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PEC AWARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS
The PEC Prize is given annually by the PEC committee to reward a person or an organization who worked for the protection of journalists
FIRST PEC AWARD 2009 FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS GOES JOINTLY TO THE PALESTINIAN CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND MEDIA FREEDOMS (MADA) AND TO THE MEXICAN AMBASSADOR AT THE UN IN GENEVA LUIS ALFONSO DE ALBA
The first PEC award ceremony at the Swiss Press Club, Geneva, June 4th 2009 (photos keystone mtrezzini)
The certificates delivered to MADA and ambassador Luis Alfonso De Alba, at the award ceremony June 4th (other photos below)
For the PEC statement *English, French, Spanish*, speeches of Ambassador De Alba, Mada representative, PEC President and PEC Secretary-General: go below after honouring our collleagues
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IN MEMORIAM / IN MEMORIAM / IN MEMORIAM / IN MEMORIAM
Daniel Pearl, kidnapped and killed in Karachi / Pakistan, January 30, 2002
Anna Politkovskaia, killed in Moscow October 6th, 2006
Hrant Dink, killed in Istanbul January 19, 2007
Shihab al-Tamimi, killed in Baghdad February 27, 2008, president of the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists and PEC co-founder
Terry Lloyd, killed in Iraq March 22, 2003
Serge Maheshe, killled in DRC June 13, 2007
Samir Kassir, killled in Lebanon, June 2nd, 2005
Fadel Shana, killed in the Gaza strip, April 16, 2008
Jean Dominique, killled in Haiti, April 3rd, 2000
Lasantha Wrickramatunga, killed in Colombo, January 8, 2009
Mazen Dana, killed August 17, 2003, in Iraq
Jose Couso, killed April 8, 2003, Hotel Palestine, Baghdad
MANY OTHERS MUST BE HONOURED: VISIT OUR "TICKING CLOCK"
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PEC statement - French and Spanish texts after English
Speeches of Ambassador De Alba and Mada representative, PEC president and PEC secretary-general after the PEC statement
FIRST PEC AWARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS GOES JOINTLY TO THE PALESTINIAN CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT AND MEDIA FREEDOMS (MADA) AND TO THE MEXICAN AMBASSADOR AT THE UN IN GENEVA LUIS ALFONSO DE ALBA
GENEVA, June 4 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Award Committee, designating for the first time an Award for the Protection of Journalists, decided that it’s Award for outstanding efforts in the media protection field goes jointly to the Palestinian Center for Development and media Freedoms (MADA) and to Mexican Ambassador at the UN in Geneva Luis Alfonso De Alba.
The PEC Award was designated to MADA, based in Ramallah, for its outstanding role in providing accurate and detailed information about the siege of journalists in Gaza and outside Gaza during the war from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009, when the media was not allowed to enter Gaza to cover the war.
In addition, MADA documents on a daily basis the working conditions of journalists in an extremely dangerous zone that is the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt).
In carrying out its mission, MADA has proven even handedness, impartiality and a neutral coverage on media violations by all parties within and outside the oPt, a courageous outlook that deserves serious acknowledgment.
The decision to split the PEC Award between MADA and the Mexican Ambassador at the UN in Geneva Luis Alfonso De Alba was a result of Ambassador’s De Alba’s efforts and dedication to flag the issue of the protection of journalists in conflict zones among his colleagues on the level of ambassadors by launching an informal consultation process on ways and means forward to enforce and in an attempt to put in place new ideas to protect journalists.
The Mexican Ambassador’s endeavors assisted the PEC to carry its serious commitment for new legal binding clauses to the attention of the diplomatic community and hence through them to the international community.
Ambassador De Alba’s efforts were the first efforts in this regard which presented a shinning image of his country, Mexico.
Though his country, Mexico, represents one of the most dangerous places in the world for media work, Ambassador De Alba has flagged his country as a defender of rights by launching the Convention on Disabilities, a process that was difficult at the beginning then turned to be the most successful by assembling all the international community behind the Convention, a process of inspiration for the PEC Campaign.
The PEC Awards will be received today Thursday 4 June 2009 at the Swiss Press Club on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the PEC.
The Award Ceremony is sponsored by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kuwaiti magazine Al Yaqatha spearheaded by Ahmed Yusuf Behbehani and the Swiss Press Club.
PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi said that the 5th anniversary of the PEC marks a turning point in its work.
She added that the PEC has developed ideas, set them for discussion, and today it renews its 1000 miles journey for respect for the fallen journalists by mobilizing through its Award and the Remembrance Day a new momentum to carry the process forward.
The Award ceremony also marks the victims of the media community, as the first ever remembrance day for hundreds of media colleagues who have fallen when on duty.
Abdel Nabi praised the sponsors for supporting the PEC event.
As we honor the memory of the fallen journalists, said Abdel Nabi, “we must pay tribute to the living, their families, who are in dire need for support morally and in material terms”.
For the living victims, said Abdel Nabi, the human rights of their loved ones have been seriously violated and the wounds will never heal”.
PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said that the PEC Award will be annually designated on 4 June.
“The AWARD’s objective is to encourage individuals and organizations to strengthen their resolve in their efforts for the protection of journalists and to focus the spotlight on those important efforts that are directed at respect for the public’s right to know and the right to life for journalists who were victims only because they chose to be witnesses, to be the eyes of the world in documenting human rights violations as well serious violations of humanitarian law in conflict and violent situations,” added Lempen.
The PEC jury award committee is composed of the PEC board, all are professional journalists, the majority of which are accredited to the UN in Geneva and they represent a dozen of nationalities.
The PEC itself is supported by 38 press associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who are especially active in conflict zones.
In accepting the PEC Award, MADA CEO Dr. Ghazi Hanania said that it is sad that the situation of the Palestinian media and media freedoms has seriously deteriorated over the past year.
“MADA monitored 257 violations of media freedoms. Of those 147 were committed by the Israeli occupying forces and settlers, the most serious one being that of the deliberate killing of Reuters cameramen Fadel Shana,” said Hanania.
Hanania added that the Palestinian security services in the West Bank and Gaza as well as Palestinian gunmen committed 110 violations during the same period.
Ambassador De Alba, in his acceptance speech said that “we owe much to the work of journalists, cameramen, correspondents, photographers and other press staff, particularly those that work under dangerous or difficult conditions”.
“There is no doubt that journalists, as other groups have done it, should also benefit from this global effort and gain specific advancement of their rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of movement and of speech,” said Ambassador De Alba.
Ambassador De Alba, who was the first President of the Human Rights Council and is concluding his term in Geneva this summer, stressed that the protection of journalists is a key topic that deserves due consideration by all relevant parties.
According to the PEC monitoring system, the Ticking Clock, 45 journalists were killed since the beginning of this year.
91 journalists were killed in 2008, and 115 in 2007.
Since the beginning of 2009 Pakistan is the deadliest country for media work, where 6 journalists were killed.
Pakistan is followed by Mexico (5 killed), Iraq (5), Gaza (4) during the Israeli invasion, and Somalia (4).
Russia follows where 3 journalists were killed, then Afghanistan (2), Columbia (2), Honduras (2), Nepal (2) Sri lanka (2), Venezuela (2).
One journalist was killed in Guatemala, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Palestinian representative and Graça Perez, from the Mexican Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, with PEC president Hedayat Abdelnabi and PEC SG Blaise Lempen (keystone)
La PEC décerne le premier Prix pour la protection des journalistes conjointement à l'ONG palestinienne MADA et à l'ambassadeur mexicain à l'ONU Luis Alfonso De Alba
Genève, 4 juin (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) a décerné pour la première fois le Prix pour la Protection des Journalistes jeudi conjointement au Centre palestinien pour le développement et la liberté des medias (MADA) et à l'ambassadeur du Mexique auprès de l'ONU Luis Alfonso De Alba.
L'ONG MADA, basée à Ramallah, est récompensée pour le rôle exceptionnel d'information qu'elle a joué en janvier, lors de l'offensive israélienne contre Gaza, du 27 décembre 2008 au 18 janvier 2009, alors que les medias ne pouvaient accéder au territoire palestinien de l'extérieur. En outre, elle documente au jour le jour la situation des medias dans une zone de conflit très dangereuse. Elle fait preuve de courage et d'impartialité en informant sur les violations de la liberté de la presse commises par toutes les parties.
L'ambassadeur mexicain Luis Alfonso De Alba, premier président du Conseil des droits de l'homme en 2006-2007, a été récompensé pour les efforts diplomatiques qu'il a menés afin de lancer un processus de consultation informel au niveau des ambassadeurs auprès de l'ONU sur
les moyens de renforcer la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit. L’ambassadeur De Alba a apporté son soutien aux efforts de la PEC pour attirer l’attention de la communauté internationale sur la nécessité d’un projet de convention améliorant la protection des medias confrontés à la violence, alors même que son pays, le Mexique, est l’un des plus dangereux pour les journalistes. Le Mexique a été l’initiateur de la Convention de l’ONU pour les droits des handicapés, un processus qui fut difficile au début mais qui s’est révélé être un succès, un processus inspirant la Campagne de la PEC.
Le prix a été décerné jeudi soir au Club suisse de la presse à Genève à l'occasion du 5e anniversaire du lancement de la Campagne. La cérémonie de remise du Prix, qui a marqué également la première journée de commémoration des journalistes victimes de la violence dans l’exercice de leur métier, a été sponsorisée par le Ministère norvégien des Affaires étrangères, le magazine koweitien Al Yaquatha, dirigé par Ahmed Yusuf Behbehani, et le Club suisse de la presse.
« Le 5e anniversaire de la PEC marque un tournant. La PEC a développé de nouvelles idées et poursuit sa longue campagne en faveur des droits des journalistes en lui donnant un nouvel élan par la remise de ce Prix à l’occasion de la Journée de commémoration des victimes parmi les medias », a déclaré la présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi.
« Au moment où nous honorons la mémoire des victimes, nous devons également honorer leurs familles qui ont besoin de soutien à la fois moral et matériel, alors que les droits de leurs proches ont été sérieusement violés », a-t-elle ajouté. Hedayat Abdel Nabi a félicité les sponsors de la cérémonie pour leur soutien.
« Le prix pour la protection des journalistes sera désormais décerné chaque année le 4 juin. Il vise à encourager des organisations et des individus à faire respecter le droit à l'information du public et les vies de journalistes qui ont seulement voulu témoigner des violations des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire dans des zones de violences", a expliqué le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.
Le jury du prix est composé des membres du comité directeur de la PEC, tous journalistes professionnels, de plusieurs nationalités, en majorité correspondants accrédités à l'ONU. La PEC est soutenue par 38 associations de journalistes et ONG actives dans la défense des medias dans le monde, surtout dans les zones de conflit.
« Il est triste de constater que la situation des medias palestiniens s'est détériorée l'an dernier. MADA a documenté 257 violations en un an, dont 147 commises par les Israéliens, dont la plus sérieuse fut la mort du cameraman de Reuters Fadel Shana à Gaza. Les forces de sécurité et groupes armés palestiniens en Cisjordanie et à Gaza sont à l'origine de 110 autres violations », a déclaré le Dr Ghazi Hanania, président du comité directeur de MADA.
« Nous devons beaucoup au travail des journalistes, cameramen, correspondants, photographes et autres employés des medias, en particulier ceux qui travaillent dans des conditions dangereuses et difficiles », a déclaré l’ambassadeur De Alba en acceptant le Prix de la PEC. « Il n’y a pas de doute que les journalistes, comme d’autres groupes, doivent aussi bénéficier des efforts globaux pour faire progresser leurs droits et leurs libertés, en particulier la liberté de mouvement et d’expression », a ajouté l’ambassadeur. Il a insisté sur le fait que la protection des journalistes est un sujet très important qui demande l’attention de toutes les parties concernées.
En cinq mois, depuis le 1er janvier, 45 journalistes ont été tués, selon le décompte de la PEC. L'an dernier, 91 journalistes ont perdu la vie dans l'exercice de leur métier, et l'année précédente, en 2007, 115 journalistes.
Depuis le début de 2009, le Pakistan est la zone la plus dangereuse pour les medias, avec six tués. Ce pays est suivi par le Mexique (cinq) et l’Irak (cinq), puis Gaza, lors de l'offensive d'Israël (quatre) et la Somalie (quatre). Viennent ensuite la Russie (trois), le Sri Lanka (deux), le Népal (deux), le Venezuela (deux), l'Afghanistan (deux), le Honduras (deux), la Colombie (deux). Une victime a en outre été recensée au Kenya, aux Philippines, à Madagascar, au Guatemala, en Inde et en Indonésie.
PRIMER PREMIO DE LA PEC POR LA PROTECCION DE LOS PERIODISTASCONCEDIDO CONJUNTAMENTE AL CENTRO PALESTINO PARA EL DESARROLO Y LA LIBERTAD DE LOS MEDIOS (MADA) Y AL EMBAJADOR MEXICANO ANTE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS EN GINEBRA LUIS ALFONSO DE ALBA
Ginebra, 4 jun (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) ha concedido por la primera vez el Premio por la Protección de los Periodistas, el jueves, conjuntamente a la Organización No Gubernamental Centro Palestino para el Desarrollo y la Libertad de los Medios (MADA) y al Embajador de México ante la ONU en Ginebra, Luis Alfonso De Alba.
La ONG MADA, radicada en Ramallah, ha sido recompensada por el papel excepcional de información que desempeñó durante la ofensiva israelí contra Gaza, del 27 de diciembre de 2008 al 28 de enero de 2009, cuando los medios de comunicación no podían acceder al territorio palestino desde el exterior.
Además, MADA informa diariamente de la situación de los medios en una zona de conflicto muy peligrosa. En el ejercicio de su misión, MADA ha dado pruebas de valor y de imparcialidad al informar sobre las violaciones a la libertad de prensa cometidas por todas las partes.
El embajador Luis Alfonso de Alba, primer presidente del Consejo de Derechos Humanos (2006-2007), ha sido recompensado por sus esfuerzos diplomáticos desplegados, a fin de lanzar un proceso de consultas informales a nivel de embajadores ante la ONU sobre los medios de reforzar la protección de los periodistas en las zonas en conflicto.
De Alba ha aportado su apoyo a los esfuerzos de la PEC para llamar la atención de la comunidad internacional acerca de la necesidad de un proyecto de convención que mejore la protección de los medios confrontados a la violencia, aún cuando su propio país, México, es a menudo señalado como uno de los de mayor peligrosidad para los periodistas.
México fue el iniciador de la Convención de la ONU sobre los derechos de las personas con discapacidades, un proceso difícil al principio pero que resultó todo un éxito a nivel de la comunidad internacional, un proceso de inspiración para la Campaña de la PEC.
El premio fue entregado en la tarde del jueves en el Club Suizo de la Prensa, en Ginebra, en ocasión del 5to aniversario del lanzamiento de la Campaña. La ceremonia de entrega del Premio, que ha marcado igualmente la jornada conmemorativa de los periodistas víctimas de la violencia en el ejercicio de su profesión, está patrocinado por el Ministerio noruego de Relaciones Exteriores, la revista kuwaití Al Yaqtha, dirigida por Ahmed Yusuf Behbehani, y el Club Suizo de la Prensa.
La presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, afirma que « el 5to aniversario de la PEC marca un cambio decisivo en su labor. La PEC ha desarrollado nuevas ideas, ha establecido bases para el debate, y hoy da un salto hacia adelante en una de sus 1.000 millas para obtener el justo respeto hacia los periodistas caídos, movilizando a través de este Premio y del Día del Recuerdo un nuevo ímpetu para llevar adelante el proceso».
« Así como honramos la memoria de las víctimas, debemos igualmente honrar a sus familias, que requieren el apoyo moral y material, toda vez que los derechos humanos de sus allegados han sido seriamente violados », añadió.
« El premio por la protección de los periodistas será a partir de ahora concedido cada año el 4 de junio. Tiene por objetivo el estimular a las organizaciones y a los individuos a hacer respetar el derecho del público a la información y el derecho a la vidas de los periodistas que han querido solamente dar testimonio de las violaciones de los derechos humanos y del derecho humanitario en las zonas de violencia”, ha explicado el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.
El jurado del premio está compuesto por los miembros del comité director de la PEC, todos periodistas profesionales, de numerosas nacionalidades, en su mayoría corresponsales acreditados ante la ONU. La PEC cuenta con el apoyo de 38 asociaciones de periodistas y ONG activas en la defensa de los medios en todo el mundo, sobre todo en las zonas en conflicto.
« Es triste comprobar que la situación de los medios palestinos se ha deteriorado el pasado año. MADA ha documentado 257 violaciones en un año, de ellas 147 cometidas por los israelíes; la más grave fue la muerte del camarógrafo de Reuters Fadel Shana, en Gaza. Las fuerzas de seguridad y grupos armados palestinos en Cisjordania y Gaza fueron responsables de otras 110 violaciones », ha dicho el Dr Ghazi Hanania, presidente del comité director de MADA.
El embajador De Alba, al aceptar el Premio de la PEC, ha afirmado « Debemos mucho al trabajo de los periodistas, camarógrafos, corresponsales, fotógrafos y otros empleados de los medios de comunicación, en particular aquellos que trabajan en condiciones peligrosas y difíciles ».
« No caben dudas de que los periodistas, como otros grupos, deben también beneficiar de los esfuerzos globales para hacer progresar sus derechos y sus libertades, en particular la libertad de movimiento y de expresión», ha añadido el embajador. Asimismo, ha subrayado que la protección de los periodistas es una cuestión muy importante que demanda la atención de todas las partes concernidas.
En cinco meses, desde el 1 de enero, 45 periodistas han sido asesinados, según el conteo mensual de la PEC. El año pasado, 91 periodistas han perdido la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión, y el año precedente, en 2007, 115 periodistas.
Desde el inicio de 2009, Pakistán es la zona de mayor peligrosidad para los medios, con seis asesinados. Este país es seguido por México (cinco), Iraq (cinco), luego Gaza, durante la ofensiva israelí, cuatro, y Somalia, cuatro.
Seguidamente vienen Rusia (tres), Sri Lanka (dos), Nepal (dos), Venezuela (dos), Afganistán (dos), Honduras (dos), y Colombia (dos). Una nueva víctima también fue censada en Kenia, Filipinas, Madagascar, Guatemala, India e Indonesia.
PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen with the Mexican representative at the ceremony
Message of Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, Permanent
Representative of Mexico to the United Nations Office in Geneva
Geneva, 4th June, 2009
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me first offer my most sincere apologies for not being present in this event. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Press Emblem Campaign this unmerited recognition that it is offering me.
I would also like to acknowledge the work that PEC has done on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts. There is still a long way ahead to advance in this cause, but certainly PEC has managed to keep the issue very much active.
The protection of journalists is a key topic that deserves due consideration by all relevant parties. We owe much to the work that journalists, cameramen, correspondents, photographers, and other press staff do, particularly those that work under dangerous or difficult conditions. It is thanks to them all that the whole world gets to see, hear and read about the multiple events that take place in the farthest places on earth.
It is important to underline the commitment of journalists regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Indeed, some journalists risk their lives everyday whether by reporting the situation directly from conflict zones, by collecting information regarding several issues that cause social insecurity or by documenting injustices and violations of human rights worldwide. Moreover, journalists efforts to inform the public on the happenings that take place before their eyes, are constantly subject of intimidation and threats.
The work done by the Human Rights Council and the journalists is closely related and there is a mutually beneficial relationship. We need each other. The Council needs journalists for adequate and wide dissemination of its work, including its failures and successes, to better address the challenges and opportunities that it faces. The media work helps the Council to convey the efforts done by its Members and other actors to uphold its commitment of reinforcing the human rights system.
There is no doubt that journalists, as other groups have done it, should also benefit from this global effort and gain specific advancement of their rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of movement and of speech. Awareness has to be raised. The number of violent incidents against journalists all over the world is considerable and impunity should be tackled, but the Council is there for all and Im sure that it will provide the necessary space for the enhancement of the protection of those rights.
I firmly believe we need to respect all human rights, everywhere and for everyone, and the right of journalists to practice their work without prejudice, obstacles, vulnerability or fear must be a priority for all of us.
Thank you all. Thank you the Press Emblem Campaign.
PEC president Hedayat Abdelnabi with the Palestinian representative
Speech delivered at the award ceremony by MADA (Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms)
Dear friends
First of all I would like to thank Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), and all of you for awarding Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) with your first prize.
I fell happy to be here among friends and people we share with them the same goal, to defend media freedoms.
As you know we are living in an area which didn't live in peace since decades due to the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian territories, the occupation forces not just was the only aggressor on journalists and media freedom outlets until mid nineties, but it had been doing all efforts to prevent Palestinian media development, through tuff censorship, closing media outlets, banning of issuing of new media outlets.
It is sad to say that the situation of the Palestinian media and media freedom has seriously deteriorated over the past year. MADA monitored 257 violations of media freedoms. Of those, 147 were committed by Israeli occupation forces and settlers, the most serious one being the deliberate killing of Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana'. The Palestinian security services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Palestinian gunmen committed 110 violations.
The violations have continued since the beginning of this year, despite the decline in the number of cases, particularly by Palestinians, compared to the same period last year.
But the first month of the current year witnessed serious violations, by the Israeli occupation forces, during the aggression on the Gaza Strip. Four journalists were killed: Basil Faraj, Ihab Wahidi, A'laa Murtaja, and Omar Silawi, and many were injured. Media outlets headquarters were destroyed, and shelled.
We believed and still believe there would be no dramatic decrease of media freedom violations, without Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories, and until this happens we think the international society must put real pressure on Israel to stop its attacks on journalists and media outlets.
In addition without reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas movements, which their conflict leaded to drastic escalation of media freedoms violations, especially in the last three years, and in appearance of new negative phenonomena like kidnapping foreign journalist by armed groups, and suing journalists because of their views .
Freedom of expression is vital for us as every human being in the globe, and because we are still under occupation, in addition Palestinian people needs to build his institutions and to develop his society, so we will do our best to as we did in the past three years to defend this vital human right and enhance it in oPt.
We are proud for receiving this award and gain thank you very much.
More info on MADA below
PEC 5 th anniversary: a turning point
By Hedayat Abdel Nabi
PEC President
The 5 th anniversary of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) marks a turning point in its work.
The PEC has developed ideas, set them for discussion, and today it starts a leap forward in its 1000 miles journey to honor the fallen journalists by mobilizing through its Award and the Remembrance Day a new momentum to carry the process forward.
In so doing the PEC decided to be the first to honor the victims and to award the living on the same day to help translate our mission, our dream, to bring to the arena rights for journalists cemented by law.
For us the PEC, today is a landmark in our long journey to allow our colleagues who have been killed in the line of duty to rest in peace by commemorating their memory by restoring their rights through our continued efforts for the living journalists.
As we commemorate their memory, the PEC honors the living who have joined and pushed the PEC campaign forward or who have forcefully defended freedom of opinion and expression in war zones, intense conflict situations and internal violence.
John F. Kennedy said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step, we the PEC started the 1000 miles and more journey on 4 June 2004 and decided at that time that winning isn't everything- it's the only thing.
Kennedy also said that to accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act, for him power consists in one's capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of heart. This is exactly what the PEC is doing.
The journey to the moon only needed several steps forward. Our hope in our journey for the proposed Convention for the Protection of Journalists, that it will succeed as that of man landing on the moon.
I would like to thank the sponsors of this event and would like to highlight the words of Norwegian Foreign Minister Joans Gahr Sore on 3 March 2008 when he told the Human Rights Council: “in situations of armed conflict, journalists are being killed while doing their job-witnessing world conflicts. We cannot accept that”.
As we honor the memory of the fallen journalists, we must pay tribute to the living, their families, who are in dire need for support morally and in material terms.
For the living victims, the human rights of their loved ones have been seriously violated and the wounds will never heal.
Intervention de Blaise Lempen, secrétaire général de la PEC
Les chiffres sont accablants: 45 journalistes tués depuis le début de l'année, 91 l'année dernière, 115 en 2007 et 96 en 2006.
En moyenne, cela représente deux journalistes tués par semaine au cours de ces trois dernières années. La plupart d'entre eux ont été délibérément visés.
Depuis le début de 2009, le Pakistan est la zone la plusdangereuse pour les medias, avec six tués. Ce pays est suivi par le Mexique (cinq) et l'Irak (cinq), puis Gaza, lors de l'offensive d'Israël (quatre), l'Irak (quatre) et la Somalie (quatre). Viennent ensuite la Russie (trois), le Sri Lanka (deux), le Népal (deux), le Venezuela (deux), l'Afghanistan (deux), le Honduras (deux), la Colombie (deux). Une victime a en outre été recensée au Kenya, aux Philippines, à Madagascar, au Guatemala, en Indonésie et en Inde.
Que faire pour stopper cette hémorragie ? Dénoncer est certainement utile.
L'enjeu va bien au-delà de la protection de la vie des journalistes. Il en va du droit du public à l'information, et plus précisément, d'une information crédible et indépendante sur les violations des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire. Le problème de l'accès des medias aux zones de conflit pour documenter ces abus est un problème majeur. Les exemples de l’Irak, de l’Afghanistan, du Sri Lanka, de Gaza le montrent. La solution qui consiste à interdire ces zones aux medias pour des raisons de sécurité ou, pour les medias, à renoncer à s'y rendre n'en est pas une. Sans information, les victimes sont privées de la voix qui permet de faire entendre leurs souffrances, leurs revendications.
La PEC souhaite qu'un débat se développe sur cette question essentielle de l'accès des medias aux zones de conflit. Pour cela, elle a lancé un processus de consultation sur un avant-projet de convention internationale. Il existe des centaines de conventions internationales sur de très nombreux sujets. Il n'existe aucun texte concernant la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit.
Un diplomate a été parmi les premiers à répondre à notre appel: l'ambassadeur Luis Alfonso De Alba. Premier président du Conseil des droits de l'homme, il a été aussi l'an dernier le premier président du groupe de travail informel intergouvernemental chargé de discuter des moyens d'améliorer la protection des journalistes en mission dangereuse.
Même si, en tant que diplomate, il a allié la prudence à la clairvoyance, il a fait preuve d'autant plus de mérite que son pays, le Mexique, est un des pays les plus touchés par le fléau de la criminalité visant les journalistes désireux d'enquêter sur la corruption et le trafic de drogue.
Malheureusement, l'ambassadeur De Alba quitte Genève, pour une autre mission confiée par son pays. C'est le lot de tous les diplomates. Nous aimerions que malgré son départ, le groupe de travail continue de se réunir et que d'autres éminents diplomates prennent le relais pour discuter de ce que l'on peut faire concrètement.
Nous espérons que l'année prochaine nous pourrons récompenser d'autres organisations, d'autres personnalités pour le rôle qu'elles auront joué afin de mieux faire respecter les droits des medias à informer dans les zones de violences.
Merci pour votre présence ce soir. Merci à la Norvège pour le soutien financier qu'elle nous a offert. Merci à tous pour votre soutien.
PRESS RELEASE Palestinian Center for Development &Media Freedoms
MADA wins the Award of Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)
4 June 2009
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses its proud for receiving the award of Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) for its role in defending media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has announced today, from its headquarters in the Swiss city of Geneva, the selection of MADA and the Ambassador of Mexico to the United Nations in Geneva for the first prize. It has confirmed in its statement that the award goes equally between MADA and the Mexican ambassador Luis Alfonso Dalba, for their prominent role in
advancing the issue of journalist protection forward.
It is the first prize of the International Campaign and the first award
made for the international effort to protect journalists which considered
June 4, as a commemoration of those who have fallen during performing their
job.
Dr. Ghazi Hanania, Chairman of MADA Board of Directors, who has been
supposed to receive the award and participate in its celebration, but
circumstances prevented his travel at the last moment, sent a letter to
President of the organization, Hedayat Abdelnabi, expressing his thanks
for selecting MADA Center for this year award. He emphasized that media
freedoms have been deteriorated last year and the beginning of this year,
whereas the Israeli occupation forces killed five journalists.
He also stressed that freedom of expression is important for us as well as
for every human being living on earth, but because we are still under the
Israeli occupation the Palestinian people needs this freedom more than
others for building its institutions and developing the Palestinian
society. Dr Hanania added, we will make every possible effort as we have
done over the last three years to defend this vital human right and to
promote freedom of opinion and expression in the Palestinian territories.
Hedayat Abdelnabi said at the beginning of the ceremony today, the
International Campaign Award, which at the same time commemorates those
journalists who were killed, is a renewed impetus to the international
campaign to mobilize the international community in order to proceed in the
establishment of a new international legal system for the protection of
journalists in times of war, internal conflicts and in times of danger.
Palestinian Center for Development & Media Freedoms (MADA) : is independent, nongovernmental, and nonprofit organization, it was established by initiative of Palestinian journalists and interested personalities to develop Palestinian media and to defend journalists and media institutions, MADA is licensed from Palestinian interior ministry under registration number: RA-250-I
MADA Administrative Council:
1. Dr. Ghazi Hanania- Chairman
2. Dr. Taleb Awad-Vice Chairman
3. Dr. Ms.Esmat Abdel Khaleq- General Secretary
4. Mr. Saleh Hakawati- Treasurer
5. Ms. Nahed Abu Ta'emah
6. Mr. Majed Arouri
7. Ms. Sana Aranki
8. Mr. Nihad Abu Ghoush
9. Dr. Hani Hroub
MADA is the first independent media organization, who monitors media freedom violation in Palestinian territories, where the number of violations is is very high, it is one of the biggest not just in Arabic world but in all over the world.
MADA played an important role in defending journalists and media outlets and uncovering the perpetrators, and is doing its best those perpetrators to be persecuted and brought to justice, Mada also is playing good role in enhancing the importance of freedom of expression and opinion, in spite of danger, difficulties.
By MADA reports hundreds of national and international organization and thousands of people became more aware of media freedom situation in Palestine and a lot of journalists, people and organizations were encouraged by Mada work, and began to speak loudly against media freedoms violations, MADA also participated actively in the campaign to release BBC Codependent Alan Johnston and other kidnapped journalists.
MADA Participated in Arabic Freedom of Expression forum in Beirut (12-13 November 2008), which was organized by World Associations of Newspapers (WAN).
MADA is member in Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) in Switzerland.
MADA participated in International Freedom of Expression exchange (IFEX) General Meeting, which took place in Uruguay capital Montevideo ( October7-12,2007), and was the only Palestinian organization, who was invited to the General Meeting.
MADA participated in 2009 World Press Freedom Day in Doha -Qatar on 2 May 2009 organized by UNISCO and Doha Centre for Media Freedoms
MADA will participate in the Global Forum on Freedom of Expression 1-7 June 2009 –Oslo- Norway, and IFEX general Meeting,
MADA Reports and press release are published regularly on http://www.pressemblem.ch and Arabic Net for Human Rights website: http://www.anhri.net/palestine/mada
Goals:Raising media institutions work, and professional performance of Palestinian journalists.Encouraging journalism and media creativity in Palestine.Defending media freedom.Promotion of freedom of opinion and expression culture, and work to develop their own legislation.Contributing to human rights defense and democracy enhance in Palestinian society.Defending journalist’s right of access to information.Cooperation with similar institutions at Arab and international levels.
Programs:Media freedoms Program. Studies and research Program.Bulletins and periodicals Program.Media library Program.Training and capacity building Program.Conference, seminars, and workshops Program.Media survey program.
Contact:
Mousa Rimawi
MADA Coordinator
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org -madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org
Ramallah-Al-Ersal St. -Karmel Bldg. - 4th Floor-Office 2
Tel& fax +970 2 2976519
