripoli for three weeks.

Their latest incarceration came after one of the journalists, Lotfi Al Masoudi, told Tunisian radio station Jawhara FM in a telephone interview that they had been released and that they had been treated well in detention.

Al Masoudi, a Tunisian national, was re-taken on Thursday along with Ahmad val ould Eddin, a Mauritanian national, Ammar Al-Hamdan, a Norwegian national of Palestinian descent, and Kamel Al Tallou, a Libyan citizen.

During their brief freedom, the three non-Libyan nationals met with their respective ambassadors in Tripoli to discuss their situation and their planned departure for Tunisia the following day.

Libyan authorities have not provided any information about why or where the journalists are being held.

"We call on Libyan authorities to release the Al Jazeera journalists and all other journalists that they or their forces are holding," Robert Mahoney, deputy director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said. 
 
Ahmad val ould Eddin first joined Al Jazeera in 2008. He worked as a correspondent in South Africa for a couple of years before he returned to the newsroom in Doha. He reported on Africa, which led him to cover Libya during the recent uprising. A Mauritanian, he has two daughters, Layla and Lubna. He writes a blog called "Kounach", in which he collects articles he published in several newspapers. He is a passionate reader of Arabic poetry, especially by Al-Mutanabbi.

Lotfi Al Masoudi joined Al Jazeera from CNBC Dubai in March 2007 and started off as a presenter for Al Jazeera Sport. He is a native of Kairouan, Tunisia, and his main professional goal has been to make sure that Al Jazeera stays at the forefront of the news industry. This devotion took him to Libya to cover the conflict there as a correspondent. Lotfi is 34, married, and has a 2-year-old son named Mohamad Khalil. Lotfi and his wife Amira hope to have a family reunion soon. 
 
Kamel Al-Tallou joined Al Jazeera as a cameraman recently, driven by his passion for journalism despite his medical education and background as a doctor. Al-Tallou studied medicine in Tripoli before working as a doctor in England until 2009. Kamel, 43, is married with three sons and one daughter. 

Ammar Al-Hamdan is a Norwegian cameramen with a multicultural background. He is of Palestinian origin, born in Baghdad in 1977 and brought up in Oslo, where he married a Norwegian journalist. Ammar has worked in Al Jazeera's Oslo bureau since last year.

Since Libya's revolt began in February, CPJ has documented more than 60 attacks on the press, including two fatalities, more than 33 detentions, two attacks on news facilities, numerous instances of equipment confiscation, three cases of obstruction, the jamming of satellite news transmissions, and the interruption of internet service.

On March 12, Ali Hassan Al Jaber, an Al Jazeera cameraman, was killed in an ambush while returning to Benghazi after filing a report from an opposition protest.

During the crackdown, Libyan authorities have targeted four  and a Guardian.

And at least seven local journalists who spoke critically of government policies remain missing amid wide speculation that they are being held by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, Libya's embattled leader.
(Source: Al Jazeera)

***24.03.2011. LIBYA. The safety situation for journalists remains fluid and precarious as fierce fighting continues in parts of Libya (INSI Safety advisory FYI)

During a fifth consecutive night of air strikes by international forces, a number of loud explosions were heard in Tripoli, with at least one reported at the military base in the Tajura region east of the capital. Airstrikes are expected to continue in the capital and journalists should restrict their movements as much as possible.

Journalists in Tripoli are expressing frustration at the lack of freedom and the fact they are constantly followed by government minders and cannot work freely. News crews should be aware that the repercussions of trying
to work without minders could be severe and journalists are advised not to do this.

Benghazi is currently quiet, although a resurgence in celebratory gunfire is posing a safety concern with bullets falling back to the ground and raising the risk of accidental death and injury in and around the city.

Many journalists are flooding in to Libya's second city at the moment, and they should be aware that, although it is not currently the site of heavy fighting, the front line could change rapidly. There are contradictory reports about how local people in Benghazi are reacting to the influx of foreign journalists and news teams should be
aware that attitudes may also shift rapidly.

In addition, there have been some logistical issues reported. With communication networks still down, many teams are having to rely on satellite phones. As a result of this, there has been some problem finding
good and reliable drivers and news crews who felt comfortable travelling by night just last week are no longer doing so.

Meanwhile, two AFP journalists and a Getty photographer have been released after being detained. The three were released after being arrested in Ajdabiya. Their release comes after that of four New York Times
journalists earlier this week, who were subjected to what they called “days of brutality” in an article written for their newspaper (INSI) (see below)

***23.03.2011. LIBYA. Deeply shocked, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns bad treatments of journalists detained -Freed New York Times journalists held by Libyan government recall nightmarish ordeal

Four New York Times journalists who had been held for nearly a week by the Libyan government were released Monday to Turkish diplomats. Their release was negotiated with the help of Turkish authorities.
The four are Times' Beirut bureau chief Anthony Shadid, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner; photographers Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario, and reporter-videographer Stephen Farrell.
During their nightmarish ordeal, the journalists were forced to run for their lives under gunfire, threatened with execution and kept in a filthy jail cell with some water to drink and a bottle to urinate in.
When they were first captured, they thought death was imminent. "I heard in Arabic, 'Shoot them,' " Shadid told The Times. "And we all thought it was over."
But then another soldier said, "'No, they're American. We can't shoot them,'" Hicks said.
Addario suffered the worst treatment. One of her captors removed her shoes, pulled out the laces and used them to bind her ankles. Another punched her in the face and laughed. A third grabbed her breasts.
"There was a lot of groping," she said. "Every man who came in contact with us basically felt every inch of my body short of what was under my clothes."
A soldier threatened to decapitate Hicks, and another told Addario repeatedly that she was going to die.
The four were reporting from the rebel-controlled eastern region when Khadafy's forces detained them.
Editors lost touch with the journalists last Tuesday as forces loyal to Moammar Khadafy overran the city of Ajdabiya.

Read the full report on: www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/africa/22times.html

***23.03.2011. LIBYA. AFP journalists freed

The French News Agency, AFP, says Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's forces have freed two of its journalists and a photographer accompanying them. AFP said reporter Dave Clark, photographer Roberto Schmidt and Getty Images photographer Joe Raedle were released in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, early Wednesday.

The three journalists had gone missing after sending an email late Friday saying they were heading to an area 35 kilometers outside the eastern city of Tobruk to report on the fighting between pro-Gadhafi forces and rebels. The French News Agency quoted the journalists' driver as saying they were seized by soldiers loyal to Mr. Gadhafi.

AFP reported that a Gadhafi spokesman said the Libyan leader ordered the release of the journalists after receiving an appeal from AFP chairman Emmanuel Hoog. The agency quotes Hoog as thanking the Libyan government for its “promptness” in freeing the journalists.

***22.03.2011. LIBYA. Western journalists arrested by forces loyal to Kadhafi

Three western journalists who went missing in eastern Libya last week, including two from Agence France-Presse, were arrested by forces loyal to leader Moamer Kadhafi, their driver said. AFP reporter Dave Clark and photographer Roberto Schmidt, and Getty photographer Joe Raedle, had not been heard from since Friday evening.
Driver Mohammed Hamed told AFP that on Saturday morning he took the three journalists from Tobruk on the road to Ajdabiya, where Kadhafi loyalists have been fighting eastern rebels. A few dozen kilometres from Ajdabiya, they encountered a convoy of military jeeps and transport vehicles. They turned around, but were
intercepted by the soldiers who caught up with them and forcibly arrested them, the driver said.
Four soldiers ordered the journalists out of their vehicle at gunpoint. Clark, an experienced foreign correspondent, identified themselves in Arabic as journalists, the driver said. They were then ordered to kneel on the side of the road with their hands on their heads.
Other civilians and ambulances arrived on the scene and were controlled by soldiers who arrived in large number, Hamed said. The soldiers then set fire to several vehicles, including that used by the journalists, who were put into a military vehicle and driven away. The interpreter who accompanied them, Sudki Abdulkarim Jibril, told the rebel Radio Tobruk that their vehicle had been pursued for some 50 kilometres before the soldiers brought it to a halt by shooting out the tyres.
"We don't know where they were taken," he said. "They were allowed to keep their telephones but not their cameras."
Clark, 38, and Schmidt, 45, had informed AFP editors in an email on Friday of their plans to head 35 kilometres (22 miles) out of Tobruk. They planned on meeting opponents of the regime of Libyan leader Moamer
Kadhafi and speaking with refugees fleeing the battles between rebels and the loyalists. Clark and Schmidt were accompanied by Raedle, 45, a photographer from the Getty Images agency. The journalists had not been heard of since sending the email Friday night.
Paris-based Clark has been in Libya since March 8 while Schmidt, who normally works out of the Nairobi bureau, arrived in Libya on February 28. Since the February 15 start of the insurrection against Kadhafi's regime,
a number of foreign journalists have been arrested in Libya.
Four New York Times reporters, who were detained last week during the fighting between government and rebel forces, left the country safely on Monday after Turkey helped secure their release, the newspaper said.
On Saturday the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera satellite television said that four of its journalists, including a Norwegian and a Briton, are being held in Tripoli after being arrested in Libya's west.

***21.03.2011. Libya Releases 4 New York Times Journalists

The Libyan government released four New York Times journalists on Monday, six days after they were captured while covering the conflict between government and rebel forces in the eastern city of Ajdabiya. They were
released into the custody of Turkish diplomats.
Like many Western journalists, the four who have extensive experience in war zones had entered the rebel-controlled eastern region of Libya over the Egyptian border without visas to cover the insurrection. They were
detained by forces loyal to Colonel Qaddafi in Ajdabiya.
The journalists are Anthony Shadid, The Times’s Beirut bureau chief, who has won two Pulitzer Prizes for international reporting; two photographers, Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario, who have extensive experience in war zones; and a reporter and videographer, Stephen Farrell, who in 2009 was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan and was rescued by British commandos.
After The New York Times reported having lost contact with the journalists last Tuesday, officials with the Qaddafi government pledged that if they had been detained by the government’s military forces, they would be
located and released unharmed.
A spokesman for the Turkish embassy in Washington, Rauf Denktas, says the journalists were handed over to the Turkish ambassador in Tripoli and were expected to cross the border to Tunisia Monday.
In a statement Monday, the newspaper said: "We are grateful that our journalists have been released, and we are working to reunite them with their families. We have been told they are in good health and are in the
process of confirming that. We thank the Turkish, British, and U.S. governments for their assistance in the release. We also appreciate the efforts of those in the Libyan government who helped secure the release
this morning."

***21.03.2011. PEC statement - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) warmly welcomes the new Secretary-General of the IFJ amidst growing dangers for journalists

Geneva, 21 March (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Brazilian journalist and union activist Elizabeth Costa as the new Secretary-General of the International Federation of
Journalists (IFJ).

The PEC board expresses its hope that a new and constructive chapter of cooperation will start with Elizabeth Costa, at this crucial and turning point in the work of journalists when the phenomenon of detention have
turned into a phenomenon of abduction by the Libyan regime.

As Costa assumes the reigns of the IFJ it was reported Sunday evening that two journalists of the French News Agency (AFP) and a photographer from the Getty agency were reported missing Saturday. The PEC calls for their immediate release.

PEC President Hedayat Abd El Nabi and PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen both express hope to hold a meeting as soon as possible with Costa to embark together on a solid cooperation that will improve the
protection of journalists in war zones and civil unrest.

Both PEC officials noted that the appointment of Costa comes at a crucial moment in the life of journalists when their profession is at risk in places like Libya, Yemen and others in the Middle East.

Since the beginning of the Spring revolution in North Africa, Lempen said, 5 journalists have been killed: 2 in Libya, one in Yemen, one in Egypt and one in Tunisia.

Lempen added that at least 5 Arab and foreign media crews in Libya have been held by the Libyan
authorities (BBC, New York Times, the Guardian, Al-Jazeera, AFP), many Libyan journalists have
disappeared.

As we enter the crucial phase of operation Odyssey Dawn the work of journalists will become more
complicated in Libya.

The PEC warned that journalists could become targets of the reckless indiscriminate military machinery of the Libyan leader.

***21.03.2011. LIBYA. AFP Journalists missing in Libya 

Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalists Dave Clark and Roberto Schmidt have been missing since Friday in Libya while working in the eastern Tobruk region.

Reporter Clark, 38, and photographer Schmidt, 45, had informed the agency in an email on Friday (local time) of their plans to head 35 kilometres out of Tobruk.

They planned on meeting opponents of the regime of Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi and speaking
with refugees fleeing the battles between rebels and the loyalists.

Clark and Schmidt were accompanied by a photographer from the Getty Images agency, Joe Raedle.
The three journalists have not been heard of since sending the email on Friday night.

Paris-based Clark has been in Libya since March 8, while Schmidt, who normally works out of the Nairobi bureau, arrived in Libya on February 28.

Since the February 15 start of the insurrection against Gaddafi's regime, a number of foreign journalists have been arrested in Libya. Authorities in Tripoli said they were holding four New York Times journalists after they went missing in the east of the country last Tuesday.

The paper said they were to be freed on Friday, but there has been no confirmation that they were indeed released.

On Saturday, the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera satellite television said that four of its journalists, including a Norwegian and a Briton, were being held in Tripoli after being arrested in Libya's west.

***20.03.2011. LIBYA . Four Al Jazeera reporters held in Tripoli

Four journalists working for Al Jazeera, including a Norwegian and a Briton, are being held in Tripoli after being arrested in Libya's west, the Qatar-based satellite channel said.

Al Jazeera said Lotfi al-Messaoudi, a Tunisian, Ahmed Vall Ould Addin, a Mauritanian, Ammar al-Hamdan, a Norwegian cameraman, and British national Kamel Atalua were arrested while "carrying out their duties" in western Libya.

A statement on the channel's website said that the Libyan authorities "will be held accountable for the safety, security and well-being of the team".

It added that "regional parties" were combining their efforts in a bid to secure the journalists' release, but did not elaborate.

In Oslo, a spokesman for the foreign ministry, Frode Andersen, said it had been informed by Al Jazeera that a journalist with Norwegian nationality had been arrested by forces loyal to Libyan strongman Moamar Gaddafi.

"We urge that he and his colleagues be immediately released and hold the Libyan authorities entirely responsible for their safety," he said.

Since the February 15 start of the insurrection against Mr Gaddafi's hardline regime, a number of foreign journalists have been arrested in Libya.

***19.03.2011. YEMEN. Yemen expels two Al-Jazeera journalists - one photoreporter shot dead

Yemen has ordered two Al-Jazeera television correspondents to leave the country, saying they were working illegally and had acted unprofessionally, Saba state news agency said Saturday.

An information ministry official was quoted as saying Ahmed Zidan and Abdulhaq Saddah had "provoked the people of Yemen" with their news coverage.

The report did not say exactly what it was the two men had done to merit their expulsion.

The news comes a day after snipers killed 52 anti-regime protesters in Sanaa in the latest wave of protests that has killed at least 70 people since they erupted in January.

In the Friday violence, Yemeni photojournalist Jamal al-Sharaabi, who worked for the independent weekly Al-Masdar, was shot dead by Yemeni security forces, media rights groups reported.

Saba reported on Wednesday that Yemen has expelled four foreign journalists whom it accused of violating its residency laws.

Media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified them as two Britons -- Oliver Holmes and Portia Walker -- and two Americans -- Haley Sweetland Edwards and Joshua Maricich. RSF has also said that another US journalist, Patrick Symmes, and his Italian photographer, Marco Di Lauro, were deported last week.

***18.03.2011. LIBYA. Qaddafi Son Says Libya Will Release 4 New York Times Journalists

TRIPOLI, Libya — Four New York Times journalists missing in Libya since Tuesday were captured by forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi and will be released, the Libyan leader’s son Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi told Christiane Amanpour in an ABC News interview early Friday.

Like many other Western journalists, the four had entered the rebel-controlled eastern region of Libya over the Egyptian border, without visas, to cover the insurrection against Colonel Qaddafi.

“They entered the country illegally and when the army, when they liberated the city of Ajdabiya from the terrorists and they found her, they arrest her because you know, foreigners in this place,” Mr. Qaddafi said, according to the transcript of the interview, which took place shortly after the United Nations Security Council approved military action against Libyan government forces. “But then they were happy because they found out she is American, not European. And thanks to that, she will be free tomorrow.”

Mr. Qaddafi was apparently referring to Lynsey Addario, a photographer, but Libyan government officials told the State Department on Thursday evening that all four would be released.

The Libyan government allowed the journalists to call their families on Thursday evening.

The journalists are Anthony Shadid, The Times’s Beirut bureau chief and a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign correspondent; two photographers, Tyler Hicks and Ms. Addario, who have extensive experience in war zones; and a reporter and videographer, Stephen Farrell, who in 2009 was captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan and rescued by British commandos.

“We’re all, families and friends, overjoyed to know they are safe,” said Bill Keller, the executive editor of The Times. “We are eager to have them free and back home.”

After The Times reported having lost contact with the journalists on Tuesday, officials with the Qaddafi government pledged that if they had been detained by the government’s military forces they would be located and released unharmed.

====================================================================

18.03.2011. The PEC mourns board member Victor Kocher (Neue Zürcher Zeitung correspondent). 

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) mourns deeply member of the PEC board Victor Kocher (photo), a Swiss journalist with Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), who was extremely dedicated to the issue of the protection of journalsits.  Kocher (58), a friend to all members of the PEC board, was an Arabist who knew well the Arab region, spoke Arabic and knew the difficult working conditions of his colleagues the journalists in the Arab region.  He survived all the wars in the Middle East that he covered and was killed on holidays. During his short term as PEC board member he was very constructive in dialoguing with Swiss institutions to back the PEC cause for the protection of journalists in conflict zones and civil unrest.  PEC President Hedayat Abd El Nabi, in mourning deeply Victor, said that Victor is not only a loss for the Swiss community of journalists but also for the PEC and for the UN community of journalists in Geneva.  Abd El Nabi added that his absence will be felt strongly, he will be missed dearly. Victor, she said, met his fate just days after finishing his book, he will not be there to launch it, but in the UN in Geneva all his colleagues will honor him and launch it jointly on his behalf. The PEC presents its most sincere condolences to his family and those who are close to him, and to the PEC board.  Victor died in an accident in the Swiss Alps.

Un journaliste de 59 ans se tue à St-Luc (VS)

St-Luc VS (ATS) Un journaliste alémanique de 59 ans a perdu la vie alors qu'il se promenait avec son épouse sur un chemin forestier non loin de St-Luc (VS) jeudi en milieu d'après-midi. Il s'agit de Victor Kocher, correspondant de la "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" au Palais des Nations à Genève.

L'homme est tombé sur une plaque de glace et a glissé le long d'un couloir sur une centaine de mètres. Il est décédé sur les lieux de l'accident, précise la police cantonale dans un communiqué vendredi. Ce journaliste d'expérience passait ses vacances dans le Val d'Anniviers, a précisé sa rédaction.

Domicilié dans le canton de Vaud, Victor Kocher rendait compte de la Genève internationale pour le compte de la "NZZ" depuis deux ans. Il avait auparavant été correspondant au Proche-Orient durant de nombreuses années, relève la "NZZ".  

 ===================================================================

***17.03.2011. LIBYA. Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, the Guardian correspondent detained by the Libyan authorities a fortnight ago, has been released. Four journalists of the New York Times missing in Libya

Abdul-Ahad and Andrei Netto, a correspondent for the Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S Paulo, were picked up in the coastal town of Sabratha on 2 March, then moved to a prison on the outskirts of the capital, Tripoli.
Netto was freed a week ago but Libyan officials continued to hold the Guardian reporter despite protests from the newspaper. The Guardian's editor, Alan Rusbridger, said: "We are delighted that
Ghaith has been released and is safely out of Libya. We are grateful to all those who worked behind the scenes to help free him after his ordeal."
Abdul-Ahad entered Libya from Tunisia and was last in touch with the paper on the day of his capture. The journalist, an Iraqi national, is a highly respected staff correspondent who has written for the Guardian since 2004. He has reported from Somalia, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan, telling the stories of ordinary people in times of conflict. He has won many of the most prestigious awards available to foreign correspondents, including foreign reporter of the year at the British
Press Awards, the James Cameron award and the Martha Gellhorn prize.
Netto has said he believed his own release was made possible by the actions of the Brazilian embassy in Tripoli and by the good relationship that existed between Brazil and Libya.
News of Abdul-Ahad's release came as the New York Times said four of its journalists were missing in Libya. They are: Anthony Shadid, the paper's Beirut bureau chief; two photographers, Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario, who have worked extensively in the Middle East and Africa; and Stephen Farrell, a reporter and videographer who was kidnapped by the Taliban in 2009 and rescued by British commandos.
The NYT said it had last been in contact with the four journalists on Tuesday morning, New York time. The paper said it had received reports they may have been detained by government forces in the eastern town of Ajdabiya.
The paper's executive editor, Bill Keller, said: "We have talked with officials of the Libyan government in Tripoli, and they tell us they are attempting to ascertain the whereabouts of our journalists. "We are grateful to the Libyan government for their assurance that if our
journalists were captured they would be released promptly and unharmed." He said their families and colleagues were anxiously seeking information about their situation.
The White House on Wednesday urged the Libyan government to refrain from harassing or using violence against journalists. President Obama's spokesman Jay Carney said the US was firm in its belief that journalists should be protected and allowed to do their work.

***15.03.2011. LIBYA. PEC condemns the killing of Aljazeera cameraman near Benghazi

Human Rights Council HRC/11/35 - MORNING 15 March 2011
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CONCLUDES GENERAL DEBATE ON SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE
THE COUNCIL’S ATTENTION

Speech delivered by the UN PEC Representative Dario Cervantes:

"The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the ambush prepared for Aljazeera crew near Benghazi that left its cameraman Ali Hassan Al Jaber dead. 

This was no accident but targeted killing by the pro-Qaddafi forces. The ICRC in a statement issued last week called upon all parties to apply strictly the set rules of International Humanitarian Law, that would include no targeted killings of journalists. 

In addition to the killing of  Aljazzera cameraman Ali Hassan Al Jaber, Libya has witnessed since the beginning of the armed conflict attacks on three BBC journalists and the disappearance of a number of Libyan and foreign journalists and the injury of a French journalist covering the unfolding events. 

The PEC has called upon OHCHCR and the Human Rights Council to start an independent inquiry into the attacks which are witnessed in the field against journalists, these are not second source stories but are live events. 
 
The Geneva based NGO with UN consultative status urge the two bodies to move asap to a new stage to convene a meeting to discuss guidelines in war zones and  civil unrest that would protect journalists". (END) 

More 13.03.2011 (CNN):  An Al-Jazeera cameraman was killed in an apparent ambush near Benghazi, Libya, becoming the first journalist killed in the country since the start of the civil war, the network reported Saturday.

Ali Hassan al Jaber was returning to Benghazi, an opposition stronghold in the east, from a nearby town where he had reported on an opposition protest when "unknown fighters opened fire on a car he and his colleagues were traveling in," Al-Jazeera reported on its English-language website.

The cameraman and another person were wounded. Al Jaber was rushed to a hospital, but did not survive, the network said.

"Al-Jazeera condemns the cowardly crime, which comes as part of the Libyan regime's malicious campaign targeting Al-Jazeera and its staff," the network reported. RELATED TOPICS Libya Al Jazeera

Since the start of the revolt last month, the government has kept a close eye on journalists. Reporters in Tripoli have been given minders and, in some cases, prevented from covering protests.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday it has documented more than 40 attacks on the media in Libya since February. They include 25 detentions, four assaults, two attacks on news facilities, the jamming of transmissions, and the interruption of internet service, the New York-based advocacy group said.

Several journalists have also reported the confiscation of their equipment, it added.

Friday, CNN Senior International Correspondent Nic Robertson and his crew were detained in Tajura, Libya, east of Tripoli, by forces loyal to Gadhafi. They were released, though their cabdriver was not.

"We are free to go anywhere, any time, talk to who we want, when we want. That's what Moammar Gadhafi's son told me, that's what Libya told the U.N. We already knew it was all lies -- look at any number of our colleagues arrested, detained, in some cases, beaten -- but today it came home to us personally," Robertson wrote.

Wadah Khanfar, director-general of Al-Jazeera, said the network "will not remain silent" and vowed to hold those responsible for al Jaber's death to account, Al-Jazeera reported.

Al Jaber, a Qatari national, was born in 1955 and studied cinematography in Cairo, the network said. More info below

***11.03.2011. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls the United Nations to take concrete steps to protect journalists and access to information in North Africa and the Middle East

PEC oral statement during the general debate item 3 - on the occasion of the 16th session of the Human Rights Council, 11 march 2011,  delivered by PEC United Nations Representative in Geneva Dario Cervantes (photo pec) at the Palais des Nations, room XX  

 PEC statement at the Human Rights Council: "The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has repeatedly called upon the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake an international enquiry on the attacks against journalists during the Arab spring revolution, in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Bahrain and Iraq. The PEC would like this enquiry to be enlarged to cover the transitional period in countries where the revolution turned successful.

    Today the PEC extends its call to the Human Rights Council and believes that this enquiry should take place without delay. The more the judges sit back the greater the risk to hide documents about those brutal attacks against journalists.

    It is because journalists are the conscience and the eyes and ears of the world in conflict zones and regions of civil unrest that special attention must be given to their plight and to secure their work environment to be able to provide testimonies of gross human rights violations.

    The Geneva based NGO, with UN consultative status, believes that the sequence of events should be in a time frame that permits the enquiry to present its findings to a panel discussion in the Council on the issue of “journalists: the conscience of the world”.

    In addition, the PEC requests that the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights organizes a seminar to discuss guidelines to protect journalists in conflict zones and zones of civil unrest.

    In the context of the revolution of the people in North Africa, the PEC denounces in the strongest possible manner the public statements by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi who spoke of TV stations covering the unrest as “these dogs”, those words were pronounced by Gaddafi on 21 February. Never again must media accept such pronouncements by officials who are in charge of a country.

    Three journalists working for the BBC were arrested and beaten lately by Libyan soldiers and police, and were subject to simulation of an execution, they stayed detained 21 hours and left Libya afterwards. 

    The PEC strongly condemns such acts against journalists and insists on their free unfettered access to all places in Libya.

    Recalling that at least 110 journalists were killed in 2010 and 13 others from the beginning of this year, attacks against journalists have remained unabated since the beginning of the Arab Spring revolution in Tunisia, Egypt Libya and others, those attacks include intimidation, injuries, violation of the right of information, confiscating media equipment, and other attacks including the physical assault against an American journalist, all these heinous acts calls upon the Human Rights Council to take concrete steps". (END)  

***11.03.2011. LIBYA. Brazilian reporter Andrei Netto of the O Estado de São Paulo newspaper has been released after being held for eight days. Netto, who is normally based in Paris, was arrested by pro-Gaddafi forces at the Tunisian-Libyan border as he was trying to resolve problems regarding the way he had entered the country. His newspaper said he was beaten and kept blindfolded during the eight days he was held in Sabratha, a town 60 km west of Tripoli.

***10.03.2011. LIBYA. JOURNALISTS TARGETED, BEATEN, DETAINED, MISSING: THE PRESS EMBLEM (PEC) VERY WORRIED.
Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's security forces detained and beat up a BBC news team who were trying to reach the strife-torn western city of Zawiya.

Members of the three-man team were beaten with fists, knees and rifles, hooded and subjected to mock executions by Libyan troops and secret police.

The three were detained on Monday and held for 21 hours, but have now flown out of Libya.

Government forces are in a fierce fight to wrest Zawiya from rebel control. Artillery and tanks have pounded the city - which lies 50km (30 miles) from the capital Tripoli - over the past four days.

The BBC said in a statement that it strongly condemned the "abusive treatment" of its journalists.

"The safety of our staff is our primary concern especially when they are working in such difficult circumstances and it is essential that journalists working for the BBC, or any media organisation, are allowed to report on the situation in Libya without fear of attack," said the statement from Liliane Landor, languages controller of BBC Global News.

"Despite these attacks, the BBC will continue to cover the evolving story in Libya for our audiences both inside and outside the country."

'Gun against neck'

The BBC Arabic Service team showed their identification when they were detained at an army roadblock on Monday.

They had been seeking, like many journalists, to get around government restrictions by reaching besieged Zawiya.

The three of them were taken to a huge military barracks in Tripoli, where they were blindfolded, handcuffed and beaten.

One of the three, Chris Cobb-Smith, said: "We were lined up against the wall. I was the last in line - facing the wall.

"I looked and I saw a plain-clothes guy with a small sub-machine gun. He put it to everyone's neck. I saw him and he screamed at me.

"Then he walked up to me, put the gun to my neck and pulled the trigger twice. The bullets whisked past my ear. The soldiers just laughed."

A second member of the team - Feras Killani, a correspondent of Palestinian descent - appears to have been singled out for repeated beatings.

Their captors told him they did not like his reporting of the Libyan popular uprising and accused him of being a spy.

The third member of the team, cameraman Goktay Koraltan, said they were all convinced they were going to die.

During their detention, the BBC team saw evidence of torture against Libyan detainees, many of whom were from Zawiya.

Koraltan said: "I cannot describe how bad it was. Most of them [other detainees] were hooded and handcuffed really tightly, all with swollen hands and broken ribs. They were in agony. They were screaming."

Killani said: "Four of them [detainees] were in a very bad situation. There was evidence of torture on their faces and bodies. One of them said he had at least two broken ribs. I spent at least six hours helping them drink, sleep, urinate and move from one side to another."

A senior Libyan government official later apologised for the BBC team's ordeal.

Libya - Two journalists missing in Libya

Two journalists are missing in Libya. Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, who works for the London-based Guardian newspaper, and Andrei Netto from Brazil’s O Estado do Sao Paolo were last heard on Sunday when they were on the outskirts of Zawiyah, which has been the scene of heavy fighting over the past few days.
The Guardian has released a statement saying “urgent efforts are under way to establish the whereabouts” of Abdul-Ahad, who has been reporting from western Libya for the past two weeks.
“The Guardian has been in contact with Libyan government officials in Tripoli and London and asked them to urgently give all assistance in the search for Abdul-Ahad and to establish if he is in the custody of the authorities”, the newspaper added.
Abdul-Ahad, who is an Iraqi national, has reported from Somalia, Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan, since he joined the Guardian in 2004.
He is believed to have been travelling with Andrei Netto, currently the Paris correspondent for O Estado do Sao Paolo. The Brazilian newspaper said it had been receiving “indirect information” until Sunday that indicated Netto was then in the area of Zawiyah, some 30 miles from Tripoli and alright.

Pillay condemns Libyan security forces violence against journalists

GENEVA – The UN High Commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay on Thursday condemned the detention and possible torture of an international news team as they sought to cover the situation in the western Libyan city of Zawiya.

“Journalists take great risks to ensure that an accurate picture of what is happening in conflict zones emerges,” Pillay said. "They play an extremely important role in bringing human rights violations to light. In this case, the crew’s own experience provides a graphic example of the types of violations that are being committed in Libya."

The BBC news team of three was reportedly beaten and subjected to mock executions by members of the Libyan army and secret police.

“For them to be targeted, detained and treated with such cruelty, which could amount to torture, is completely unacceptable and in serious violation of international law,” she added. "If an international television crew can be subjected to this type of treatment, it makes me extremely concerned about the treatment that is most likely being meted out to Libyan opponents of the regime who have fallen into the hands of the security services. The media must be allowed access to report what is happening in Libya, without facing either restrictions, intimidation or violence."

The High Commissioner noted that the journalists had reportedly observed terrible conditions in the detention centre where they were held, "including clear signs that other detainees had been subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."

She said reports of the continued aerial bombardment of civilians and the use of military grade weapons and tanks on city streets were outrageous and would be investigated as possible crimes against humanity. Pillay also expressed her utmost concern over accounts she has received of summary executions, rapes and disappearances in the country.

Citing the ongoing formation of an independent international Commission of Inquiry into events in Libya, and the Security Council’s referral of the case to the International Criminal Court, Pillay said the members of security forces should not believe they can commit such acts with impunity.

“Be warned: whether you are ordering torture or carrying out the orders, you will be held personally criminally responsible,” she said.

***28.02.2011. LIBYA. PEC statement (FRENCH and SPANISH texts after ENGLISH)
PEC calls upon Human Rights Council for an independent inquiry on attacks on media in Arab countries facing unrest

(See also OTHER NEWS for Iraq, Yemen)

GENEVA, February 28 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) continues ringing the bells of alarm concerning the coverage of media during the current unrest
in the Arab region.

- The Geneva based NGO with UN consultative status calls upon the Human Rights Council opening its session today to carry a separate investigation on numerous attacks targeting media in all the Arab countries undergoing the current unrest and calls for bringing the perpetrators of attacks against journalists to trial.

- The PEC calls upon the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to organize a meeting, following the panel discussion of 4 June 2010, on the protection of journalists in conflict zones; to study ways and means of improving better access for journalists to obtain neutral information in conflict zones and how to reinforce the work of journalists and their protection in situations of internal unrest.

- The PEC welcomes the resolution adopted  by the Human Rights Council on 25 February to establish an international commission of inquiry and to dispatch it as soon as possible to Libya. 
 
- The PEC denounces in the strongest possible manner the public statements by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on TV stations covering the unrest as “these dogs”, those words were pronounced by Gaddafi on 21 February. Leaders of countries must not speak of any media like this.
 
- Foreign journalists have entered Libya in the regions of unrest which are now under the control of the opposition. The PEC salutes the courage of those attempts to break the wall of silence on unfolding events of gross human rights violations by the regime in place and warns of substantial risks taken by journalists. 

- The Qatari based Aljazeera has accused the Libyan intelligence services of jamming its signal in Libya since 20 February. Its website is also inaccessible throughout the country. The Lebanese TV stations National Broadcasting Network (LBC), Al-Jadeed and Al-Manar have also said they are being jammed by Libyan authorities.

- Atef El-Atrash, a journalist with the Libyan newspaper Quryna, has been missing since 18 February, a day after he spoke on Aljazeera about the demonstrations in Benghazi. Two other Libyan journalists are reported missing.

- According to network security companies Arbor Networks and Renesys, the Internet has been cut several times since 18 February. Traffic has been partially restored but continues to experience a great deal of disruption. PEC also deplores that mobile communications with Benghazi and other cities were almost impossible as the East of Libya fell to the liberators. 


La PEC demande au Conseil des droits de l’homme une enquête indépendante sur les attaques commises à l’encontre des media dans les pays arabes

Genève, 28 février (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) continue à être très inquiète de la situation difficile dans laquelle se trouvent les medias pour couvrir les violences en cours dans le monde arabe.

- L’ONG basée à Genève avec statut consultatif auprès de l’ONU demande au Conseil des droits de l’homme dont la session s’est ouverte le 28 février de lancer une enquête séparée sur les nombreux incidents visant les medias qui ont marqué les récents événements dans plusieurs pays arabes afin d’identifier et de poursuivre les responsables des attaques contre les journalistes.
 
- La PEC demande à la Haut Commissaire de l’ONU aux droits de l’homme Navi Pillay d’organiser une réunion sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit afin de poursuivre la discussion entamée lors du panel organisé le 4 juin 2010 au Conseil ; d’étudier les moyens de faciliter l’accès des journalistes aux zones troublées afin de leur permettre de fournir une information objective et de renforcer la protection des journalistes dans des contextes de violences internes.

- La PEC salue l’adoption par le Conseil des droits de l’homme le 25 février d’une résolution décidant l’envoi en Libye le plus rapidement possible d’une commission d’enquête internationale.
 
- La PEC dénonce de la manière la plus ferme les propos tenus le 20 février par le colonel Kadhafi insultant publiquement les stations de télévision. Ce sont des termes que des dirigeants politiques ne devraient jamais employer à l’encontre de médias.
 
- Des journalistes étrangers ont pu entrer en Libye dans les régions sous contrôle de l’opposition. La PEC salue leur courage et leurs efforts de rompre le silence sur des graves violations des droits humains commises par le régime en place et avertit des risques importants pris par les journalistes.
 
- La télévision basée à Qatar Al-Jazeera a accusé les services de sécurité libyens de brouiller ses émissions depuis le 20 février. Son site internet est aussi inaccessible dans tout le pays. Les stations libanaises LBC, Al-Jadeed et Al-Manar ont aussi affirmé être brouillées par les autorités de Tripoli. 
 
- Atef El-Atrash, un journaliste du journal libyen Quryna, est porté manquant depuis le 18 février, un jour après qu’il ait parlé sur Al-Jazeera des manifestations à Benghazi. Deux autres journalistes libyens sont portés disparus.
 
- Selon les entreprises Arbor Networks et Renesys, l’Internet a été interrompu plusieurs fois depuis le 18 février en Libye. Le trafic a repris partiellement mais son fonctionnement continue à être très irrégulier. La PEC déplore aussi que les communications mobiles avec Benghazi et d’autres villes aient été presque impossibles au moment où l’est de la Libye s’est soulevé contre Kadhafi.  

PEC pide al Consejo de Derechos Humanos una investigación independiente sobre los ataques a los medios de comunicación durante los disturbios en curso en los países árabes 

Ginebra, 28 feb.  (PEC) – La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) sigue dando el grito de alarma en relación con la cobertura mediática durante los disturbios en curso en la región árabe.
 
- La organización no gubernamental con sede en Ginebra y con estatuto consultivo de las Naciones Unidas pide al Consejo de Derechos Humanos, que abre hoy sus sesiones, la apertura de  una investigación independiente sobre la cobertura mediática en todos los países árabes sometidos a la actual ola de disturbios y pide que se lleve a juicio a los autores de ataques contra periodistas.
 
- La PEC pide a la Alta Comisionada para los Derechos Humanos, Navi Pillay, el organizar una reunión, tras la mesa redonda del 4 de junio de 2010, sobre la protección de los periodistas en zonas de conflicto, para estudiar las vías y mecanismos para mejorar el  acceso de  los periodistas a la obtención de información neutral en zonas de conflicto, así como la forma de reforzar el trabajo de los periodistas y su protección en situaciones de disturbios internos.
 
- La PEC acoge con satisfacción la resolución adoptada por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos el 25 de febrero para establecer una comisión internacional de investigación y su envío a Libia  lo antes posible.
 
- La PEC denuncia con la mayor severidad posible las declaraciones públicas del líder libio, Muammar Gadafi y su hijo Seif al-Islam-, quien se refirió a las estaciones de televisión que cubren los disturbios como "estos perros". Esta expresión fue empleada por Gadafi el 21 de febrero.
 
- Periodistas extranjeros han entrado en Libia en las regiones escenario de los disturbios y que están ahora bajo el control de la oposición. La PEC saluda la valentía de estos intentos de romper el muro de silencio sobre el desarrollo de los acontecimientos de graves violaciones delosderechoshumanos por parte del régimen.
 
- La cadena qatarí Aljazeera ha acusado a los servicios de inteligencia de Libia de interferir  su señal en ese país desde el 20 de febrero. Su sitio web también está inaccesible en todo el país.
Los canales libaneses de televisión Red Nacional de Radiodifusión (LBC), Al-Jadeed y Al Manar, también han dicho que sus señales están siendo interferidas por las autoridades libias. 
 
- Atef El-Atrash, un periodista del diario Quryna, está desaparecido desde el 18 de febrero, un díadespuésque habló en Aljazeera sobre las manifestaciones de Benghazi. Otros dos periodistas libios fueron reportados como desaparecidos a partir del sábado 26 de febrero de 2010.
 
- De acuerdo con las empresas de seguridad de la red Arbor Networks y Renesys, el servicio de Internet ha sido cortado varias veces desde el 18 de febrero. El tráfico ha sido parcialmente restaurado, pero sigue teniendo una gran cantidad de interrupciones. La comunicación móvil con las ciudades de Benghazi y otras era casi imposible desde que el este de Libia pasó a manos de los libertadores.   

***21.02.2011. LIBYA. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONDEMNS RESTRICTIONS ON MEDIA COVERAGE, INTERNET ACCES, CENSORSHIP ON ALL MEDIA, ATROCITIES. A blanket ban on foreign journalists entering Libya has meant that facts are hard to verify. Libyan journalists who were arrested are missing

Read updates on PRESS

IFEX members have long been documenting the complete absence of independent media and privately owned TV or radio stations in Libya. Libyans who are critical of Qaddafi's regime are routinely disappeared or detained. Foreign journalists work under tight restrictions, and much of the information coming from Libya is impossible to verify. The crisis only serves to underline the severity of Libya's restricted media environment.

For example, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that Atef al-Atrash, a critical Libyan journalist who contributed to news websites Libya-Watanona and Libya al-Mustakbal, disappeared after reporting live on Al Jazeera from demonstrations in Benghazi on 17 February. He had reported that "several journalists" had been detained. He said on air there was "a clear attempt being made to isolate him."

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the daily "Libya Al-Youm" reported that internal security forces briefly arrested Taqi al-Din al-Chalawi and Abdel Fattah Bourwaq, the director and editor of the local news website Irasa on 16 February. The blogger Mohammed al-Ashim Masmari was arrested the same day after giving interviews about the protests to several satellite TV stations, including Al Jazeera and the BBC's Arabic service.

Human Rights Watch said security forces arrested a Benghazi journalist, Hind El Houny, on 17 February, bringing the total number of activists, dissidents, lawyers and former political prisoners arrested since the beginning of demonstrations to at least 17.

According to RSF, the Arab news website Shaffaf reported that in an attempt to stop the protests, "the official media have orchestrated a campaign against those who are trading on the blood of the martyrs." The authorities are also preventing journalists from moving about freely within the country and have denied entry to foreign journalists, says RSF. Local cable TV operators are forbidden to broadcast Al Jazeera but it is available by satellite, although its signal has been intermittently jammed. On 21 February, Al Jazeera reported that landlines and mobile phones have been cut off.

RSF says anti-government protesters responded by ransacking the premises of the Al-Jamahiriya 2 state TV station and Al-Shababia public radio station on 20 February. According to news reports, demonstrators took over a public radio station in Benghazi and appealed on the air to international media to cover the repression being orchestrated by "the criminal Gaddafi".

Meanwhile, the government has shut down all Internet communications in Libya, and arrested Libyans who have given phone interviews to the media, "making it extremely difficult to obtain information on developments there," said Human Rights Watch.

According to CPJ, Libya's Internet crackdown hasn't shown the same consistency as Egypt's six-day long blackout - connectivity has been intermittent - and it is difficult to tell if the shutdowns are deliberate. But CPJ can confirm that where Internet is available, Twitter, Facebook and Al Jazeera's websites have been added to Libya's normal political Internet filters.

"A potential human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Libya as protesters brave live gunfire and death," said Human Rights Watch. "Libya is trying to impose an information blackout, but it can't hide a massacre."

Updates on the situation of media in the Libyan crisis on PRESS 

***17.02.2011. Bahrain - as unrest spreads across the Middle East and North Africa, attacks on journalists are continuing in the region 

Sky News' Alex Crawford says the government is detaining journalists at Bahrain airport and their equipment is being seized. An ABC reporter covering the unrest in Bahrain was beaten. Miguel Marquez was reporting from Pearl Square in central Manama when he was attacked
mid-broadcast by security forces during their crackdown on protesters. He
was not badly injured.

News organisations report that all crews, even local media, are having their reporting gear impounded. Reports surface that it is becoming increasingly difficult to move around Manama, with very few taxis on the streets of the capital. 

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joigned the International News Safety Institute (INSI) to advise all journalists covering civil disturbances to take appropriate precautions. The following information may help (INSI civil disturbance checklist):
 
• Plan in advance • Establish pre-arranged contact points with the rest of your team (photographer, camera operator, producer, etc.) if you are separating • Always carry press identification but conceal it if it attracts unwarranted attention • Bring a cellular phone with emergency numbers pre-set for speed dialling • Position yourself upwind if there is a possibility that tear gas will be used • Bring eye protection such as swimming goggles or industrial eye protection • Carry first aid kits and know how to use them • Wear loose natural fabric clothing as this will not burn as readily as synthetic ones; remember there is always the possibility of gasoline bombs being exploded • Carry a small backpack with enough food and water to last for a day in case you are unable to get out of the area • If you are a reporter you don’t have to be in the crowd as long as you can see what’s happening • If you are a photographer or camera operator, try to shoot from a higher vantage point. The use of flats and buildings to report is common-place, but ensure exit is possible and does not become obstructed • Work with the team and keep a mental map of your escape route if things turn bad • Have an immediate newsroom debriefing after the coverage to extract lessons from the coverage

***16.02.2011. EGYPT. PEC condemns the attack against CBS journalist Lara Logan, Calls for an immediate and full investigation, and bringing the criminals to court 

CBS said in a statement: "Lara Logan (photo) was covering the jubilation in Tahrir Square for a '60 Minutes' story when she and her team and their security were surrounded by a dangerous element amidst the celebration."It was a mob of more than 200 people whipped into frenzy. In the crush of the mob, she was separated from her crew."She was surrounded and suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers." "She reconnected with the CBS team, returned to her hotel and returned to the United States on the first flight the next morning. She is currently in the hospital recovering." Logan, who has reported from Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo, previously worked for GMTV in Britain before joining CBS News in 2002.

(See PRESS for stories in French, Spanish)

GENEVA, 16 February (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the assault on CBS journalist Lara Logan who was attacked beaten and harrassed sexually in Tahrir Square on Friday 11 February, the day former President Mubarak stepped down.
This is the first time that a foreign correspondent has suffered total violation of all human rights including her safety as a woman and the PEC believes it is tantamount to murder. 

The PEC find in this horrific incident another justification to start forthwith an immediate and full investigation in all attacks targeting journalists. 
CBS announced in a statement that Lara was flown to the United States where she is hospitalized. According to CBS Lara was preparing a story for 60 minutes when she and her crew were surrounded by some 200 people out of control. 
 
Lara, 39, originally a national from South Africa, was separated from her crew and was beaten and according to CBS was a victim of a prolonged sexual attack, several women and members of the Egyptian army saved her. 
 
The PEC, in a record number, has issued 5 statements on mistreatment of the media during the 18 day Egyptian revolution, this is the 6th in a row which shows the gravity of the situation of media coverage in Egypt and other countries during the situation of civil unrest.  
 
The Geneva based NGO calls upon the Egyptian authorities as we approach the Friday of celebrations where millions will be gathering in Tahrir square to make a serious effort to protect foreign and Egyptian journalists. 

***14.02.2011. PEC expresses hope that Egypt’s transition period will bring about a genuine and free press  to the Arab region  

GENEVA, Monday 14 February (PEC) – A new dawn has started in Egypt last Friday 11 February promising a better future for the 80 million Egyptians.  

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), in rejoicing for the Egyptian people, expressed hope that the post transitional period will bring to the people of Egypt a real and genuine free press and a true democratic process.

The PEC expresses hope that political change- post transition period -will be conducted by valid election ballots and boxes and the introduction of  e-vote.

The Geneva based NGO, with special UN consultative status, pays tribute to the Egyptian journalists who struggled for three decades to put in place a free and independent press and a free media.

This struggle, coupled with modern technologies of communication, played a crucial role in bringing the change that ended 3 decades of one man rule, one party rule.

The PEC salutes the young bloggers of Egypt led by Wael Ghonim who were instrumental in keeping the young people connected through the 18-day revolution. 

Pioneer journalists such as Ibrahim Eissa ran 24 over 24 site with the developments of the revolution, it was interrupted shortly for hours when the Internet was shut down, however facing all odds it continued to function thus becoming a major source of information for the world.

The PEC salutes the Egyptian journalists, members of the Syndicate who announced their outright rejection of the current President of the Syndicate a symbol of the old regime.

The Geneva based NGO expresses its appreciation for the role played by the foreign media and their resilience to continue covering against all security odds and attacks as well as destruction of media equipment, many were also detained.

The Egyptian people’s revolution of millions of people as US President Barak Obama has stated Friday night that Egypt has changed as well as the world.

The revolution of the Egyptian people including that of the media in Egypt presents historical lessons for the Arab region.

The first is that repression of freedom of opinion and expression will not function especially during the 21st Century where the communications revolution is at the forefront of keeping people connected.

Crushing media freedom complicates matters and worsens the situation in a country, both Tunisia and Egypt are examples, Egypt enjoyed cosmetic media freedom, but the two revolutions took place one after the other, in what was described by the Swiss Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey as an explosive cocktail, when people revolt and go to the streets.

It is important for Egypt, Tunisia and other countries of the region to embark on serious reforms that would replace dictatorships and bring into the scene respect for political and civil rights including democratic practices and freedom of opinion and expression as well as press freedom.

The absence of change by the ballot leads to the absence of admission of serious problems facing the people.

Voting by a genuine ballot is part and parcel of the democratic process that cannot be separated from freedom of opinion and expression both are interrelated and one influences the other.

The guarantor of unveiling those problems is a genuine move to a free press and a just society, but the press in the new Egypt must be effective and not addressing the deaf.

The independent Egyptian media unveiled many ills in the country including corruption, embezzlement and favoritism and thus played a role to show the world what was going on in Egypt, but the former regime had deaf ears.   

In both Tunisia and Egypt the perpetrators of attacks against journalists are known, and therefore there is no excuse for the current leadership of both countries not to bring the perpetrators to trail or to delay such a trial.  

The transition period in Egypt must benefit from the calls to create an environment of transparency and one of the first acts is to bring the perpetrators to trail in a move that will show the world that Egypt is on the right track.

The PEC expresses hope that the new regime in Egypt will dissociate itself from the propaganda machinery of the former regime and put an end to inaccurate reporting thus respecting the right of the Egyptian people to factual information.

The two revolutions, in Tunisia and Egypt, reconfirm the crucial role of the media as witnesses of gross violations of human rights, which are due to the state of the art technologies have become documents that cannot be erased.

The PEC believes that the International Community responded positively to defend the media in both countries, and call upon Egypt, Tunisia and the world to move a bold step forward and put in place guidelines to protect the media in such violent upheavals.