2010-2009

***27.12.2010. PEC report 2010: 105 journalists killed during the year, 529 in five years (French and Spanish texts below)

(For details on casualties, go to TICKING CLOCK, for some press reports on the PEC report see PRESS)

Geneva (PEC) 27 December 2010 – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) denounces the death of 105 journalists in 33 countries during 2010. According to the PEC report issued Monday some 529 journalists were killed over a period of 5 years, on average 2 every week.
2010 was a better year in comparison to 2009 which witnessed the killing of 122 journalists and this high tally resulted from the unprecedented massacre of journalists in the Philippines. However the 2010 figure of 105 journalists killed is higher than that of 2008 which stood at 91.
PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that the killing of journalists has become an epidemic with no cure. “The International Community has not found solutions to it, or put in place effective mechanisms for bringing the perpetrators of those crimes against journalists to trial,” said Lempen.

Mexico and Pakistan: two most dangerous countries

According to the PEC report the two most dangerous countries for media work are Mexico and Pakistan. In Mexico 14 journalists were killed in the drug war, another 14 journalists were killed in Pakistan the majority of which in border areas with Afghanistan.
9 journalists were killed in Honduras which place the country as third in the ranking of the most dangerous for journalists, 8 journalists were killed in Iraq since the beginning of the year.
6 media workers were killed in the Philippines, 5 in Russia, 4 in Columbia, this ranking number 7, followed by Brazil and Nigeria with 4 journalists killed in each country.
In Somalia, Indonesia and Nepal three journalists were killed in each of those countries.
2 journalists were killed in Afghanistan, where 2 French TV journalists were taken hostage since almost one year by a Taliban group. It is one of the worst episodes in media hostage taking.
In Angola, Thailand, India, Venezuela and Uganda two journalists were killed in each country, 15 other journalists were killed in the following 15 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cameroun, Cyprus, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Turkey, Ukraine and Yemen. One Turkish journalist was killed in international waters when the Israeli forces attacked the peace flotilla.
According to the PEC Latin America is the most dangerous place for journalists with a tally of 35 journalists killed during the year, Asia comes second with 33, Africa in third place with 14 killed and 11 in the Middle East. Europe accounts for 12 journalists killed in 2010.

The tally of five years

In five years, since the beginning of 2006, according to the PEC Ticking Clock flagged on its website, 529 journalists were killed: 105 in 2010, 122 in 2009, 91 in 2008, 115 in 2007, and 96 in 2006.
According to the PEC during this period 2006-2010 Iraq topped the world as the most dangerous country with 127 journalists killed. 59 were killed in the Philippines, 47 in Mexico, 38 in Pakistan, making those 4 countries the burial place of more than half of the journalists killed worldwide.
23 were killed in Somalia, 21 in Russia, 19 in Columbia, 15 in Sri Lanka, 14 in Afghanistan, 14 in India, and 14 in Honduras. Nepal stands in the ranking as 12th with 9 journalists killed, and 7 were killed in each of the following countries: the DRC, Venezuela, and Nigeria.
Those 15 countries represent the burial place of four fifths of the journalists killed since 2006.
PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi says that the figures speak for themselves and it is time to put the act together of all concerned parties to inaugurate 2011 with a courageous step from member states and media organizations to start the deliberations on a legal instrument to protect journalists.
“Lets move together in 2011 to achieve a well deserved bold step for journalists, 2011 could be the target date, then or never,” says Abdel Nabi.

Rapport de la PEC: 105 journalistes tués en 2010 - 529 en cinq ans 

 Genève (PEC), 27 décembre 2010. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) dénonce la mort de 105 journalistes au cours de l'année 2010 dans 33 pays. Dans son rapport annuel, publié lundi, l'ONG basée à Genève, constate également que 529 journalistes ont été tués en cinq ans, soit en moyenne deux par semaine.

L'année 2010 a été légèrement moins sombre que 2009, au cours de laquelle 122 journalistes avaient trouvé la mort, en raison d'un massacre sans précédent aux Philippines. Le chiffre de 2010 est par contre en hausse par rapport aux 91 journalistes tués en 2008.

"Cette épidémie ne marque malheureusement aucun répit. La communauté internationale n'a pas encore trouvé les moyens d'y mettre fin. Des mécanismes efficaces pour enquêter rapidement et poursuivre les auteurs de ces délits continuent de faire défaut", a déclaré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Mexique et Pakistan pays les plus dangereux

Les deux pays les plus dangereux pour les medias cette année ont été le Mexique, avec 14 journalistes tués dans la guerre entre les autorités et les cartels de la drogue, ainsi que le Pakistan, avec 14 journalistes tués, en majorité dans les zones frontalières de l'Afghanistan.

Neuf journalistes ont succombé aux attaques contre la presse au Honduras, au 3e rang, et huit journalistes ont perdu la vie en Irak depuis janvier.

Six employés des medias ont été tués aux Philippines, cinq en Russie. La Colombie est au 7e rang avec quatre tués, avec le Brésil (4) et le Nigéria (4 également). En Somalie, en Indonésie et au Népal, trois journalistes ont été tués dans chacun de ces pays.

Deux journalistes ont succombé en Afghanistan, où deux reporters de la télévision française sont détenus en otages par un groupe taliban depuis près d'un an dans l'une des plus longues prises d'otages d'employés des médias de l'histoire du journalisme.

En Angola, en Thaïlande, en Inde, au Venezuela et en Ouganda, deux journalistes ont été tués. Quinze autres journalistes ont perdu la vie dans 15 autres pays: Argentine, Bangladesh, Bélarus, Bulgarie, Cameroun, Chypre, Equateur, Grèce, Guatemala, Liban, République démocratique du Congo, Rwanda, Turquie, Ukraine, Yemen. Enfin, un journaliste turc a été tué par les forces d'Israël dans les eaux internationales en route vers Gaza.

Par région, l'Amérique latine vient en tête, avec 35 tués en 12 mois. L'Asie suit avec 33 tués. L'Afrique recense 14 tués et le Moyen-Orient 11. L'Europe a compté 12 morts depuis le début de 2010.

Bilan sur cinq ans

En cinq ans, depuis le début de 2006 et de la statistique de la PEC, un total de 529 journalistes ont payé de leur vie leur profession: 105 en 2010, 122 en 2009, 91 en 2008, 115 en 2007, 96 en 2006. Soit une moyenne de deux journalistes tués par semaine, a constaté la PEC.

En cinq ans, l'Irak a été de pays le plus dangereux, avec un total de 127 tués. Suivent les Philippines avec 59 tués, devant le Mexique où l'on a recensé 47 tués. Le Pakistan vient en quatrième position avec 38 victimes. Ces quatre pays ont concentré en cinq ans plus de la moitié des journalistes tués dans le monde.

Suit au 5e rang la Somalie avec 23 tués, devant la Russie (21) et la  Colombie (19). Le Sri Lanka se classe au 8e rang avec 15 tués, devant l'Afghanistan (14), l'Inde (14) et le Honduras (14). Avec neuf tués, le Népal arrive au 12e rang. Suivent avec 7 tués chacun la République démocratique du Congo, le Venezuela et le Nigéria. Ces 15 pays cumulent les 4/5e des victimes depuis janvier 2006.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a affirmé que ces chiffres parlent d'eux-mêmes: "Le moment est venu de réunir les forces de toutes les parties concernées pour inaugurer 2011 par un pas en avant courageux des Etats membres de l'ONU et des organisations des medias afin d'entamer les délibérations sur un instrument juridique international renforçant la
protection des journalistes", a déclaré la présidente de la PEC. "Accomplissons ensemble cette étape en 2011. En 2011, maintenant ou jamais", a-t-elle ajouté. 

PEC- INFORME 2010: 105 periodistas asesinados durante el año.
529 en cinco años

Ginebra, 27 diciembre (PEC).- La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC*) denuncia la muerte de 105 periodistas en 33 países en el transcurso del año 2010. En su informe anual, publicado este lunes, la ONG basada en Ginebra, constata igualmente que 529 periodistas han sido asesinados en los últimos cinco años, lo que significa un promedio de dos por semana.

En comparación con el año anterior, 2010 ha sido ligeramente menos sombrío que en 2009, un año que fue testigo del asesinato de 122 periodistas durante una masacre sin precedentes en las Filipinas. La cifra de 2010, sin embargo, es superior en relación con el año 2008, en el cual murieron 91 periodistas.

“Esta epidemia no parece tener cura. La comunidad internacional no ha encontrado aún los medios de poner fin a este mal, ni de poner en marcha mecanismos efectivos para enjuiciar rápidamente a los responsables de estos crímenes”, ha dicho el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

México y Pakistán: los dos países de mayor peligro

De acuerdo con el informe de la PEC, los dos países más peligrosos para los medios de comunicación son México, donde 14 periodistas perdieron la vida en la guerra entre las autoridades y los carteles de la droga, así como el Pakistán, también con 14 periodistas muertos, en su mayoría en las zonas fronterizas con Afganistán.

En Honduras, nueve periodistas sucumbieron como consecuencia de ataques perpetrados contra la prensa. En tercera posición de nivel de peligrosidad se encuentra Iraq, donde nueve periodistas perdieron la vida desde el mes de enero.

Seis empleados de medios de comunicación fueron asesinados en Filipinas, cinco en Rusia y cuatro en Colombia, lo que sitúa a este país en el séptimo lugar, junto a Brasil (4), y Nigeria (4 igualmente) según el informe anual de la PEC. En Somalia, Indonesia y Nepal han sido asesinados tres periodistas en cada uno de estos países.

La ONG reporta que dos periodistas sucumbieron en Afganistán, país en el cual un grupo de talibanes mantiene desde hace un año como rehenes a dos reporteros de la TV francesa, en lo que ha devenido uno de los secuestros de más larga duración en la historia del periodismo.

En Angola, en Tailandia, en la India, en Venezuela y en Uganda, dos periodistas han sido asesinados en cada uno de estos países. Otros 15 periodistas perdieron la vida en los siguientes países: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bielorrusia, Bulgaria, Camerún, Chipre, Ecuador, Grecia, Guatemala, El Líbano, República Democrática del Congo, Ruanda, Turquía, Ucrania, Yemen. En su informe anual, la PEC también reporta el asesinato de un periodista turco por fuerzas israelíes durante el ataque en aguas internacionales a una flotilla humanitaria que se dirigía hacia Gaza.
 
Por regiones, América Latina encabeza la lista de países de alta peligrosidad para los medios. En esta región 35 periodistas fueron asesinados durante los 12 meses de este año. En orden de peligrosidad, le siguen Asia –con 33 asesinados-. En África se censaron 14 muertos y 11 en el Medio Oriente. El continente europeo se han reportado 12 muertos desde el inicio de 2010.
 
Balance de cinco años
 
En el último lustro, desde que en 2006 la Campaña Emblema de Prensa diese inicio a su monitoreo de los asesinatos a periodistas – el Ticking Clock de la PEC- (disponible en su sitio de Internet), las estadísticas de la establecen que un total de 529 periodistas han pagado con sus vidas el ejercicio de su profesión: 105 en 2010, 122 en 2009, 91 en 2008, 115 en 2007 y 96 en 2006.

De acuerdo con la PEC, durante el período de 2006-2010, el Iraq ha sido el país de mayor peligrosidad para los medios, con un total de 127 periodistas asesinados. Le siguen, Filipinas, con 59 por delante de México donde se han reportado 47 asesinados, y Pakistán con 38 víctimas mortales. Estos cuatro países han concentrado en cinco años más de la mitad de los periodistas asesinados en el mundo.

En la quinta posición la PEC ubica a Somalia, donde 23 muertos, delante de Rusia (21) y de Colombia (19). En orden decreciente siguen Sri Lanka (15), Afganistán, la India y Honduras con 14 en cada uno. Con nueve periodistas asesinados, el Nepal ocupa el escalafón 12. En la clasificación hecha por la PEC, le siguen la República Democrática del Congo, Venezuela y Nigeria, con siete periodistas asesinados en cada uno de ellos.

Estos 15 países han acumulado las cuatro quintas partes de las víctimas mortales desde enero de 2006.

La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, ha afirmado que estas cifras hablan por sí mismas. “Ha llegado el momento de reunir las fuerzas de todas las partes concernidas para inaugurar el año 2011 con un paso audaz de los Estados miembros de la ONU y de las organizaciones de los medios a fin de comenzar las deliberaciones sobre un instrumento jurídico internacional que refuerce la protección de los periodistas”, ha dicho Abdel Nabi.

“Cumplamos juntos esta etapa en 2011. El año 2001 podría ser la fecha límite, ahora o nunca”, ha recalcado la Presidenta de la PEC.

***DEC 2010. NOUVEAU (ONLY IN FRENCH): les éditions GEORG et Blaise LEMPEN annoncent la parution en librairie du livre "GENEVE LABORATOIRE DU XXIe SIECLE" (Genève 2010, 350 pages)
"Menaces sur l'économie, le climat, la santé, les droits de l'homme, le désarmement: les crises se sont multipliées ces trois dernières années. Blaise Lempen raconte comment les principaux acteurs du système international ont tenté de répondre à ces défis globaux.
Genève est le deuxième centre mondial de la diplomatie après New York. Quelque 40'000 personnes y travaillent dans le secteur international. Les résultats sont-ils à la hauteur de la concentration des talents, des grandes déclarations, des multiples réunions, des conciliabules sans fin?
Journaliste accrédité à l'ONU depuis 16 ans, l'auteur décrit les lieux, les hommes et les idées de ce laboratoire du XXIe siècle qu'est devenu Genève au fil des années. Il fait parler les acteurs, nous révèle le fonctionnement des institutions dans la pratique quotidienne.
Son récit vivant et sans complaisance contient de nombreux témoignages des grandes figures de la Genève internationale. Il nous emmène derrière les portes closes où se joue l'avenir de la planète et nous fait pénétrer dans les coulisses de la négociation.
Un témoignage de première main qui dénonce les marchandages des uns et des autres, les tentatives de court-circuiter et d'affaiblir les Nations Unies, l'incapacité à adapter les institutions à des enjeux planétaires."
LIEN pour commander le livre www.medhyg.ch - voir aussi: www.tdg.ch/geneve/actu-geneve/geneve-laboratoire-xxie-siecle-2010-12-13

***20.11.2010. PHILIPPINES. GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION: NEVER AGAIN. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joins a global day of action to mark the Ampatuan massacre, one year after. On November 23, 2009, 32 journalists and media workers were brutally murdered in a massacre of at least 57 people in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao in the southern Philippines. The PEC marking this date is sending a letter to the new President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino calling upon the President to take serious steps to ensure that justice is delivered to the families of the killed journalists. (Read the letter and below the statement of CMFR)

President Benigno S. Aquino III
Malacañang Palace
1610 J.P Laurel St.
San Miguel
Manila, Philippines
Email: opsnews2004@gmail.com 

RE: Maguindanao Massacre – One Year On

Dear President Aquino,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) alerts you to the deep concerns felt around the world about the continuing culture of impunity in the Philippines, particularly in regard to the massacre of at least 58 people in Maguindanao province, Mindanao, on November 23, 2009. 

Included in this gruesome toll were 32 of our media colleagues, whose murders mark the worst mass killing of journalists and media workers ever recorded.

We respectfully note that your election as President in 2010 presented an opportunity for the Philippines to turn a new page and to end to the impunity that has plagued your country for decades. We join our colleagues in the Philippines in hoping for change. However, we also share their concerns about ensuring that the perpetrators of the Maguindanao atrocity and other murders of media personnel are brought to justice. 

Since the massacre, four more media workers have been killed in the Philippines, bringing to 140 the total number of media deaths since 1986. Regrettably, threats and attacks on journalists remain commonplace across the Philippines, notably in Mindanao. 

During the eight-year tenure of your predecessor, at least 75 journalists were murdered, but just four convictions were secured. We respectfully call on you to ensure the Maguindanao massacre trials will defy this appalling record, and for your Government to actively uphold a commitment to justice and a truly free press.
 
We are informed that the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), submitted to your office an Action Plan to end impunity (see: www.asiapacific.ifj.org). We draw your attention to the first point of action, which requests:
 
Immediate prosecution of all perpetrators of the Ampatuan Town Massacre in Maguindanao on 23 November 2009. The trial or trials must be fully open and transparent so that the public may observe the proceedings without hindrance. There is to be no political interference in any aspect of the conduct of the cases.
 
However, we understand the trials have been slow to progress, and that many of the suspects remain at large. 

Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006), which requires governments to actively protect journalists and media workers in areas of conflict within national borders, your government is obliged to ensure the safety of media personnel as civilians.
 
With this in mind, we call on you to ensure your Government and police and security forces act on their responsibilities to bring the perpetrators and instigators of the November 23 atrocity to account, without further delay, and to act now to end the culture of impunity that has plagued the Philippines for so long.
 
We sympathise deeply with the families of the victims and our colleagues from the Philippines journalism community, and trust you will do all in your power to assist them to see justice is achieved. The PEC gave in June its 2010 Prize to the families of the Ampatuan massacre.

Respectfully Yours,

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)
Geneva, Nov 20, 2010 

Statement of our partner in the Philippines the CMFR:

Statement of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility in commemoration of the first anniversary of the Ampatuan Massacre

THE 2009 Ampatuan Massacre of 58 men and women including 32 journalists was a reminder and a warning to both the Philippine press and the entire country.

The Philippines is officially a democracy, but the pockets of warlord power that have been allowed to flourish in at least a hundred localities mock that claim. In places like Maguindanao, private armies decide elections and also wield the power of life or death over the men and women under warlord rule.

In those places, the Massacre also demonstrated, the power of the written and spoken word that many assume protect journalists and media workers is already meaningless. The 32 journalists and media workers killed who had accompanied the wife and kin of the then candidate for
Maguindanao governor in filing his certificate of candidacy were supposed to protect the group, despite the fact that before the massacre, 81 journalists had been killed in the line of duty since
1986.

Although the worst incident of violence against journalists, the Ampatuan Massacre occurred in the context of the culture of impunity that has persisted in the Philippines. That culture has allowed and encouraged not only the killing of journalists, but also of political activists, judges, lawyers, human rights workers and other citizens. While officially at peace, the killing of journalists and media workers, and of over a thousand others killed extrajudicially, has also made
many localities virtual war zones.

The new Aquino administration has the opportunity—by increasing the budget for witness protection, improving police efficiency, and enhancing the prosecutorial capacity of the Department of Justice, among others—to help end impunity.

The state failure to address the killing of journalists, and state involvement in extra judicial killings (EJKs), have made the culture of impunity the biggest threat to free expression and democracy in the Philippines. The dismantling of that culture, CMFR has pointed out many times, is predicated on punishing the killers and masterminds in the killings, whether that of journalists or of political activists.

The sheer number of journalists killed in the Ampatuan Massacre, and the perils of warlord rule it demonstrated, have made the apprehension, trial and punishment of the killers and masterminds especially crucial. If its perpetrators are not punished, not only will it prove once more that warlord rule cannot be uprooted; it will also be the strongest signal yet that anyone may kill journalists and activists with impunity.

And yet the progress of the trial of those accused of planning and carrying out the Ampatuan Massacre has been agonizingly slow, once more demonstrating that the complexities of the legal system meant to protect the innocent have been effectively functioning in behalf of murderers
and other criminals. Many of the rules governing court proceedings, it has also been pointed out, were put in place 50 years ago and need to be amended, or thrown out all together. Under existing conditions, the trial of the accused could take a decade or more.

These conditions impose on the press the responsibility of keeping the Massacre and the trial of those accused of it in the public mind. But both the media and the citizenry must also seek and support amendments to the rules of court proposed by progressive lawyers so as
to accelerate the judicial processes for the sake of that goal, so elusive in this country, of justice.

***08.11.2010. RUSSIA. A TURNING POINT ? MOSCOW JOURNALIST ATTACKERS WILL BE PUNISHED, SAID PRESIDENT DMITRY MEDVEDEV - PEC STATEMENT

(read other reactions on our pages OTHER NEWS and PRESS)

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes today statements of the russian president promising that the attackers of Russian journalist Oleg Kashin will be found and punished.
The journalist from Kommersant daily was severely beaten by unidentified assailants near his house in Moscow early on Saturday. He suffered severe head and leg injuries and is currently in an induced coma. Reports also say his fingers were broken and possibly cut off.

"Whoever was involved in this crime will be punished, regardless of his position or social status, regardless of his other merits, if he has any," Medvedev said at a meeting with journalists from the Russian paper Rossiskaya Gazeta.

"The crime rate in our country is still too high...there are forces who believe that they can silence anybody by such methods, whether it is journalists or politicians," Medvedev said.

The motives for the attack are currently unclear, although Kommersant's editor Mikhail Mikhailin said it was probably be linked to the journalist's recent investigations into extremist youth groups.

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the brutal attack on the Russian journalist. Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. Many more journalists have been targeted in Russia.
The killing of Anna Politkovskaya in 2006 remains unsolved and suggests a lack of political will to respond to violence against reporters. Is the statement of president Medvedev a turning point ? Or only a sign of a power struggle between Russia's political titans ahead of 2012 presidential elections ?

See the video of the attack: a graphic CCTV video of the attack has become one of the most widely visited sites on Russia's still unfettered Internet.

***05.11.2010. PEC statement. UPR review of the United States at the UN Human Rights Council. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls for the protection of the WikiLeaks investigative journalism

In Geneva for the UPR review of the United States, Julian Assange said the U.S. hadn't opened any probes into the alleged incidents detailed in secret documents published by WikiLeaks since the group began putting them online in July. "It is time the United States opened up instead of covering up," he told reporters near the U.N.'s European headquarters in Geneva, where on Friday the U.S. face its first comprehensive human rights review by the global body. WikiLeaks has come under increasing pressure since July, when it first published 77,000 secret U.S. documents on the war in Afghanistan. Assange said his group now devotes 70 percent of its resources to defending itself from attacks against its collaborators and its financial infrastructure, which he said were "mostly by the U.S. military and U.S. intelligence." "We have never faced such difficulties as an organization as in the past three months," he said, flanked by two bodyguards. Assange said future leaks would cover other countries, such as Russia and Lebanon, as well as the United States. (PEC)

PEC statement

GENEVA, 5 November (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) calls upon all concerned to support the courageous efforts of investigative reporting as reflected by the WikiLeaks documents on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The PEC believes that there is a serious question that must be resolved from this saga which is drawing clear lines between courageous investigative reporting and espionage and not to mix them. Attacking first class investigative journalism under the pretext of allegations of espionage must not be allowed.

The Geneva based NGO, with UN consultative status, hopes that during the review of the United States’ record of human rights in the UN Human Rights Council today calls will be made for upholding of US heritage of freedom of opinion and expression.

The PEC reflecting on the declarations made by Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, in a press conference in Geneva Thursday, expressed hope that the US mid-term elections will not result in moves to develop legislation of espionage that would be directed against Assange and his team.

The Geneva based NGO believes that such a development would be a serious setback for freedom of opinion and expression enshrined in the American tradition and a beacon of its constitution and democracy.

WikiLeaks undertakes a necessary task for the better functioning of democracy. Exerting all kinds of pressure on WikiLeaks including financial, physical threats or legal pursuit is totally unacceptable.

The PEC calls upon the US government to respect the right of the public to information. It is of paramount importance to inform the public about the actions of the American army in Iraq or Afghanistan since access to both countries have become extremely limited to media because of security reasons. Information on military conflicts must be diversified; it cannot rely on one official propaganda machine, it must rely on different sources. 

***29.09.2010. Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Media Casualties Report:   
90 journalists killed in 9 months a horrifying and worrying increase // Augmentation alarmante du nombre de journalistes tués : 90 journalistes tués en 9 mois // Alarmante aumento del número de periodistas asesinados : 90 en nueve meses (French and Spanish after English)

GENEVA, 29 September 2010 (PEC) – Horrified by the growing number of journalists killed since the beginning of this year adding up to 90 journalists in 33 countries, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) sends an urgent call to all concerned parties stating the facts that despite efforts to downsize the number of victims among journalists, this year’s tally shows an worrying increase of 25 percent over the number killed last year during the same reporting period (72 journalists). 

During the past 3 months 31 journalists were killed.
PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen notes with assertion that this is a failure, there is no progress, and the situation instead is deteriorating. 

Lempen called upon the media associations worldwide to become more active and that governments act in firmness to prevent crimes against journalists and fight against impunity. 

He stressed that it is becoming essential to launch the process concerning an international convention to protect journalists to strengthen existing laws. 
 
According to the PEC Mexico remains the most dangerous country where 13 journalists were killed in the ongoing battles between the army and the drug cartels in 9 months; it is followed by Honduras where 9 journalists lost their lives, then Pakistan where another 9 journalists were killed. 

number of journalists were targeted and executed in the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan which makes it one of the most dangerous regions for media work. 

5 journalists were killed in Iraq since January , a marked deterioration after a period of calm, 5 workers in the Russian media were killed in the North Caucuses region as a result of settling accounts, another 5 in the Philippines. 

Half of the journalists killed this year were killed in those six countries. 

Another 3 journalists were killed in the following 5 countries: Somalia, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria and Colombia. 

n Afghanistan two journalists were killed and two reporters from a French TV station are in captivity for the past 9 months. 

Journalists were killed in the following countries: Angola, Thailand, India, Venezuela, and recently Uganda. 

ne journalist was killed in the following 15 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroun, Cyprus, Greece, Ecuador, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Turkey, Ukraine, and Yemen. A Turkish journalist was killed when Israeli forces attacked the Turkish flotilla en route to the Gaza strip.
 
Lempen says the motives of the crimes against journalists in those countries vary.   

Regionally, Latin America is the venue for the highest casualties among journalists because of the killing of 30 journalists in 9 months. 

Asia, comes second, because of the killing of 27 journalists in 9 months mostly in Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Nepal. 

Africa witnesses a marked deterioration with 13 journalists killed, mostly in Somalia, Nigeria, Angola and Uganda. 

8 journalists were killed in the Middle East with a marked increase in Iraq. 

Europe has witnessed worrying isolated cases of targeting journalists in seven countries leading to the death of 12 journalists this year. 

Lempen stressed that existing mechanisms for bringing the perpetrators of those crimes to trial has so far failed. 

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi notes with satisfaction that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report to the Human Rights Council’s 15th session (A/HRC/15/54), has highlighted the importance of the protection of journalists referring to the panel discussion on 4 June 2010 on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict. 

Hence, Abdel Nabi noted that the horrifying figures as well as the escalating nature of killings require an added attention from the international community to the global problem of the protection of journalists.

Hence, the PEC calls upon the Human Rights Council to seize this matter urgently and to find room to have a follow-up to the 4th June panel before the end of this year.   


Augmentation alarmante du nombre de journalistes tués : 90 journalistes tués en 9 mois 
 
Genève (PEC), 29 septembre 2010. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) est consternée par le grand nombre de journalistes tués au cours des neuf premiers mois de l’année. Au moins 90 journalistes ont été tués dans 33 pays depuis janvier, contre 72 pour la même période de l’an dernier, soit une hausse de 25%. La PEC lance un appel urgent à toutes les parties concernées.
 
Au cours des trois derniers mois, 31 journalistes ont été tués.
 
« C’est un échec. Nous ne progressons pas. Au lieu de s’améliorer, la situation se détériore »,a constaté le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen. « Les associations de journalistes doivent être beaucoup plus actives, les gouvernements beaucoup plus fermes dans la prévention et la répression de ces délits. Le lancement de travaux pour élaborer une Convention sur la protection des journalistes est nécessaire pour renforcer l’application du droit existant », a-t-il ajouté.
 
Le pays le plus dangereux est le Mexique, avec 13 journalistes tués depuis le début de l’année dans la guerre entre l’armée et les cartels de la drogue. Suivent le Honduras avec neuf journalistes tués et le Pakistan avec neuf tués également. Plusieurs journalistes ont été ciblés et exécutés au Pakistan dans les zones frontalières de l’Afghanistan, ce qui en fait l’une des régions les plus dangereuses pour la presse.
 
Cinq journalistes ont été assassinés en Irak, une nouvelle dégradation inquiétante alors que la situation s’était calmée. Cinq employés des medias sont morts en Russie dans la région du Nord-Caucase victimes de règlements de comptes. Cinq ont encore été victimes de tueurs aux Philippines. Ces six pays concentrent la moitié des journalistes tués jusqu’ici dans le monde cette année. 
 
Trois journalistes ont été tués dans cinq autres pays : en Somalie, en Indonésie, fait nouveau, au Népal, au Nigéria et en Colombie. 
 
Deux journalistes ont succombé en Afghanistan, où deux reporters de la télévision française sont détenus en otages depuis près de neuf mois désormais. En Angola, en Thaïlande, en Inde, au Venezuela et récemment en Ouganda, deux journalistes ont également été tués.
 
Quinze journalistes sont morts dans 15 autres pays : Argentine, Bangladesh, Bélarus, Brésil, Bulgarie, Cameroun, Chypre, Equateur, Grèce, Liban, République démocratique du Congo, Rwanda, Turquie, Ukraine (disparu), Yemen. En outre, un journaliste turc a été tué par les forces d’Israël dans les eaux internationales en route vers Gaza. Les mobiles à l’origine de ces crimes sont très divers. 
 
Par région, l’Amérique latine vient en tête, surtout à cause du Mexique et du Honduras, avec 30 tués en neuf mois. L’Asie suit, surtout à cause du Pakistan et des Philippines, mais aussi l’Indonésie et le Népal, avec 27 tués.
 
L’Afrique subit une nette détérioration avec, outre la Somalie, des victimes récentes au Nigéria, en Angola et en Ouganda, avec un total de 13 tués. Le Moyen-Orient a enregistré 8 tués en neuf mois (surtout Irak). 
 
L’Europe est marquée par des cas isolés d’assassinats ciblés très inquiétants dans sept pays, avec un total de 12 morts depuis le début de l’année.
 
Des mécanismes efficaces permettant d’enquêter rapidement et de poursuivre les auteurs de ces délits continuent de faire cruellement défaut.
 
La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a noté avec satisfaction que le Haut Commissariat de l’ONU pour les droits de l’homme dans son rapport à la 15e session (A/HRC/15/54) a souligné l’importance de la protection des journalistes dans le cadre du suivi du débat organisé le 4 juin dernier.
 
Abdel Nabi a déclaré que l’escalade dans les assassinats de journalistes requiert une attention accrue de la communauté internationale à ce problème de protection des employés des medias dans des zones dangereuses.
 
La PEC demande au Conseil des droits de l’homme de se saisir d’urgence de la question et de donner un suivi au débat du 4 juin avant la fin de l’année.

Alarmante aumento del número de periodistas asesinados : 90 en nueve meses

Ginebra, 29 sep (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) está horrorizada por el gran número de periodistas asesinados en el transcurso de los nueve primeros meses del año. Al menos 90 periodisas han sido asesinados en 33 países desde enero, contra 72 en el mismo período del último año, lo que significa un alza del 25%. La PEC hace un llamado urgente a todas las partes concernidas.
 
Durante los últimos tres meses, 31 periodistas fueron asesinados
 
« Es un fracaso. No progresamos. En lugar de mejorarse, la situación se deteriora », ha constatado el Secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen. « Las asociaciones de periodistas deben estar mucho más activas, los gobiernos mucho más firmes en la prevención y en la represión de estos delitos. El lanzamiento de los trabajos para elaborar una Convención sobre la protección de los periodistas es necesario para reforzar la aplicación del derecho existente », ha agregado Lempen.
 
El país de mayor peligrosidad es México, donde 13 periodistas han sido asesinados desde el inicio del año en la guerra entre el ejército y los cartles de la droga. Le siguen Honduras, con nueve periodistas asesinados y Pakistán igualmente con nueve. Numerosos periodistas han sido atacados y ejecutados en Pakistán en las zonas fronterizas con Afganistán, lo que la convierte en una de las regiones de mayor peligrosidad para la prensa.
 
Cinco periodistas fueron asesinados en Iraq, en lo que resulta una nueva e inquietante degradación después que la situación se había calmado. Cinco empleados de los medios de comunicación han muerto en Rusia en la región del Cáucaso-Norte, víctimas de ajustes de cuentas. Cinco han sido víctimas de asesinos en Filipinas. Estos seis países concentran la mitad de los periodistas asesinados en el mundo durante lo que va de año. 

Otros tres periodistas han sido asesinados en los siguientes cinco países: Somalia, en Indonesia, hecho nuevo, en Népal, en Nigeria y en Colombia.
 
Dos periodistas sucumbieron en Afganistán, donde dos reporteros de la televisión francesa se encuentran en cuativerio desde hace ya unos nueve meses. En Angola, en Tailandia, en la India, en Venezuela y más recientemente en Uganda, dos periodistas han sido igualmente asesinados en cada uno de estos países.
 
Quince periodistas han muerto en 15 diferentes países : Argentina, Bangladesh, Bielurrusia, Brasil, Bulgaria, Cameún, Chipre, Ecuador, Grecia, El Líbano, República Democrática del Congo, Ruanda, Turquía, Ucrania (desaparecido), Yemen. Además, un periodista turco ha sido matado por las fuerzas de Israel en las aguas internacionales en ruta hacia Gaza. El origen de estos crímenes tiene diversas motivaciones.
 
Por región, América Latina, como consecuencia del caso de México y de Honduras, con 30 asesinados en nueve meses, constituye la región de mayor peligrosidad para la prensa. En nivel de peligrosidad, le sigue Asia, sobre todo a causa de Pakistán y de Filipinas, pero también de Indonesia y del Népal, con 27 asesinados.
 
África presenta un marcado deterioro, ya que además de Somalia, se han reportado víctimas mortales en Nigeria, en Angola y en Uganda. En total, 13 periodistas han perdido la vida en el continente africano. El Oriente-Medio ha registrado ocho muertos en nueve meses (sobre todo en Irak).
 
Europa, por su parte, está marcada por la existencia de casos aislados y muy inquietntes de asesinados dirigidos en siete países, con un total de 12 muertos desde que comenzó el año.
 
Según Lempen, los mecanismos existentes para investigar rápidamente y llevar ante la justicia a los responsables de estos crímenes continúan siendo muy deficientes.
 
La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, por su parte, ha observado con satisfacción que la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de la ONU para Derechos Humanos en su informe a la 15va reunión del Consejo de Derechos Humanos (A/HRC/15/54), ha subrayado la importancia de la protección de los periodistas, al referirse al debate organizado el 4 de junio de 2010 sobre la Protección de los Periodistas en conflictos armados.
 
Más aún, Abdel Nabi ha hecho hincapié en que ante tan horrorizantes cifras y la escalada en los asesinatos a periodistas es necesaria una mayor atención por parte de la comunidad internacional al problema global de la protección a los trabajadores de los medios de comunicación.
 
Por tal motivo, la PEC hace un llamamiento al Consejo de Derechos Humanos, para que se ocupe con carácter urgente de la cuestión y decida darle seguimiento al panel efectuado el 4 de junio pasado, antes de que concluya el presente año.

***15.09.2010. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on the panel discusion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict (A/HRC/15/54). Read below the full report.

Summary of the Human Rights Council panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/15/54) Source: United Nations General Assembly; United Nations Human Rights Council

Date: 02 Aug 2010 Human Rights Council
Fifteenth session
Agenda items 2 and 3

Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General

Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

Introduction

1. On 4 June 2010, during its fourteenth session, the Human Rights Council held a panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict, pursuant to its resolution 13/24. In the resolution, the Council further requested the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner (OHCHR) to liaise with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the International Committee of the Red Cross and all concerned parties and stakeholders, including relevant press organizations and associations and United Nations bodies and agencies, with a view to ensuring their participation in the panel discussion.

2. The panel discussion aimed to: (a) draw the attention of the international community to the dangers faced by journalists in armed conflict; (b) take an inventory of international frameworks and agreements applicable to journalists and the media in situations of armed conflict and the status of their implementation; and (c) contribute to the development of an appropriate response by the Human Rights Council.

3. The panel discussion was chaired by Mr. Alex Van Meeuwen (Belgium), President of the Human Rights Council; moderated by Mr. Hisham Badr (Egypt), Vice-President of the Human Rights Council; and opened by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Kyung-wha Kang. The panellists were: Mr. Frank La Rue, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Mr. Robin Geiss, legal adviser in the Legal Division of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Mr. Mogens Schmidt, Deputy Assistant of the Director-General for Communication and Information and Director of the Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Mr. Osama Saraya, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ahram newspaper; Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists, an organization affiliated with the International Federation of Journalists; and Ms. Hedayat Abdel Nabi, President of the Press Emblem Campaign.

4. Pursuant to Council resolution 13/24, the present summary has been prepared by OHCHR.

II. Statement by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights and contributions of panellists

5. The Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, in her opening remarks, commended the Council for placing the important issue of the protection of journalists in armed conflict high on its agenda, and underscored the vital role played by journalists amidst the so-called “fog of war” to keep the world informed about the truth and facts unfolding on the ground. However, she noted that despite unequivocal norms enshrined in international humanitarian and human rights law guaranteeing their protection, deliberate attempts to target journalists in areas of ongoing conflict continued to increase. As such attacks were committed with impunity, the Deputy High Commissioner stressed that other would-be abusers were encouraged to follow suit. Noting that the erosion in the observance of the international norms highlighted the need to take proactive measures to ensure they would be fully respected and implemented, she called for the development of a common approach to protect journalists in armed conflict not only across United Nations entities, but in the international community as a whole.

6. Mr. Frank La Rue, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, emphasized that under international human rights law, States have a threefold obligation to respect, protect and fulfil all individuals’ right to freedom of expression, and when violations occur, to fully investigate such acts, to prosecute persons responsible, and to provide victims with effective remedy. Emphasizing that such human rights obligations continued to apply during times of armed conflict alongside international humanitarian law, the Special Rapporteur noted that they were also applicable in situations of internal disturbances and tensions where there might be use of force, but the threshold of armed conflict had not yet been crossed. In his view, the main problem with regard to continuing attacks against journalists lay not in the lack of international legal standards and norms, but in the lack of vigorous implementation of the existing rules. The Special Rapporteur expressed his concerns that the perpetrators of attacks against journalists and other media professionals had enjoyed total impunity in 94 per cent of cases recorded in 2009, while the percentage of cases in which even some partial measure of justice had been obtained was minimal. He underscored that in only 2 per cent of the cases of attacks against journalists in 2009 had the offences been tried before the competent authorities and the perpetrators and instigators prosecuted. Stressing that preventing impunity functioned as the most important deterrent against the repetition of such attacks, he stressed the necessity of exploring ways to improve compliance with existing norms, and encouraged the Council to continue its deliberation on that pressing topic in its future sessions. The Special Rapporteur also suggested that the Council undertake an in-depth study on the issue.

7. Mr. Robin Geiss of ICRC expressed concerns that experiences from recent armed conflicts showed that, in addition to being exposed to dangerous situations because of the nature of their work, media professionals were increasingly prone to becoming victims of direct attacks in violation of international humanitarian law. He further noted that intentional attacks against journalists, as civilians, constituted a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Since images and news could have a decisive impact on the outcome of armed conflicts in the information era, he emphasized that the obstruction of journalists’ tasks in times of armed conflict was alarmingly frequent, ranging from denial of access, censorship and harassment, to arbitrary detention and direct attacks against media professionals. While it might appear that international humanitarian law does not provide much protection for journalists at first sight, the panellist stressed that as civilians, journalists in fact enjoyed comprehensive protection against direct attacks, arbitrary detention, and internment during armed conflict. He also stated that the most serious deficiency was the lack of vigorous implementation of existing rules, and of systematic investigation, prosecution and sanction of violations, rather than a lack of rules. In that regard, he stressed the role that ICRC plays to protect journalists, in particular by making the rules regarding the protection of journalists and civilians in armed conflict more widely known and better respected, and asserted that improved compliance with existing rules should be the foremost objective.

8. Mr. Mogens Schmidt of UNESCO observed that the number of journalists killed when reporting from conflict and war zones had risen steadily since 2002, but also noted that there had also been a radical increase in the killing of media professionals during times of peace. He stressed that the safety of journalists was an issue that affected all, and that every aggression against a journalist was an attack on the most fundamental freedoms. According to the panellist, one of the aggravating factors that made it difficult to ensure the protection of journalists in conflict and war zones was that currently many conflicts were not only fought between States, but involved insurgents and terrorists who did not respect international humanitarian or human rights law. To enhance their protection, the panellist underscored the need for media staff to receive safety and first aid training, so that they would be prepared to confront the risks inherent in war zones, and so that they could learn how to behave appropriately in the face of danger, and how to deal with the effects of traumatic events. He also emphasized that media staff must be appropriately equipped and insured, and that a personal follow-up should be provided to them after completion of a dangerous assignment. Additionally, he stated that Governments and their military and security services could contribute to the safety of media staff by providing valuable information on the safety conditions in the field and by giving appropriate instructions to the troops on the rights of media staff.

9. Mr. Osama Saraya of Al Ahram newspaper stated that the conflict in Iraq shed the most light on the issue of the protection of journalists in areas of armed conflict, as more than 280 journalists had been killed during the conflict. He pointed out that none of the persons guilty of killing those journalists had been brought to justice. The panellist stated that journalists were the intermediary for truth, and killing a journalist expanded the scourge and further complicated the conflict itself. In addition, he drew the attention of the Council to the fact that death was not the only result of the phenomenon of attacks against journalists, as many journalists who had worked in situations of armed conflict, including his colleagues, lived with trauma and could not function in the workplace due to physical and mental scars and injuries. The panellist also underlined that many of the current conflicts were intractable with some of them lasting for decades, which often fed terrorism and terrorist groups that imposed their own laws in the conflict zones. He therefore stressed that a firm solution must be found to such conflicts, and that news agencies intending to cover a conflict situation must factor in terrorism and organized crime as well. He also emphasized that international cooperation should prioritize technical assistance to developing countries in that field, so as to enable local journalists to do their job and to enjoy the protection by the State. Finally, the panellist expressed his continuing commitment to seek new and innovative ways to ensure the protection of journalists.

10. Mr. Omar Faruk Osman of the Federation of African Journalists provided an overview of the safety and security situation of journalists in Africa, and stated that their predicament was further complicated by the fact that they had to face not only repressive Governments, but also armed gangs and militias. He also underlined that the political will to end the culture of impunity was almost nonexistent, which in turn perpetrated crimes against journalists. He further stressed that human rights could not be guaranteed in the absence of press freedom and freedom of expression, while freedom of expression could not exist when journalists were not protected and suffered death or violence for telling the truth. Emphasizing that there were already sufficient legal standards in place, the panellist stressed that neither the Federation of African Journalists nor the International Federation of Journalists supported the notion of a new international law to agree on a press emblem. He underlined that journalists had already accepted insignia which were universally known, and thus a new emblem would do little more than raise new concerns about Governmental control over the licensing of journalists. While welcoming the adoption of Security Council resolution 1738 (2006) on the protection of journalists in armed conflict, the panellist stressed that the Human Rights Council should develop a mechanism to encourage States to transpose the resolution into their national legislation.

11. Ms. Hedayat Abdel Nabi of the Press Emblem Campaign noted that the panel discussion coincided with the sixth anniversary of the creation of the Campaign, which had been established by a group of journalists in Geneva for the protection of journalists in armed conflict and dangerous situations. Stressing the difference between journalists who were present in armed conflicts by choice, and civilians who were present in such situations by accident, the panellist underscored the need to rethink, or revise, existing rules. In that regard, she referred to ideas presented by the Press Emblem Campaign in December 2007, including, inter alia, the adoption of an internationally recognized press emblem to identify journalists; the guarantee of unhindered, unfettered and uninterrupted Internet services by the authorities concerned; the establishment of mechanisms of inquiry into attacks against journalists; the establishment of “media corridors” by parties to a conflict to protect journalists and media installation; and the establishment of a compensation fund and an insurance scheme. The panellist called on the Council to develop guidelines for the protection of journalists, which would lead to a global compact, either through the creation of a working group of the Advisory Committee of the Council, or by setting up an ad hoc intergovernmental working group.

III. Summary of discussion

A. Dangers and risks faced by journalists in armed conflict

12. Several delegations expressed concern that journalists were deliberately targeted in areas of ongoing armed conflict as a result of their role in exposing human rights abuses and atrocities, corruption or unpopular opinions or situations. It was noted that such attacks constituted a violation not only of the journalists’ right to freedom of expression, but also of the public’s right to receive information or the truth, which is an essential component of any democratic society. It was further emphasized that common dangers and risks faced by journalists in armed conflict included killings, abductions, hostage-taking, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced or involuntary disappearances and acts of harassment and intimidation. One speaker also noted that, due to the work that they did, journalists were often suspected as spies during armed conflict, and either eliminated or used deliberately as “bargaining chips”.

13. In their statements, several delegations and speakers noted that such dangers and risks faced by journalists were exacerbated by the complexity of current armed conflicts, as they were no longer limited to two regular armies fighting each other, and multiple non-State actors were involved, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish civilians from non-civilians in such asymmetric conflicts. Additionally, new weapons and methods of warfare were used, and the frontline of conflicts was often ill-defined and changed frequently.

14. It was further noted by several delegations that journalists were often targeted even in situations where there was no armed conflict, for example where organized crime was prevalent. In addition, a view was also expressed that journalists must also be protected by the occupying forces in situations of occupation.

15. Many delegations also expressed concern that only rarely were attacks against journalists investigated and persons responsible brought to account, thus perpetrating an environment of impunity. In that regard, it was noted that in the past 12 years more than 1,100 journalists and media staff had been killed in the course of duty, yet almost none of those cases had been investigated or prosecuted, even in cases of targeted killings.

B. International norms and standards applicable to journalists in armed conflict and their implementation

16. Many delegations referred to the provisions in international humanitarian law which guarantee the protection of journalists either as embedded journalists or as civilians. In the case of the former, many delegations highlighted that as stipulated in article 4, section A, paragraph 4, of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (Third Geneva Convention of 1949), embedded journalists or war correspondents are entitled to prisoner of war status when they fall into the power of the enemy. In the case of non-embedded journalists, it was noted that, as stipulated in article 79 of the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and Relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), journalists engaged in dangerous professional missions in areas of armed conflict must be considered as civilians and enjoy the corresponding guarantees and protection under international humanitarian law. Although Protocol I applies only to situations of international armed conflict, several delegations noted that the protection of journalists as civilians was considered to be a norm of customary international law, and thus it also applied to situations of non-international armed conflict.

17. While noting that journalists were protected as civilians under international humanitarian law unless and for such time as they took direct part in hostilities, several delegations stressed that performing tasks in the conduct of their profession, such as recording videos, taking photographs or recording information, did not constitute direct participation in hostilities.

18. Several delegations concurred with the panellists that an intentional attack against journalists, as civilians, constituted not only a violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, but also a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
19. Many delegations also highlighted the importance of Security Council resolution 1738 (2006), in which the Security Council condemned intentional attacks against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel and called upon all parties to put an end to such practices. In addition, several delegations noted that as civilians, journalists also enjoyed protection under other Security Council resolutions on the protection of civilians during armed conflict, including resolution 1894 of 2009. However, several delegations also expressed concern that the recommendations outlined in those Security Council resolutions had yet to be fully implemented.

20. In addition to Security Council resolutions on the protection of journalists and civilians during armed conflict, some delegations also noted the relevance of the Medellín Declaration on securing the safety of journalists and combating impunity, adopted by the participants of the UNESCO conference on press freedom, safety of journalists and impunity in 2007.

21. While a view was expressed for the need to reevaluate existing norms and conventions due to the changes in the nature of modern warfare, most delegations stressed that existing protection afforded to journalists under international humanitarian law and international human rights law was sufficient, but that the instruments were not being implemented on the ground.

C. Proposals to enhance the protection of journalists in armed conflict and recommendations to the Human Rights Council

22. In order to enhance the protection of journalists in armed conflict, several delegations emphasized the importance for States to train their armed forces, security personnel and other law enforcement agencies to protect journalists, as well as to support concrete safety training of journalists in conflict areas. The need to enhance the safety and security of United Nations personnel who worked to protect journalists and other civilians in armed conflict was also raised.

23. Many delegations and speakers stressed the obligation of States and the international community to ensure that all attacks against journalists were promptly investigated, and that those found responsible were brought to justice in accordance with international fair-trial standards. The importance of establishing prevention mechanisms to support the safety of journalists and criminal justice reform to support effective investigations and prosecutions of attacks and killings against journalists was also emphasized. It was also noted that putting an end to impunity was the best way to protect journalists and media professionals.

24. Some delegations recommended that the Human Rights Council play a complementary and supportive role to the work of the Security Council and other international bodies and organizations to protect journalists in armed conflict, by focusing on human rights aspects of violence against journalists around the world, such as violations of the right to freedom of expression, arbitrary arrest and detention and reprisals against journalists. Delegations and panellists also stressed that documentation of violations, for example through the Human Rights Council, the Security Council and UNESCO, played a key role in overcoming cultures of impunity and ensuring accountability. Suggestions were also made to have a comprehensive report to document attacks on journalists worldwide, and for the United Nations Secretary-General to present a specific report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1738.

25. Some delegations also welcomed the report on the issue of protection of journalists submitted to the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and encouraged the Special Rapporteur to enhance his cooperation with human rights treaty monitoring bodies and other organizations, including regional organizations and non-governmental organizations, to promote the rights of journalists to perform their job in a safe as possible environment in areas of armed conflict.

26. Noting that the creation of robust democratic institutions and adequate judicial and administrative mechanisms enhanced the ability of States to protect and secure the rights of all individuals, including journalists, a recommendation was also made to the Human Rights Council to assist States emerging from armed conflict to rebuild their legal and institutional frameworks and to create conditions to promote and protect the right to freedom of expression.

27. Several delegations also noted the need to address the protection of journalists in all situations, not limited to armed conflict, and suggested that the Human Rights Council consider holding a further panel discussion on that topic as follow-up.

28. In his concluding remarks, the Vice-President of the Council stated that the panel was an exceptional opportunity to bring to light the perils encountered by journalists in armed conflict. He noted that the recommendations formulated through the panel should serve as guidance in devising concrete action, including an appropriate response by the Human Rights Council.

***04.08.10. PEC condemns the killing of Lebanese journalist Assaf Abu Rahhal 

GENEVA, August 4 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the killing of Lebanese journalist Assaf Abu Rahhal Tuesday.
The PEC believes that the events that led to the killing of Lebanese journalist Assaf Abu Rahhal due to clashes Tuesday between Lebanon and Israel reminds the world of the need for strengthening existing documents of international law in order to ensure further protection for journalists in conflict zones.
Abu Rahhal worked for the daily Al-Akhbar and was reporting on the clashes from the southern Lebanese town of Adayssi. Another correspondent Ali Shaib, with the Hezbollah-run Al-Manar
television, was also wounded in the fighting and underwent successful surgery.
The PEC since June 2004, a six year advocacy, has advocated for legal binding insertions in existing or new instruments that will allow a better environment to protect journalists covering
conflicts.
The Geneva based NGO with UN consultative status was a major player at the Human Rights Council’s Panel discussion on 4 June 2010 on the protection of journalists in armed conflict and called for a new global compact to move ahead with the PEC proposals.
The killing of Rahhal steps up the number of journalists killed this year in conflict situations and dangerous terrain to 71 journalists.

***26.07.10. IRAQ. PEC strongly condemns the heinous and cowardly attack against Al-Arabiya office in Baghdad

GENEVA, July 26 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the heinous and cowardly attack by a suicide car bomb in Baghdad on the Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya in which four employees and two members of the public were killed.

The suicide bomber blew up a vehicle at around 9.30am local time Monday in front of the station's bureau in Baghdad's city centre, leaving a massive crater.

The PEC calls upon the Iraqi government to step up their measures for the protection of media installations and personnel and believes that the authorities in place must take quick and effective steps to bring the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to justice.

Governments in place are asked to ensure the protection of journalists covering conflicts at all times.

The PEC has called during the 4th June 2010 Panel Discussion in the Human Rights Council on the Protection of Journalists for an agreement between all concerned parties to start the process to put in place legal binding guidelines for ensuring such protection.

At the Human Rights Council, the PEC stressed that it is a moment for governments and journalists to unite against terrorism as well as non-state actors when and if they target media installations.

The Arabiya attack gives more strength to the reasoning of the PEC. Yesterday’s attack was the latest in a series of attacks on Al-Arabiya.

The PEC, a Geneva based NGO with UN consultative status, has repeatedly since 4 June 2004 called for a process that can lead to legal binding principles that are implementable to improve the work of journalists in armed conflict and in dangerous situations.

***21.07.2010. PEC CONTINUES ITS FIRM DEDICATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS, HEARTENED BY ECOSOC APPROVAL // La PEC encouragée par la décision de l'ECOSOC va poursuivre ses efforts pour renforcer la protection des journalistes // PEC CONTINÚA FIRME EN SU OBJETIVO DE PROTECCIÓN A LOS PERIODISTAS, ALENTADA POR LA APROBACIÓN DEL ECOSOC - (PEC statement in English, French, Spanish, Arabic)

PEC CONTINUES ITS FIRM DEDICATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS, HEARTENED BY ECOSOC APPROVAL

GENEVA, PEC 21 July 2010 -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), dedicating its work since June 2004 for the protection of journalists in armed conflicts and other dangerous situations, is extremely heartened at the news that the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has sealed the status of the PEC as a non-governmental organizations (NGO) with Special consultative UN status.

In a letter addressed to the PEC, it was informed by the ECOSOC NGO Branch, that the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), at its Substantive Session of July 2010, adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to grant Special
consultative status to the “Presse Embleme Campagne”.

The Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination – NGO Branch - extended on behalf of all staff of the Non-Governmental Organizations Branch their heartfelt congratulations to the PEC.

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi said that the ECOSOC decision will boost the commitment of the PEC and strengthen the dedication of its members, more than 50,000 journalists across the globe, to further strengthen the legal principles for the protection of journalists.

Secretary-General of the PEC Blaise Lempen said that he believes that the global problem of the protection of journalists has been enlarged by the heightened threats against journalists, so far this year 64 journalists were killed in the line of duty, an increase of 10%.

Journalists are not killed accidentally, they are killed because of their profession and because they are the eyes of the world registering gross human rights violations and watching the dangerous practice of impunity implemented with no regard to human rights of the victim or those
left behind. Abdel Nabi stressed that in many instances, therefore, journalists are targeted to kill the truth.

Among the successful efforts of the PEC in 2010 is the convening of a successful panel discussion at the Human Rights Council on the issue of the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict, a milestone that paves the road for all concerned parties to work collectively towards the objective of an increased need for the protection of journalists in all situations.

Today is a moment for the PEC board that provides all members with a shot in the arm to increase individually and collectively their efforts to move the campaign ahead and seal with UN member states new guidelines for the protection of journalists.

The PEC is full of hope that the campaign will succeed.

La PEC encouragée par la décision de l'ECOSOC va poursuivre ses efforts pour renforcer la protection des journalistes

Genève, 21 juillet (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC), ONG créée en 2004 à Genève pour défendre les journalistes dans les zones de conflit ou d'autres situations dangereuses, est très encouragée par la décision de l'ECOSOC de lui accorder le statut consultatif spécial à l'ONU.

Dans une lettre adressée à la PEC, le département des ONG à l’ONU à New York a informé la PEC que le Conseil économique et social de l’ONU (ECOSOC) dans sa session de juillet 2010 a adopté la recommandation du comité des ONG d’octroyer le statut consultatif spécial à la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Au nom de tous les membres du service, le département a adressé ses chaleureuses félicitations à la PEC..

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a affirmé que la décision entérinée lundi à New York par les pays membres de l’ECOSOC va renforcer l'engagement de la PEC et de ses membres, plus de 50'000 journalistes dans le monde, afin d'améliorer concrètement la protection des journalistes sur le plan juridique.

Le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen a constaté que le problème global de la protection des employés des medias s'est aggravé en raison de nouvelles menaces. Depuis le mois de janvier, 64 journalistes sont morts en raison de leur activité professionnelle, une augmentation de plus de 10% par rapport à la même période de l'an dernier.

Ces journalistes ne sont pas morts accidentellement, mais ont été tués en raison de leur profession, parce qu'ils sont les yeux de la communauté internationale pour documenter les graves violations des droits de l'homme et dénoncer la dangereuse pratique de l'impunité sans égard pour les victimes. Dans la plupart des cas, les journalistes sont ciblés pour dissimuler la vérité, a souligné Abdel Nabi.

Parmi les succès obtenus par la PEC en 2010, l'organisation par le Conseil des droits de l'homme le 4 juin d'un débat sur la protection des journalistes avec les représentants des Etats et des ONG a été une étape vers une coopération accrue de toutes les parties dans le but de renforcer la protection des journalistes dans toutes les situations dangereuses.

Le comité de la PEC est stimulé par l'obtention du statut consultatif spécial à l'ONU qui lui permettra d'intensifer ses efforts individuels et collectifs et de développer la campagne afin d'élaborer avec les Etats membres de l'ONU de nouvelles directives. La PEC est pleinement confiante que cette campagne pour renforcer la protection des journalistes aboutira à des résultats concrets.

PEC CONTINÚA FIRME EN SU OBJETIVO DE PROTECCIÓN A LOS PERIODISTAS,
ALENTADA POR LA APROBACIÓN DEL ECOSOC

GINEBRA, 21 jul (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC), dedicada desde junio de 2004 a garantizar mayor protección de los periodistas en conflictos armados y otras situaciones peligrosas, está extremadamente alentada por la noticia de que el Consejo Económico y
Social (ECOSOC) ha concedido a la PEC el estatuto de organización no gubernamental (NGO) con estatuto consultativo.

El departamento de ONG en la ONU en Nueva York ha enviado una carta a la PEC, en la cual le informa que el Consejo Económico y Social de la ONU (ECOSOC), en su sesión de julio de 2010, ha adoptado la recomendación del comité de ONG de conceder el estatuto consultivo especia a la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC).

La Oficina de Apoyo y Coordinación del Consejo – Sección de ONG – a nombre de todo el
personal de la sección de las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales ha trasmitido calurosas felicitaciones a la PEC.

La decisión del ECOSOC impulsará el compromiso de la PEC y reforzará la dedicación de sus más de 50.000 periodistas en todo el mundo, en fortalecer aún más los principios jurídicos para la
protección de los periodistas, ha afirmado la Presidenta de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi.

El Secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, por su parte, considera que el problema mundial de la protección de los periodistas se ha agravado debido a las amenazas contra los periodistas;
hasta el momento 64 periodistas han sido asesinado en el ejercicio de la profesión en lo que va de año, ha afirmado Blaise Lempen.

Los periodistas no son asesinados por accidente, son asesinadas a causa de su profesión y porque son los ojos del mundo, registrando las graves violaciones de derechos humanos y observando la peligrosa práctica de la impunidad llevada a cabo sin tener en cuenta los derechos humanos de la
víctima o los que quedan atrás. Es por ello que en muchas ocasiones, los periodistas pasan a ser objetivos de quienes intentan matar la verdad.

Entre los logros obtenidos por la PEC en 2010 está la celebración de una sesión del Consejo
de Derechos Humanos sobre la Protección de los Periodistas en Conflictos Armados, un hito éxito que abre el camino a todas las partes interesadas a trabajar colectivamente hacia el objetivo de la necesidad de incrementar la protección de los periodistas en todas las situaciones

Hoy es el momento oportuno para que el comité de la PEC intensifique sus esfuerzos, tanto individual como colectivamente, para llevar adelante la campaña y sellar con los Estados
miembros de la ONU nuevas directrices para la protección de los periodistas.

La PEC está llena de esperanzas en que la campaña tenga éxito.

الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي تحصل على الوضعية الخاصة كمنظمة غير حكومية معترف بها من قبل المجلس الاقتصادي و الاجتماعي و تبدأ مرحلة جديدة من العمل من أجل الدفاع عن الصحفيين 

جنيف 21 يوليو 2010 – أبلغت الحملة الدولية لشارة حماية الصحفي بقرار المجلس الاقتصادي و الاجتماعي باعتمادها كمنظمة غير حكومية لها وضعية خاصة معترف بها من قبل الأمم المتحدة.

   و قد هنأ فرع المنظمات غير الحكومية بالأمم المتحدة الحملة الدولية بهذا القرار الذي يسمح للحملة من اليوم بتمثيل رسمي في كل أنشطة الأمم المتحدة.

   و قد صرحت هدايت عبد النبي، رئيسة الحملة، بأن قرار المجلس الاقتصادي و الاجتماعي سوف يزيد من فاعلية و التزام الحملة الدولية و نشاط أعضائها وهم أكثر من 50 ألف صحفي و صحفية في كافة أنحاء العالم على تدعيم و تقوية جوانب القانون الدولي و نصوصه و تطوير ما يمكن تطويره لحماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح و المناطق الخطرة.

   و من جانبه أعرب بليز ليمبان، سكرتير عام الحملة، عن قناعته بأن   التحديات الخاصة بالعمل الصحفي قد اتسعت بسبب تزايد مخاطره حيث أن العام الحالي شهد مقتل 64 صحيفا من بدايته حتى اليوم.

   و ذكرت حملة الشارة، في بيانها الذي رحبت فيه بقرار المجلس الاقتصادي و الاجتماعي، أن الصحفيين يقتلون بسبب مهنتهم لأنهم عيون العالم و شهوده لتسجيل أبشع انتهاكات حقوق الإنسان و قضية الافلات من العقاب التي تترك الضحية و أسرتها بغير رحمة و لا اعتبار لحقوق الإنسان.

   و أكدت رئيسة الحملة أن الصحفيين يستهدفون لقتل الحقيقة، و مشيرة إلى جهد اللجنة الذي نجح في انعقاد ندوة دولية في مجلس حقوق الإنسان حول حماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاعات المسلحة و شارك فيها من مصر رئيس تحرير الأهرام أسامة سرايا الذي أكد على أهمية مواصلة هذا الجهد حيث أعلن أنه سيتبنى برعاية صحيفة الأهرام ندوة دولية في هذا الصدد تعقد بالقاهرة في وقت لاحق. 

   و اعتبرت رئيسة الحملة الكاتبة الصحفية المصرية هدايت عبد النبي  أن قرار المجلس الاقتصادي و الاجتماعي يحفز مجلس إدارة الحملة على المزيد من العطاء و الالتزام للعمل بلا هوادة مع الدول أعضاء الأمم المتحدة من أجل التوصل إلى صيغ قانونية لحماية الصحفيين.

   و أكدت باسم الحملة أن القرار يؤكد الأمل الواسع في نجاح حملة الشارة التي بدأت رسمياً في 4 يونيو 2004.

***05.07. 2010. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) deplores and condemns the killing of 59 journalists in six months // La Presse Emblème Campagne déplore l'assassinat de 59 journalistes en six mois // DEPLORA LA PEC EL ASESINATO DE 59 PERIODISTAS EN SEIS MESES (English, French, Spanish)

The PEC deplores and condemns the killing of 59 journalists in six months

Geneva, 5 July 2010 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) announced today that during the first six months of the year from January to the end of June 59 journalists were killed in 25 countries which constitute an increase of 10% in the number of killed journalists as compared to the same period in 2009.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen noted that journalists are extremely exposed in countries which witness internal problems.

Lempen added that governments and the international community must act in firmness to stop those killings and bring the perpetrators of those crimes to justice.

Mexico remains the most dangerous country in terms of media work with nine journalists killed, Honduras second (8 killed), followed by Pakistan (6), Nigeria (4), the Philippines (4).

Journalists killed in those five countries represent half of the killed journalists in the reporting period.

Another three were killed in Russia, 3 in Colombia, 2 in the following four countries: Iraq, Nepal, Thailand and Venezuela.

One journalist was killed in Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameron, Cyprus, Ecuador, Israel, Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC), Rwanda, Turkey, Somalia and Yemen.

Lempen added that two French journalists remain in captivity for the past six months in East Afghanistan and stressed that the PEC deplores the dangers to which journalists are subjected to because of their work which includes hostage taking.

He noted that the reasons for killing journalists vary from country to country, among those reasons is hunting journalists by organized crime groups in Mexico, conflicts between governments and the opposition in Honduras and Thailand, tribal tensions in Pakistan and Nigeria, settling
political disputes in the Philippines, the Caucus and in Nepal.

The tally by continent is highest in Latin America where in six months 24 journalists in total were killed, Asia comes in second place with 14 journalists killed, and in Africa the number tends to grow with nine killed.

During the first six months of 2009, the PEC registered the killing of 53 journalists, a higher tally than that of the same period in 2008 which stood at 45 killed.

For the year 2009 a record of 122 journalists were killed because of their profession and 91 in 2008.

La PEC déplore l'assassinat de 59 journalistes en six mois

Genève, 5 juillet 2010 (PEC) En six mois, 59 journalistes ont été tués dans 25 pays, a annoncé lundi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Cela représente une augmentation de près de 10% par rapport aux 53 journalistes tués pendant la même période de 2009.

"Les journalistes sont très exposés dans plusieurs pays qui connaissent des troubles internes. Les gouvernements et la communauté internationale doivent être plus fermes pour empêcher de tels meurtres et punir leurs responsables", a affirmé le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen en présentant le rapport de la PEC pour les six premiers mois de l'année.

Les pays les plus dangereux ont été le Mexique, avec neuf employés des medias tués, devant le Honduras (8 tués), le Pakistan (6 tués), le Nigéria (4) et les Philippines (4). Ces cinq pays représentent plus de la moitié des victimes.

Trois journalistes ont été tués en Russie, trois également en Colombie, deux dans ces quatre pays: Irak, Népal, Thaïlande et Venezuela. Un journaliste a été tué dans les pays suivants: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Brésil, Bulgarie, Cameroun, Chypre, Equateur, Israël, République démocratique du Congo, Rwanda, Turquie, Somalie, Yémen.

Deux journalistes français restent détenus par ailleurs depuis plus de six mois dans l'est de l'Afghanistan, déplore la PEC. En Somalie, de nombreux journalistes ont été blessés dans les combats et l'insécurité rend l'accès à ce pays de plus en plus difficile comme en Afghanistan.

Les causes de ces décès sont diverses: les journalistes ont été notamment les victimes de la guerre avec les trafiquants de drogue au Mexique, du conflit entre le gouvernement et l'opposition au Honduras et en Thaïlande, des tensions tribales au Pakistan et au Nigéria, de règlements de compte politiques aux Philippines, dans le Caucase russe et au Népal.

Si, par continent, l'Amérique latine détient le record de journalistes tués en six mois (24 au total), l'Asie vient au second rang (14) et l'Afrique connaît une tendance à la hausse inquiétante (9), constate la PEC.

Pendant les six premiers mois de 2009, la PEC avait recensé 53 journalistes tués, un chiffre déjà plus élevé que les 45 tués de janvier à juin 2008. Sur l'ensemble de 2009, un record de 122 journalistes ont été tués, contre 91 pour 2008. 


DEPLORA LA PEC EL ASESINATO DE 59 PERIODISTAS EN SEIS MESES

Ginebra, 5 jul 2010 (PEC) En seis meses, 59 periodistas han sido asesinados en 25 países, según ha dado a conocer este lunes la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC). Esta cifra representa un aumento de cerca del 10% en relación con los 53 periodistas que fueron asesinados durante el mismo periodo de 2009.

“Los periodistas se encuentran muy expuestos en numerosos países que tienen problemas internos. Los gobiernos y la comunidad internacional deben actuar con mayor firmeza para impedir tales muertes y castigar a los responsables”, ha afirmado el Secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, en la presentación del informe de la PEC correspondiente al primer semestre de este año.

De acuerdo con ese informe, los países de mayor peligrosidad han sido México, con nueve trabajadores de los medios muertos, delante de Honduras (8 muertos), Pakistán (6 muertos), Nigeria (4) y Filipinas (4). Estos cinco países representan más de la mitad de las víctimas.

En Rusia, al igual que en Colombia, tres periodistas han sido asesinados, mientras que en Nepal, Iraq, Tailandia y Venezuela, fueron asesinados dos en cada uno. En los siguientes países, un periodista fue respectivamente asesinado: Afganistán, Angola, Bangladesh, Brasil, Bulgaria, Camerún, Chipre, Ecuador, Israel, República Democrática del Congo, Ruanda, Turquía, Somalia y Yemen.

La PEC deplora el hecho de que todavía hay dos periodistas franceses detenidos desde hace más de seis meses en el este de Afganistán. En Somalia, numerosos periodistas han sido heridos en los combates en ese país, donde la inseguridad dificulta cada vez más el acceso al mismo, al igual que en Afganistán.

Las causas de todas estas muertes son variadas : los periodistas han sido particularmente las víctimas de la guerra entre los traficantes de la droga en México, del conflicto entre el Gobierno y la oposición en Honduras y en Tailandia; las tensiones tribales en Pakistán y en Nigeria y los arreglos de cuentas en Filipinas, en el Cáucaso ruso y en Nepal.

La Campaña Emblema de Prensa ha constatado que si bien por continentes, la América Latina detenta el record de periodistas asesinados en seis meses (24 en total), Asia le sigue en segundo lugar (14) y el África presenta una inquietante tendencia al alza (9).

Durante los primeros seis meses de 2009, la PEC había censado ya 53 periodistas asesinados, una cifra más elevada que los 45 asesinados en junio del 2008. En total, el pasado año se registró una cifra record de 122 periodistas asesinados, contra 91 el año precedente.

***04.06.2010. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes heartly the constructive debate on the protection of journalists in armed conflict at the Human Rights Council // la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) se félicite de la tenue d'un débat constructif sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit au Conseil des droits de l'homme

Please go to:

www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=10109&LangID=E

for the UN transcript of the panel discussion. Read also reactions on our page PRESS (click left) - read statements of deputy High Commissionner, PEC, United States below -

More than 20 States and a dozen NGOs have made oral statements at the occasion of the three hours' discussion with the six experts: deputy United Nations High Commissioner Kyung-wha Kang, Deputy Assistant Director-General for Communication at UNESCO Mogens Schmidt, Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Robin Geiss, legal advisor at the Legal Division of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Al-Ahram Editor-in-Chief Osama Saraya and PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi  (photo: PEC flyer for this event) 

The panel of experts at the meeting June 4, 2010 at the Human Rights Council. Many experts and States expressed their concern about the alarming trend of attacks against journalists and stressed the need to fight impunity. It was the first time that the HRC organized a panel on the protection of journalists (photos PEC)

Member of the panel and PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi delivering her speech to UN Member States at the Human Rights Council Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva 

PEC press release:

GENEVA, June 4 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes heartly the constructive debate that took place today in the Human Rights Council on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflicts.
The PEC considers today’s panel as a turning point for a beginning of a meaningful cooperation between members states and journalists because of the heightened interest of member states that was reflected in the debate.
Some member states sided with the view that the current existing laws are sufficient while others called for their improvement.
Introducing the panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-Wha Kang said that today’s panel took place against the backdrop of alarming reports of killings, harassment, intimidation or kidnapping of
journalists, men and women, in situations of armed conflict. According to reports, deliberate attempts to target journalists in areas of ongoing conflict were increasing. International law set out clear provisions for the protection of journalists in armed conflict.
The Deputy High Commissioner said that despite these unequivocal norms, there continued to be a high number of abuses and crimes targeting journalists, which were committed with impunity and emboldened other would-be perpetrators to follow suit.
Osama Saraya, Editor in Chief of Al Ahram Newspaper, said that death was not the only result of the phenomenon of attacking of journalists.
Some of the victims still lived with the trauma and could not function in the workplace due to physical and mental scars and injuries.
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of the African Journalists, said that the Human Rights Council should send a clear message that it would not remain idle while journalists continued to be the subject of violent death and unjustified attacks.
He added that the real problem was that these instruments and laws were not respected or enforced.
A number of countries expressed hope that the Security Council and the Human Rights
Council can work together to find ways and means to strengthen the protection of journalists in zones of armed conflict.
The Press Emblem Campaign stressed that there is a need to create a working group to develop a global compact including guidelines to protect journalists.
The PEC further stressed that any identification sign “PRESS” must be protected by law, because in the absence of laws journalists are victims of assault.
The PEC representative Hedayat Abdel Nabi said that this is a historic opportunity within the environment of multiple actors on the military scene, it is a historic moment to come to agreement between member states and journalists calling for regular armies not shoot at journalists
carrying the distinctive emblem.
Reacting to the debate, the PEC Secretary General Blaise Lempen praised a "promising first step toward a more active role of the United Nations in this vital matter, including the fight against impunity".
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will issue a report on the panel, and the majority of speakers expressed their readiness to continue this dialogue in the Council.

Opening Remarks by Ms. Kyung-wha Kang Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights at the panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict

Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, I am delighted to open this panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict. I would like to thank and commend the Human Rights Council for placing this important issue high on its agenda and giving significant time for a substantive discussion.

This panel takes place against the backdrop of alarming reports of killings, harassment, intimidation or kidnapping of journalists, men and women, in situations of armed conflict. According to these reports, deliberate attempts to target journalists in areas of ongoing conflict are increasing.

War reporting is inherently dangerous. Indeed, it could arguably be one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Still, out of sense of professional duty, many journalists and media professional make the courageous choice to go to conflict zones, so as to tell the world about the stories of armed conflicts and the human cost they entail. Amidst the so-called “fog of war”, they play a vital role in keeping the world informed and ensuring that our responses are based on the facts and truths unfolding on the ground.

International law sets out clear provisions for the protection of journalists in armed conflict. According to international humanitarian law, journalists in armed conflict should be considered as civilians and therefore be afforded the protection to which the civilians are entitled. International human rights law guarantees the right to life, as well as the right to liberty and security of persons, as well as the right to freedom of expression, for all, including for journalists. . 

Despite these unequivocal norms, there continues to be a high number of abuses and crimes targetting journalists, which are committed with impunity, encouraging other abuses to follow suit. This flaunting of international norms highlights the need to take proactive measures to ensure that they will be fully respected and implemented. Translating them from aspiration into more effective action on the ground is a common challenge for the international community

Mr. President,

As a testimony to the importance of the issue, several United Nations bodies and other entities have addressed the issue of the protection of journalists in armed conflict.
 
As all are aware, the International Committee of the Red Cross has a mandate to protect civilians in armed conflict, including journalists. In its endeavours to make the rules that protect journalists known and respected, the ICRC plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of journalists. In addition, UNESCO has a specific mandate to defend freedom of expression and press freedom and has dedicated part of its work to the protection of journalists.

The Security Council has also pronounced itself on this issue: in 2006, it adopted a landmark resolution which condemned deliberate attacks against journalists and media professionals in situations of armed conflict and called upon all parties to put an end to such practices.

The Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and his predecessors have drawn the attention of the Human Rights Council to this alarming issue. And the Council has repeatedly expressed its concern that threats and acts of violence directed against journalists and other media workers in situations of armed conflict have increased and are not adequately prosecuted or punished.

Several civil society organizations have also taken initiatives to address the issue of protection of journalists in armed conflict. Reporters without Borders, the International News Safety Institute, the Press Emblem Campaign, to name only a few, have contributed significantly to the raising of the awareness of the international community in this context.

Mr. President,

Our efforts to strengthen the protection of journalists in armed conflict will not be effective if we do not take into account the views and needs of journalists and media professionals themselves. Their accounts of personal experiences are crucial to our understanding of the challenges they face in conflicts zones and news rooms. .

The panellists whom we are privileged to have today will provide us with a rich array of observations and recommendations on ways to strengthen the protection of journalists in situations of armed conflict. I am sure their views and approaches to the issue will strengthen the resolve of the Human Rights Council in drawing the attention of the international community to the dangers faced by journalists in armed conflicts, and in developing a common approach to this challenge, not only across United Nations entities, but in the international community as a whole.

I wish you a fruitful and constructive debate.

Thank you.

Statement of the PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi member of the panel:

PEC statement to the Panel Discussion on the Protection of Journalists 
                       4 June 2010 - Human Rights Council             

    "Today’s panel discussion on the Protection of Journalists in armed conflicts coincides with the 6th anniversary of the creation of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC); it is a form of recognition and tribute to all the fallen journalists across the globe.

   The issue of the protection of journalists in armed conflicts spurred a group of journalists at the UN in Geneva to start a global movement for the protection of journalists in armed conflict and dangerous situations.

   The PEC today believes that the time has come for action, action in the form of developing guidelines through a working group that would lead to a global compact for the protection of journalists, and feels that the proposed ideas can be the focal point. 

    The PEC calls for the creation of a working group to launch those guidelines and believes that the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council is in a position to act as such a working group or to support the creation of an Adhoc intergovernmental working group to be entrusted with this task and report to the Council as soon as possible or at the latest in its session in June 2011.

    The Campaign also hopes that today’s meeting will evolve in accelerated concrete steps that will allow the deliberations to start on agreed upon guidelines.

   The GENEVA based NGO has developed in December 2007 ideas that could be the basis for discussions on a draft convention to protect journalists and a launching pad for possible acceptable guidelines for all concerned parties and stakeholders.

    Identification, compensation and mechanisms for enquiry, among others are discussed.

   The ideas presented in 2007 by the PEC call for guaranteeing unhindered, unfettered and uninterrupted Internet services at anytime and under all conditions and circumstances by the concerned authorities. 

   The PEC proposals specifically speaks of media corridors, like those applied to humanitarian workers, that shall be established by the parties to a conflict, in such a manner that journalists and media installations are protected. 

   The concept of media corridors was first established in a Human Rights Council resolution at the conclusion of a special session on the war in Lebanon in 2006.

   When tackling the issue of identification referred to earlier the PEC says that in order to strengthen the protection of journalists and facilitate their identification in zones of fighting, the States Parties shall adopt a distinctive international emblem and commit themselves to respect it and ensure that it is respected in all circumstances. 

   The PEC states clearly that in the absence of a press association in the country or where press identity cards are not issued, possession of the press card provided by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) or regional press associations media identification cards would be sufficient to justify the right to use the emblem.

   An extremely important issue is that of Compensation and the PEC says that State Parties shall ensure that the victim, or in case of death the victim’s family or legal representative, should have the right to obtain reparation and prompt, fair and adequate compensation.

   That State Parties along with journalists’ associations and journalists’ employers shall establish a compensation Fund with substantial financial resources.

   The PEC calls upon those UN member states backing this effort to establish an insurance scheme that would cover all journalists, most importantly to ensure the financial protection of free lancers.

   The ideas presented by the PEC in December 2007 call for the establishment by State Parties of an International Media Committee (IMC), whose secretariat shall be based in Geneva, Switzerland.

   The PEC proposes that this Committee shall consist of ten independent experts who shall serve in their personal capacity and be impartial.

   When the movement started in Geneva it rallied around the idea of a recognized press emblem and continues to believe in it. 

    The PEC when launching the movement here in the Palais des Nations in a side event called for an internationally recognized protective emblem that could be worn by media representatives across the globe.

   The issue of the protection of journalists is a complex one, why? Because the profession of journalism is the only profession specifically mandated to cover – and thus be present during dangerous and tragic events. Therefore journalists are on the scene not by accident but deliberately, unlike civilians who are present in such situations accidently.

   This is the crux of the issue.

   The PEC firmly believes that there is an essential difference between civilians caught in the cross fire and journalists covering the cross fire. This is the main consideration added to which are the ever changing challenges of conflict which calls for constant re-thinking or revision to strengthen the existing rules.

   Hence the need for a protective emblem, a protective emblem means it is protected by law and carries with it the rights of compensation, the bringing of the perpetrators of the crime to justice and so forth. The emblem is not obligatory but worn out of a conscious choice.

   The PEC movement has rallied around its principles 35 media associations across the globe representing more than 50,000 journalists many of them operating in war zones. 

   The PEC reassures the distinguished participants that it is a force for unity to service a noble cause, that of the protection of journalists. 

   In closing on behalf of the PEC committee, I would like to thank the sponsors of this panel: Bangladesh, Egypt and Mexico and the co-sponsors.

   In addition, I would like to thank the outgoing Council President for moderating this historic panel during his term."

For your information, statement of the United States during the discussion: 

"Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
Delivered by Mark Cassayre

Human Rights Council 14th Session
Geneva, June 4, 2010

Thank you, Mr. President. The United States expresses its gratitude to the panelists for their participation today.

The United States believes that we must act to stem violence against journalists. Already this year, we have seen more than 30 journalists and media personnel perish in armed conflicts. We are deeply distressed at this trend, and believe that all states and parties to armed conflicts must fully implement Security Council Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists in armed conflict, and abide by their obligations under applicable international humanitarian law.

The Human Rights Council should seek to play a complementary and supportive role to the Security Council’s work to protect journalists in armed conflict. It should focus on addressing the human rights aspects of violence against journalists around the world, such as providing protections for freedom of expression and opinion essential for journalism. The Council should also address arbitrary arrest and detention of and reprisals against journalists. It is imperative that our work be cognizant of the relevant applicable legal regimes that apply in different cases, and of the complementary work of other international bodies seeking to address this important issue.

This Council should also act to build the capacity of countries emerging from armed conflict to rebuild the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the media to operate freely and safely – work that the Council already does through positive technical assistance mandates. The creation of robust democratic institutions, adequate judicial and administrative mechanisms, and other steps all enhance the ability of states to protect and secure rights for all, including journalists.

We have the tools and mechanisms to protect journalists in armed conflict, but we still have considerable work to do to implement and strengthen them. We must also consider taking additional measures to enhance the safety and security of United Nations personnel who work to protect journalists and other civilians in armed conflict.

As the Council considers potential actions, I would like to ask our esteemed panelists: how can the Human Rights Council best support and complement the work of the UN Security Council to protect journalists and their ability to operate? How can our work as a Council support the work of the OHCHR and its leadership who have taken a keen interest in this issue?

Thank you, Mr. President." 

***03.06.2010. PEC award 2010 goes to the families of the victims of the 32 slain journalists in the Philippines massacre of 23 November 2009 and to the Center for Media Freedoms and Responsibility (CMFR) Manila, the Philippines as well as to to the Ambassador of Egypt to the UN in Geneva Hisham Badr

Le Prix PEC 2010 pour la protection des journalistes est décerné aux familles des 32 journalistes tués le 23 novembre aux Philippines, au Centre pour la liberté et la responsabilité des medias aux Philippines (CMFR) ainsi qu'à l'ambassadeur d'Egypte à l'ONU à Genève Hisham Badr. 

El Premio PEC 2010 por la protección de los periodistas fue concedido a los familiares de 32 periodistas caídos el 23 de noviembre durante una matanza en Filipinas, al Centro para la libertad y la responsabilidad de los medios en Filipinas (CMFR) así como al embajador de Egipto ante la ONU en Ginebra, Hisham Badr.

CLICK LEFT ON OUR SPECIAL PAGE: PEC AWARD for statements, speeches, photos

***31.05.2010. Israël-Gaza. PEC strongly condemns attack against journalists and their detention (for other reactions, go to OTHER NEWS, PRESS) 

GENEVA, May 31 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) strongly condemns the assault on media accompanying and covering the GAZA flotilla journey when Israeli commandoes attacked the flotilla dawn Monday.
Many journalists were detained by Israeli forces and their equipment confiscated.
The PEC re-affirms that existing international law accords journalists protection under article 79 of the first protocol of the Geneva conventions. Such laws must be respected by all security and military forces at all times across the globe especially in conflict zones and
zones of acute tension like Gaza.
The PEC says that under no circumstances can such developments be allowed like detaining journalists and confiscating their equipment.
The Geneva based NGO calls for an immediate cessation of this assault against journalists and that they be allowed safe media coverage and that the Israeli state must respect its commitments under international law.
The PEC firmly believes that the international community must implement its obligations to protect journalists on duty in international waters and elsewhere but especially when the tragic incident takes place outside territorial waters, and must induce the occupying power to respect
international law.

***19.05.2010. PEC CONDEMNS THE KILLING OF AN ITALIAN JOURNALIST IN THAILAND AND THE INJURY OF ANOTHER FIVE

GENEVA, (PEC) May 19 – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemned Wednesday the killing of freelance experienced photographer Fabio Polenghi, after being shot in the stomach, during last night’s army assault on deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s “Red Shirt” supporters in Bangkok.
  A Dutch reporter and a US documentary filmmaker were injured in the assault.
  Three other journalists – a France 24 cameraman and two local newspaper photographers, one working for Matichon and the other for The Nation – have been injured in various clashes during the past few days.
  Polenghi is the second journalist to have been killed while covering Thailand’s crisis. Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese cameraman working for the Reuters news agency, was fatally shot on 10 April.
  Polenghi death steps up the number of journalists killed since the beginning of 2010 to 46.
  The Geneva based NGO believes that media covering violent demonstrations need clear protection from security forces because they are mandated to cover such violent circumstances
and are the only profession that exposes those events to the world. 
 The PEC looks forward to the panel discussion on the protection of journalists to be held on 4 June 2010 at the Human Rights Council and expresses hope that this panel will be the first step towards many other concrete steps by the international community to better protect journalists.

***03.05.2010. World Press Freedom Day - PEC joins call for a minute of silence to denounce impunity

French and Spanish after English

Read also IFJ call and UN Secretary-General remarks for World Press Freedom Day on our page: OTHER NEWS (click left)

GENEVA, May 3 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joins the UNESCO call
for observing a minute of silence on World Press Freedom Day-3 May-in newsrooms around the world.

The PEC would also like to see the minute observed by media organizations and NGOs that combat impunity for the killers of journalists.

Up to date 38 journalists were killed since the beginning of 2010 and more than 400 since June 2006, on average more than 100 journalists per year. April has witnessed a dramatic increase, with 15 journalists killed, one every two days. Since the beginning of this year, the most dangerous country are Honduras (7 killed) and Mexico (also 7 killed), then Colombia (3), Nigeria (3) and Pakistan (3).

UNESCO has called for the minute of silence to take place this and every year on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, "to denounce the murder of journalists and to demand an end to impunity" for their killers.

Italian journalist, sentenced to death by the Mafia, Roberto Saviano, said in a news conference in Geneva in a meeting on investigative journalism last month, that connectivity is essential for the protection of journalists as well as international attention.

Saviano noted that local journalists who lack international visibility are the most exposed, stressing the need for a “Journalists International” movement.

The Italian journalist is under constant threat and surrounded by body guards to protect him against the Mafia because of his investigative writing on its work.

The PEC hopes that all UN Member States will follow Saviano's call for international attention to the global saga of killing journalists when the panel on protection of journalists convenes in June at the next session of the Human Rights Council.

The PEC believes that it has started this work six years ago to develop a network of “Journalists International” and invites others to support its mission to reach a convention to protect journalists in armed conflict and elsewhere.

Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse
La PEC se joint à l’appel pour une minute de silence

Genève, 3 Mai (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) se joint à l'appel lancé par l'UNESCO pour observer une minute de silence dans les rédactions du monde entier à l'occasion de la Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse, lundi 3 mai.

L'ONG basée à Genève souhaite également que cette minute de silence soit respectée par les organisations de défense de la liberté de la presse et autres ONG qui combattent l'impunité des auteurs de crimes contre les journalistes.

Jusqu'ici, depuis le début de cette année, 38 journalistes ont été tués, et plus de 400 depuis juin 2006, en moyenne cent par année. Le mois d'avril a été le témoin d'une augmentation dramatique du nombre de victimes, avec 15 journalistes tués, un tous les deux jours.

Depuis le début de l'année, le pays le plus dangereux est le Honduras (sept tués) avec le Mexique (sept tués également), devant la Colombie (3), le Nigéria (3) et le Pakistan (3).

L'UNESCO a lancé un appel pour une minute de silence pour la première fois cette année, à l'occasion de la Journée de la liberté de la presse, "afin de dénoncer l'assassinat des journalistes et de demander la fin de l'impunité" des auteurs de ces crimes.

Le journaliste italien Roberto Saviano, condamné à mort par la mafia, déclarait le mois dernier lors d'une conférence sur le journalisme d'enquête à Genève que la communication est essentielle pour la protection des journalistes de même que l'attention internationale.

Saviano a souligné que les journalistes locaux qui manquent de visibilité internationale sont les plus exposés et a souhaité la création d'une "Internationale des Journalistes".

Le journaliste italien vit sous la menace constante d'être tué par la mafia et doit être protégé par sept gardes du corps en raison de son livre sur la Camorra napolitaine "Gomorra", publié en 2006.

La PEC espère que tous les Etats membres de l'ONU suivront l'appel de Roberto Saviano pour porter ce grave problème à l'attention internationale lors du débat spécial que le Conseil des droits de l'homme de l'ONU y consacrera en juin.

La PEC a démarré il y a six ans son action pour développer un réseau de journalistes sur le plan international dans le but d'élaborer une convention renforçant la protection des employés des medias dans les zones de conflit et de violences internes. Elle invite d'autres à se joindre à
ce mouvement.

JORNADA INTERNACIONAL DE LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA
LA PEC RESPALDA LLAMAMIENTO DE LA UNESCO Y DENUNCIA
LA IMPUNIDAD

Ginebra, 3 mayo (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) ha respaldado el
llamamiento hecho por la UNESCO para que se observe un minuto de silencio en todas las redacciones del mundo entero el próximo 3 de mayo, Jornada Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa.

En una declaración emitida al respecto, la PEC -organización no gubernamental basada en Ginebra- expresa su deseo de que este minuto de silencio sea asimismo observado por las
organizaciones defensoras de la libertad de prensa y otras Ong que combaten la impunidad de los responsables del asesinato de periodistas.

La PEC hace una recuento del número de periodistas que han sido asesinados desde el inicio de este año 2010: un total de 38. Más de 400 desde junio de 2006, lo que significa un promedio de cien periodistas por año. El pasado mes de abril -apunta la ONG- se reportó un considerable aumento del número de víctimas, al ser asesinados 15 periodistas, o lo que es igual a uno cada dos días.

Desde que comenzó el año, Honduras ha sido el país donde mayor peligrosidad ha habido para los periodistas. Siete han sido asesinados en ese periodo. Otros países con similar índice de peligrosidad son México (7 muertos), Colombia (tres), Nigeria (tres) y Pakistán (tres).

La PEC subraya que la UNESCO ha hecho un llamamiento para que este año por primera vez se observe un minuto de silencio en ocasión de la Jornada Mundial por la Libertad de la Prensa, "con el fin de denunciar el asesinato de periodistas y de exigir el fin de la impunidad" de los autores de esos crímenes.

El periodista italiano Roberto Saviano, condenado a muerte por la mafia, declaraba el jueves en Ginebra durante una conferencia de prensa sobre el periodismo de investigación, que la comunicación es esencial para la protección de los periodistas así como la atención
internacional.

Saviano consideró asimismo que los periodistas locales que carecen de visibilidad internacional son los más expuestos y por ello expresó la necesidad de que se cree un movimiento "Internacional de Periodistas".

Desde la publicación en 2006, de su libro "Gomorra", que trata sobre la Camorra
napolitana, este periodista italiano vive bajo la amenaza constante de ser asesinado por la mafia, motivo por el cual es protegido por siete guardaespaldas.

La PEC aspira a que todos los Estados miembros de la ONU sigan el llamamiento
hecho por Roberto Saviano para llevar este grave problema a la atención internacional cuando se realice el debate especial que el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, en
junio próximo.

La Campaña Emblema de Prensa inició hace siete años una acción destinada a
establecer una red de periodistas sobre el plano internacional con el fin de elaborar una convención que refuerce la protección de los trabajadores de los medios de comunicación en las zonas de conflicto armado y en cualquier parte donde persistan situaciones de violencia interna. De ahí que invite a todos los interesados en adherirse a este movimiento.

***06.04.2010. 22 journalistes tués au cours des trois premiers mois de 2010, dont plus de la moitié en Amérique latine - 22 journalists killed in three months, more than half in Latin America - 22 periodistas asesinados, más de la mitad en América Latina

English and Spanish after French

22 journalistes tués au cours des trois premiers mois de 2010, dont plus de la moitié en Amérique latine

Genève (PEC) 6 avril 2010 – La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) dénonce avec force une évolution très inquiétante en Amérique latine. Depuis le 1er janvier jusqu’à la fin mars, 22 journalistes ont été tués dans l’exercice de leur métier dans 12 pays. Sur ce nombre, 13 ont été assassinés dans 4 pays d’Amérique latine.

Une nette dégradation s’est produite au Honduras, avec cinq assassinats au cours du seul mois de mars. Les tensions se sont aggravées depuis le coup d’Etat et les élections controversées de l’an dernier. La PEC demande aux autorités honduriennes de poursuivre et punir les responsables de ces crimes.

Le Honduras est devenu le pays le plus dangereux avec le Mexique. Dans ce pays, la guerre que se livrent les forces de sécurité et les cartels de la drogue et du crime organisé ont provoqué le décès de cinq journalistes depuis le 1er janvier.

Toujours en Amérique latine, deux journalistes ont été tués au Venezuela et un en Colombie.

Ailleurs dans le monde, la situation est critique au Népal, avec deux journalistes assassinés en trois mois.

Un journaliste a en outre été tué depuis le 1er janvier jusqu’au 31 mars en Bulgarie, en Afghanistan, à Chypre, en Angola, en Russie, au Yemen, et au Pakistan. En Afghanistan, plusieurs journalistes ont été enlevés et d'autres restent en prison en Iran.

Par rapport aux trois premiers mois de 2009, la situation s’est améliorée en raison d'une baisse relative dans l'intensité des conflits au début de cette année: 36 journalistes avaient trouvé la mort en trois mois l’an dernier. Plusieurs journalistes avaient notamment été tués en Irak, au
Pakistan, en Somalie, à Gaza lors de l’offensive israélienne, et au Sri Lanka.

La statistique du début de 2010 est comparable à celle des trois premiers mois de 2008 (20 journalistes tués) et de la même période de 2007 (22).

La PEC espère que le Conseil des droits de l’homme, lors du débat de fond prévu en juin, pourra faire avancer des recommandations concrètes afin d’améliorer la sécurité des journalistes dans les zones de conflit et de violences. Un record de 122 journalistes ont été tués l’an dernier. 
 
PEC statement

PEC first quarter report on the number of journalists killed - 22 journalists killed, more than half in Latin America

GENEVA, 6 April (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) denounces in the strongest possible manner the worrying developments in Latin America related to the killing of journalists.
From 1 January till the end of March 22 journalists were killed while performing their job in 12 countries, 13 of which were killed in 4 countries in Latin America. 

Honduras was the worst country witnessing the killing of 5 journalists in March. The growing tensions since the coup d’état and the controversial elections of last year contributed to this climate. The Press Emblem Campaign calls upon the authorities in Honduras to take action against the perpetrators of those crimes, which make Honduras and Mexico (5 killed since January), the most dangerous countries. This climate of extreme danger results from the ongoing war between security services and organized crime cartels primarily drug cartels.

Two journalists were killed in Venezuela and one in Colombia during the reporting period.

Elsewhere the situation is serious in Nepal. This country witnessed the killing of two journalists from the beginning of the year.

One journalist was killed in Bulgaria, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Angola, Russia, Yemen and Pakistan. Many journalists were kidnapped in Afghanistan, and others were imprisoned in Iran. 

Comparing with the figures of the first quarter of last year (36 journalists killed) shows a relative improvement in the situation this year due to a decrease in the crisis level in Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Gaza resulting from the Israeli military operation, and Sri Lanka.
However, the statistics of the first quarter of 2010 are close to the tally of the same period of 2008 (20 journalists) and 2007 (22 journalists).
 
The Press Emblem Campaign expresses its hope that during the Panel Discussion on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflicts during the June session of the Human Rights Council, the Council would reach concrete proposals and recommendations to improve the protection of journalists in situations of armed conflicts and violence. 122 journalists were killed while carrying out their profession last year.

PEC – Comunicado

22 periodistas asesinados, más de la mitad en América Latina

Ginebra, 6 abr (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) ha denunciado enérgicamente los preocupantes casos de asesinatos frecuentes de periodistas en América Latina.

Desde el 1ero de enero hasta el final de marzo, 22 periodistas han sido asesinados durante el ejercicio de su profesión en 12 países. De esta cifra, 13 fueron asesinados en 4 países de América Latina.

En Honduras, el asesinato de cinco periodistas en el curso del mes de marzo refleja una neta degradación de la situación. Las crecientes tensiones tras el golpe de Estado y las controvertidas elecciones del pasado año han favorecido este clima.

La PEC demanda a las autoridades hondureñas que emprendan acciones contra los perpetradores de estos crímenes, que hacen de Honduras –y de México- los países de mayor peligrosidad en Latinoamérica.

En México, la guerra entre los servicios de seguridad y los carteles de la droga y del crimen organizado, han sido los causantes de la muerte de cinco periodistas en lo que va de año.

En este primer trimestre, dos periodistas fueron asesinados en Venezuela y uno en Colombia, mientras realizaban una cobertura informativa.

Otras regiones también presentan situaciones serias. En países, como Nepal, en lo que va de año ya han perdido la vida dos periodistas.

Asimismo, un periodista fue asesinado en Bulgaria, Afganistán, Chipre, Angola, Rusia, Yemen y Pakistán. Numerosos periodistas han sido secuestrados en Afganistán, en tanto otros han sido encarcelados en Irán.

En comparación con las cifras del primer trimestre de 2009, en que 36 periodistas resultaron asesinados, se observa una cierta mejoría este año, habida cuenta de una baja relativa en la intensidad de los conflictos en Iraq, Pakistán, Somalia y Gaza –como resultado de la ofensiva militar israelí- y en Sri Lanka.

Sin embargo, las estadísticas del primer trimestre de 2010 son comparables con las de igual periodo del año 2008, cuando se reportó el asesinato de 20 periodistas, y del 2007 (22 periodistas asesinados).

La Campaña Emblema de Prensa tiene la esperanza de que en junio próximo durante el previsto Panel sobre la Protección de los Periodistas en Conflictos Armados, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos pueda llegar a propuestas concretas y recomendaciones para mejorar la seguridad de los periodistas en situaciones de conflictos armados y violencia.

En 2009, un total de 122 periodistas perdieron la vida durante el ejercicio de su profesión.

***26.03.2010. THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HAS ADOPTED A RESOLUTION submitted by Egypt, Bangladesh & Mexico A/HRC/13/L.12 calling for a panel on Protection of Journalists in situations of armed conflicts. A GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC).

Read below the final text of the resolution, the speech of Egyptian Ambassador, the PEC statement. For reactions, click left on PRESS and OTHER NEWS

The resolution adopted by the Council which was introduced by Bangladesh, Egypt and Mexico, reads as follows:

The Human Rights Council
Reaffirming the vital role played by the press in situations of armed conflict
Alarmed at the large and increasing number of deaths and injuries among members of the press in armed conflict,
Bearing in mind relevant resolutions of UN bodies in particular the Security Council Resolution 1738/2006 of 23 December 2006, and Human Rights Council Resolution 12/16 of 2 October 2009

1- Decides to convene, within the existing resources, a panel discussion at its fourteenth session on the issue of the protection of journalists in armed conflict,
2-Requests the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to liaise with the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the International Committee of the Red Cross and all concerned parties and stakeholders, including relevant press organizations and associations and United Nations bodies and agencies, with a view to ensuring their participation in the panel discussion,
3-Also requests the OHCRC to prepare a report on the outcome of the panel discussion in the form of a summary.

Statement by Egypt presenting draft resolution delivered by Ambassador Hisham Badr. 

Mr President
I have the honor to introduce draft resolution L.12 entitled ‘The Protection of Journalists in Situations of Armed Conflicts’ on behalf of the delegations of Bangladesh, Mexico and Egypt.
This cross-regional initiative to convene a panel discussion on this important topic during the 14th session of the Council in June comes in a response to a call by many journalists worldwide including the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), which was strongly supported by Reporters Without
Borders, and welcomed by the International Federation of Journalists, and the International News Safety Institute, and Article 19, all of which are organizations representing journalists and documenting the hardships and heroic sacrifices they make in the implementation of their duties. This resolution is a tribute to the commitment and hard work of journalists all over the world and to those who have fallen in the line of duty. It is also a reflection of the commitment of this Council to uphold and expand the freedom of the press and the freedom of opinion and expression.
We believe that this Council is unanimous on the need to protect journalists who are informing the world about events and documenting grave violations of human rights wherever they occur. We recognize that in doing so, many journalists have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their
lives. According to the Press Emblem Campaign, the number of journalists killed while carrying out their duties from January 2006 to date amounts to at least 446.
The suggested panel will be organized by OHCHR in collaboration with all interested delegations, relevant UN bodies and agencies such as UNESCO, as well as the ICRC, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, the Press Emblem Campaign, and various other stakeholders from
all regions of the world. The convening of this panel does not come in a vacuum, hence while elaborating its concept paper, the co-sponsors are committed to an inclusive and transparent approach and to bear in mind relevant resolutions of UN bodies in particular Security Council
resolution 1378 of 2006 and Human Rights Council resolution 12/6 on Freedom of Opinion and Expression adopted last September.
It is our hope that through the panel, this Council would have shown responsiveness to the call by journalists for protection, drawing the attention of the international community to the dangers they incur and the sacrifices they make to keep us informed. We believe that this panel will
be a useful first step in the development of appropriate response by the Council. We believe that ultimately, initiatives such as this one do contribute in making more people outside of this chamber feel ownership of the agenda of the Council, thereby reinforcing its credibility and
relevance in addressing in a united manner new and emerging challenges.
In closing, on behalf of the three delegations of Bangladesh, Mexico and Egypt, I would like to invite the Council to adopt this resolution without a vote.
I thank you

co-sponsors of the resolution: Canada, Norway, Australia, Guatemala, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Luxemburg, Belgium, New Zealand, Italy, Iceland, Mauritius, Greece, France, Djibouti, Angola, Columbia, Burkina Faso, Sudan

PEC Statement (English, Spanish, Arabic)

Extremely heartened by the decision of the Council to hold a panel discussion on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflicts 

   GENEVA, March 26 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is extremely heartened and gratified at the success of the efforts of Egypt, Bangladesh and Mexico to pass a resolution-without a vote- to convene a panel discussion during the 14th session of the Human Rights Council in June 2010 on the Protection of journalists in armed conflicts.

   This development is a milestone that will create a momentum and progress to boost the global issue of the protection of journalists in armed conflicts.

   According to PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen the number of journalists killed when carrying out their duties stands at 411 journalists since June 2006 (first session of the Council); on average 106 journalists per year and two per week.

   Muaid al-Lami, head of Iraq's national journalists' union and co-founder of the PEC, announced after escaping the second assassination attempt on his life on March 21, that the number of journalists killed in Iraq since March 2003 stand at 301.

   The Human Rights Council’s unanimous approval of the resolution is also recognition by the human rights body of the importance of journalists and their role as key witnesses who document from the field the most inhuman and gross human rights abuses when conflicts turn to guns and bullets to settle disputes.

   The convening of the Panel next June will be a launching pad to unite all stakeholders around a common goal.

   It is important to note that Egypt, a country that has achieved a number of important steps towards freedom of opinion and expression, has spearheaded this effort.

   The PEC would like to stress that Mexico, a long standing friend of the PEC and a partner in promoting an informal dialogue among UN member states to promote the protection of journalist, has joined Egypt.

   This is extremely gratifying to the PEC because in so doing Mexico continues its solid support for the movement.

   Bangladesh and its mission in Geneva have always expressed a sincere support for the PEC and respect for it’s’ mission. 

  It is remarkable that three continents, Africa, Asia and Latin America, and the groups they represent in the Council, have supported the PEC initiative. 

  In addition the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) would like to extend all its thanks to all members of the Human Rights Council who have supported the initiative of Egypt, Bangladesh and Mexico, thank you all.

  Mauritian diplomat Subhas Gujadhur, said in informal consultations preceding the vote, that this is a virtuous resolution, a timely initiative which came a bit late but patience is great.

   Norwegian diplomat Svein Michelsen said that it was a very positive initiative and will support it to make the event as successful as possible.

   Michelsen added that Norway is ready to assist in the widest possible dissemination of this important Council event.   

   Chief, Civil and Political Rights Section, Special Procedures Division (OHCHR), Orest Nowosad said that in his communication with the Special Rapporteur of Freedom of Opinion and Expression Frank La Rue, the latter expressed his very keen interest in participating in the panel.

   Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin, representing Egypt and chair of the consultations, said that this initiative has been requested by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), and is an attempt to reach out to all stakeholders and to discuss with them their priorities and to show that the Council is responsive.

   Dr. Gamaleldin added that this initiative aims at reinforcing the credibility and sense of ownership of the Council.

   George Gordon Lennox representing Reporters without Borders (RSF) thanked the PEC and described the initiative as an excellent one.

   Lennox added that his organization RSF repeatedly called upon the Council to be engaged fully in this important matter. 

   PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi noted, with a look to the future, that this development is a unifying one that will bring all stakeholders to the first ever joint process.

   Abdel Nabi expressed hope that the Panel Discussion on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflict in June will result in the promotion of guidelines to protect journalists in armed conflicts and will thus open the door to formal consultations on the implementation of those guidelines.

   This council resolution is in line with Security Council resolution 1738 of December 2006 and in line with the report of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on civilians in armed conflict stressing the importance of the protection of journalists.

PEC – DECLARACIÓN

Extremadamente estimulados por la decisión del Consejo de celebrar un panel de discusión sobre la Protección de los Periodistas en Conflictos Armados. 

Ginebra, 26 mar (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) está extremadamente alentada y gratificada por el éxito de los esfuerzos de Egipto, Bangladesh y México de pasar una resolución –sin votación- para convocar un panel de discusión durante la 14a sesión del Consejo de Derechos Humanos, en junio de 2010, sobre la Protección de los periodistas en conflictos armados.

      Éste acontecimiento es un paso importante que va a crear un hito y va a dar un mayor estímulo al problema global de la protección de los periodistas en conflictos armados.

      De acuerdo con el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, el número de periodistas asesinados mientras realizaban su trabajo ascendía a 411 desde junio de 2006 (justamente durante la primera sesión del CDH), lo que significa un promedio de 106 periodistas por año y dos por semana.

      Muaid al-Lami, jefe de la Unión nacional de periodistas iraquíes y co-fundador de la PEC, tras haber escapado al segundo intento contra su vida el 21 de marzo, afirmó que el número de periodistas muertos en Iraq desde marzo de 2003 ascendiía a 301.

      La aprobación unánime de la resolución por parte del Consejo de Derechos Humanos es además un reconocimiento por ese cuerpo de la importancia de los periodistas y su papel clave en documentar desde el terreno los abusos y violaciones más graves que se cometen cuando los conflictos devienen armados y se intenta resolver las disputas mediante las balas.

      La convocación del Panel en junio próximo será una plataforma para unir a todos los interesados alrededor de un objetivo comun.

      Es importante que Egipto, un país que ha realizado un número importante de pasos hacia la libertad de expresión y expresión, haya encabezado este esfuerzo.

      La PEC quisiera resaltar que México, un antiguo amigo de la PEC y uno de sus asociados en promover un diálgo informar entre los Estados miembors de la ONU para promover la protección de los periodistas, se unió a Egipto.

      Esto es en extremo gratificante para la PEC porque de esta manera México sigue siendo un sólido respaldo para el movimiento.

      Bangladesh y su misión en Ginebra han expresado siempre un apoyo sincero a la PEC, así como el respeto para sus objetivos.

      Es de resaltar que tres continentes, África, Asia y América Latina, y los grupos que ellos representan en el Consejo, hayan apoyado la iniciativa de PEC.

      La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PCEC) desea asimismo extender su agradecimiento a todos los miembors del Consejo de Derechos Humanos que han apoyado la iniciativa de Egipto, Bangladesh y México. Muchas gracias a todos.

      El diplomático mauritano Subhas Gujadhur, comentó durante consultas informales antes del voto, que ésta es una resolución virtuosa, una iniciativa oportuna que llegó un poquito tarde la paciencia es enorme.

      El diplomático noruego Svein Michelsen dijo que ha sido una iniciativa positiva y que la apoyará para que el evento tenga todo el éxito posible. Michelsen ha dicho también que Noruega está lista para ayudar en la mayor difusión de tan importante evento del Consejo.

      Orest Nowosad afirmó que en su intercambio con el Relator Especial para la Libertad de Opinión y de Expresión, Frank La Rue, éste le había manifestado su marcado interés en participar en el panel.

      Ahmed Ihab Gamaleldin, representante de Egipto y jefe de las consultas, dijo qeu esta iniciativa había sido solicitada por la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC), y es un intento de llegar a todos los interesados y de discutir con ellos sus prioridades y de demostrar que el Consejo es sensible.

      El Dr Gamaleldin agregó que el objetivo de esta iniciativa es de reforzar la credibilidad y el sentido de propiedad del Consejo.

      George Gordon Lennox, a nombre de Reporteros sin Frontera (RSF), agradeció a la PEC y calificó de excelente esta iniciativa. Lennox agregó que su organización RSF en repetidas ocasiones solicitó al Consejo que se comprometiera totalmente con esta importante cuestión.

      La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, mirando hacia el futuro consideró que este proceso servirá para unificar a todas las partes interesadas a fin de poder llevar adelante los objetivos de la protección de los periodistas en conflictos armados.

      Abdel Nabi expresó el deseo de que el Panel de discusión sobre la Protección de los Periodistas en Conflictos Armados en junio resulte en la promoción de lineamientos para proteger a los periodistas en los conflictos armados y que tambiéen abrá las puertas a consultas formales sobre la implementación de estos lineamientos.

      Esta resolución del Consejo está en línea con la Resolución 1738 del Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU, adoptada en diciembre de 2006, y en línea con el informe del Secretario General de la ONU, Ban Ki-Moon sobre los civiles en conflictos armados subrayando la importancia de la protección de los periodistas.
 
     

بيان الحملة الدولية لشعار شارة حماية الصحفي


شارة حماية الصحفي تعرب عن ترحيبها و سعادتها الكاملة بصدور قرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان لمناقشة حماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح


جنيف 26-3 (الشارة) – أعلنت الحملة الدولية لشعار "شارة" حماية الصحفي اليوم عن بالغ ترحيبها و سعادتها بصدور قرار من مجلس حقوق الإنسان حول تنظيم حلقة نقاشية داخل المجلس في دورته القادمة في يونيو حول حماية الصحفيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح.

و اشادت الحملة الدولية بمقدمي القرار: مصر و بنجلاديش و المكسيك و الجهد البناء للدول الثلاث لتحقيق هذا المنعطف التاريخي على طريق أول خطوة جادة من أجل حماية الصحفيين.

و اعتبرت الحملة الدولية هذه الخطوة التاريخية بأنها قوة دفع سوف تحقق مزيد من التقدم الحقيقي من اجل دفع قضية حماية الصحفيين في النزاعات المسلحة إلى الأمام.

و طبقا لسكرتير عام الحملة الدولية بليز ليمبان فان عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا منذ يونيو 2006 - أي منذ أول دورة للمجلس - بلغ حتى الآن 411 بمتوسط 106 في الشهر و 2 في الأسبوع.

و صرح نقيب الصحفيين العراقيين مؤيد اللامي، و هو و النقابة العراقية أعضاء مؤسسين في الحملة الدولية، بعد نجاته من محاولة اغتياله للمرة الثانية في 21 مارس، إن عدد الصحفيين الذين قتلوا في العراق منذ حرب العراق في مارس 2003 بلغ 301.

و قالت رئيسة الحملة الدولية هدايت عبد النبي إن اعتماد القرار بالإجماع هو اعتراف من أعلى هيئة دولية لحقوق الإنسان بأهمية دور الصحفيين كشهود رئيسيين على ما يرتكب من انتهاكات جسيمة لحقوق الإنسان حين تتحول تسوية النزاعات من الحوار إلى الأسلحة و الذخائر.

و أضافت إن انعقاد جلسة الحوار في مجلس حقوق الإنسان في يونيو القادم يعد نقطة انطلاق توحد كل الأطراف المهتمة بهذه القضية الهامة حول هدف مشترك.

و قالت أنه بالأهمية بمكان تسجيل أن مصر، دولة تتقدم بشكل قوي في ممارسات حرية الرأي و التعبير، و دولة رائدة في مجلس حقوق الإنسان في هذا المجال، قد قادت هذا الجهد السامي.

و أوضحت أن المكسيك شريك للحملة الدولية منذ سنوات في بدء مشاورات غير رسمية بين الحملة و الدول من اجل حماية الصحفيين، و أن انضمام المكسيك لمصر و بنجلاديش لتحقيق هذا الحدث المهم لهو تأكيد لهذه الشراكة و استمرار دعمها للحملة الدولية.

و أشارت إلى العلاقات الطيبة و القوية بين الحملة الدولية و بعثة بنجلاديش في جنيف.

و قالت بإعجاب بأنه من المثير للغاية أن تنضم 3 دول تمثل إفريقيا و أسيا و أمريكا اللاتينية لتحقيق هذه الخطوة التاريخية تدعيما لمبادرة الحملة الدولية.

و إلى جانب ذلك قالت عبد النبي أنها تتقدم بالشكر، باسم مجلس إدارة الحملة الدولية، إلى كل الدول أعضاء مجلس حقوق الإنسان الذين تبنوا القرار المصري-بنجلاديش-المكسيك بدون تصويت.

و قالت عبد النبي، و هي تنظر إلى المستقبل، أن هذه الخطوة التاريخية هي الأولى من نوعها التي توحد كل الأطراف حول مائدة واحدة.

و أعربت عن أملها في أن تسفر الحلقة النقاشية عن "خطوط عريضة" يتم فتح حوار رسمي حولها للتطبيق في مناطق النزاع من أجل حماية الصحفيين و العمل الصحفي.

و الجدير بالذكر فان قرار مجلس حقوق الإنسان يتمشى مع قرار مجلس الأمن 1738 لديسمبر 2006، و يتمشى مع تصريحات سكرتير عام الأمم المتحدة بان كي مون حول الدفاع عن المدنيين في مناطق النزاع المسلح و أهمية حماية الصحفيين في هذا الإطار. 

for more info go to: www.ohchr.org then Human Rights Council 13thsession Draft resolutions

***18.03.10. SUISSE. DES PARLEMENTAIRES POUR LA PROTECTION DES JOURNALISTES. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) salue le postulat déposé par un groupe de parlementaires suisses au Conseil national pour demander à la Suisse de soutenir un projet de convention sur la protection des journalistes et de réunir une conférence internationale. La PEC appelle d'autres parlementaires suisses et dans d'autres pays à se joindre à ce mouvement. Lien ci-dessous avec le postulat déposé à Berne: 

www.parlament.ch/F/Suche/Pages/geschaefte.aspx?gesch_id=20103040.

***03.03.10. AFGHANISTAN. DEUX MOIS. Deux mois ! Deux longs mois se sont passés depuis l’enlèvement de nos deux confrères de France 3, Hervé et Stéphane, et de leurs trois accompagnateurs afghans, Mohamed, Ghulam et Satar, au nord-est de Kaboul. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) s'associe aux autres organisations et confrères pour réclamer leur libération immédiate. Le 2 mars, le ministre français de la Défense, Hervé Morin, a assuré qu’il y avait "des preuves de vie très récentes" et que tout était mis en oeuvre "pour les sortir de là le plus rapidement possible." 

***FEV. 2010. SPECIAL HAITI. LE SOUTIEN NE DOIT PAS CESSER. La PEC se joint à l'hommage rendu à (au moins) 26 journalistes tués lors du séisme du 12 janvier en Haïti.

Une cérémonie funéraire s'est déroulée à Port-au-Prince dans la rue, le mercredi 10 février, devant les décombres de l'Eglise Sainte Thérèse de Pétion Ville en présence de représentants de la presse et des autorités, une initiative de l'organisation SOS Journalistes. Il s'agit d'un des bilans les plus lourds connus lors d'une catastrophe naturelle dans les rangs des journalistes. La PEC rend hommage au travail très difficile des rescapés de cette tragédie et renouvelle son appel ä la solidarité. Toutefois, la PEC n'inclut pas ces 26 décès parmi les employés des medias dans sa statistique (voir page Ticking Clock), car ils n'ont pas été tués en raison de leur profession de journaliste

(ci-dessous articles et bilans de Panos et du journal haïtien "Le Nouvelliste" et message de la FEPALC envoyés à la PEC).

La presse haïtienne entre survie et agonie
(Panos Caraïbes).- Après un premier mois éprouvant, certains médias de Port-au-Prince et des villes de province, sévèrement touchés par le séisme du 12 janvier, tentent de se relever des décombres. Avec leurs studios de fortune logés sous des tentes, parfois en pleine rue, ou dans des véhicules immobilisés, ces médias veulent coûte que coûte rester en vie pour informer leurs compatriotes, en majorité sans-abri et traumatisés.
Reportage dans un secteur habité par la rage d’informer.
Michelène Hilaire, 45 ans et la plus vieille correspondante haïtienne encore en activité, ne se croyait pas si bien inspirée en baptisant « Men Kontre (Les mains se rencontrent, en créole) », sa radio à Petit-Goâve. Depuis les secousses telluriques de magnitude 7,3 sur l’échelle de Ritcher
qui ont ravagé sa ville, elle peine à faire fonctionner sa petite station dont les locaux sont endommagés. Bousculée par la suppression de la publicité, conséquence immédiate du séisme, l’avenir parait encore obscur pour cette femme de médias qui traîne derrière elle vingt ans de carrière.
Chose certaine, le matériel des 17 radios de la ville côtière n’est pas enseveli sous les décombres. Celui de « Men Kontre », en ondes depuis une décennie, est installé dans une jeep des années 80 désaffectée. Sous les arbres qui débordent sur le capot de cette vielle bagnole, des journalistes de 17 stations de radios de la ville dédiée à l’ex-empereur Faustin Soulouque se rencontrent régulièrement pour la préparation et la diffusion collective d’une édition de nouvelles et d’une émission d’intérêt public. « Nous contribuons entre nous pour l’achat du carburant
et les journalistes font du bénévolat pour la cueillette des informations, la rédaction et la présentation des deux émissions », soupire Guyteau Mathieu, secrétaire général du Réseau des médias de Petit-Goâve. Président directeur général de Préférence FM, Mathieu tient à ces programmes post-catastrophes autant qu’au fonctionnement de sa station. « Dans l’unité, nous sauverons Petit-Goâve », clame-t-il.
Plus que jamais la presse qui a une forte influence sur les 9 millions d’Haïtiens, en majorité analphabètes, a un nouveau rôle à jouer dans la reconstruction de cet Etat de la Caraïbe à qui la nature envoie, parfois, le souffle de sa colère. A l’approche de la prochaine saison pluvieuse et
même cyclonique, les prévisions communiquées par les médias, par exemple, peuvent faire la différence entre la vie et la mort. Mais déjà des avis de tempêtes s’abattent sur les médias haïtiens qui redoutent comme la peste l’arrêt des contrats publicitaires des grandes entreprises de
Port-au-Prince affectées par le tremblement de terre qui a fait 300 000 morts dont une trentaine dans la presse. Autrefois quotidien, Le Nouvelliste, journal plus que centenaire, s’est rabattu sur Internet pendant un mois avant de sortir un hors-série, puis un hebdomadaire sous les presses d’Imprimeur II. « Où sont nos abonnés ? Où distribuer le journal ? Il va falloir retourner à la vente au numéro », s’interroge perplexe Max Chauvet, copropriétaire et directeur de l’entreprise
familiale fondée en 1898. En attendant une relocalisation de ses abonnés, moins ceux qui sont décédés ou se sont exilés, le journal retourne à la vente au numéro.
Quelque deux mois de travail seraient nécessaires pour consolider l’immeuble de Le Nouvelliste au centre-ville. Autant de mois aussi, selon des techniciens vénézuéliens, pour tenter de débloquer la « vieille rotative » du journal qui imprimait, avant le séisme, 15 000 exemplaires cinq jours par semaine. Ajouter à tout cela, les recettes publicitaires qui représentaient 75% dans le budget du journal sont taries pour plusieurs mois, se désole M. Chauvet, contraint de se séparer de la moitié
de ses vingt-quatre rédacteurs. Comme les animaux malades de la peste, Le Matin, l’autre quotidien haïtien et plusieurs autres médias de Port-au-Prince recourent à la même formule, au grand dam de l’Association des journalistes haïtiens.
Lutte pour survivre
Patron de radio Caraïbes, Patrick Moussignac, voit lui aussi l’arrivée de l’arrêt imminent de certains contrats publicitaires, mais ne veut se séparer d’aucun de ses employés. « Sauf ceux qui veulent partir pour d’autres cieux », a indiqué le Pdg de la plus vieille radio haïtienne.
Sous une tente bleue, installée sur une partie de la minuscule rue Chavannes où la station a vécu ses soixante ans, celui qui est considéré comme le Berlusconi haïtien n’arrête pas de tourner les spots de ses traditionnels clients. Rien que dans l’espoir que les contrats ne seront pas cassés. Bien que les bâtiments de plusieurs clients sont effrités à l’image d’Energie FM, la radio de son frère, Maxime Moussignac, à la rue Magloire Ambroise. Les yeux rivés sous les gravats laissés par le tremblement de terre à l’auditorium de sa station, M. Moussignac étudie déjà les stratégies pour la réparation de son impressionnant immeuble que ses journalistes appellent affectueusement La maison de la radio.
Un peu chanceux, le réseau de 30 radios communautaires affiliées à la Société d’animation et de communication (Saks) n’a pas été aussi affecté que les médias commerciaux et évangéliques de Port-au-Prince. « La radio Zetwal Peyizan à Fondwa – une localité de Léogâne – ainsi que les locaux de Saks ont été détruits et l’émetteur de la radio Saka à Grand-Goâve est cassé sous la pression du tremblement de terre », a expliqué Sony Estéus.
L’autre conséquence de la catastrophe perçue par les Haïtiens comme un monstre, c’est la cessation des bulletins de nouvelles quotidiennes et les magazines hebdomadaires produits par Saks pour alimenter ses radios affiliées. Et pour cause. Le studio de production de l’organisation a été détruit dans le quartier du Canapé-Vert. « Grâce à ces programmes, les communautés rurales restaient informées de l’actualité nationale et internationale », a expliqué Estéus. Heureusement, a-t-il ajouté, nos partenaires traditionnels veulent aider à la reconstruction de la Saks.
En cette période de profonde léthargie, les radios communautaires ne sont pas les seules qui prendront encore du temps pour renouer avec la production. Les télévisions haïtiennes sont contraintes de relayer des chaînes d’informations françaises et américaines ou diffuser des films et
des matchs de football et basket-ball si elles veulent rester en ondes.
Une bonne dose de thérapie pour ce peuple des sans-abri, mais pas assez pour aider à la reconstruction pharaonique qui prendra du temps et demandera beaucoup d’argent, d’énergie et un leadership dont le déficit, depuis la chute de la dynastie des Duvalier, a plongé cette île des
Caraïbes dans l’horreur, la pauvreté et le désespoir. « Et pour jouer efficacement son rôle, la presse, elle aussi foudroyée par le séisme du 12 janvier, a besoin de se reconstruire », juge le directeur d’information d’une radio ayant requis l’anonymat.
Claude Gilles
(Panos Caraïbes)

Avec près de 30 morts, tous medias confondus, journalistes, présentateurs et travailleurs
de la presse haïtienne, en province comme de la capitale, la presse a payé le prix fort
au tremblement de terre du 12 janvier dernier. Si Magik 9 a été la plus durement frappée avec 4
morts, beaucoup de stations deradios, de télévisions et de journaux ont perdu des membres et
surtout des équipements ou leurs locaux.

Le 12 janvier, les radios et les stations de télévision de la région métropolitaine de Port-au-Prince
se sont toutes tues [à l'exceptionde Signal FM] à peu près à la même heure, entre 4 h 53 et 5
heures de l'après-midi - certaines dans un concert de cris d'effroi, d'autres dans un brouhaha provoqué par la bousculade. Partout,on a entendu s'élever des "Jésus, Jésus, Jésus" apeurés.

C'est sans doute la radio Magik 9 qui a subi les pertes humainesles plus lourdes. Le séisme est
survenu au moment où les jeunes animateurs de l'émission Lekol Lage (L'école et finie) s'apprêtaient à conclure le show, après avoir gardé l'antenne trois heures durant, comme chaque jour de la semaine. "Nous n'avons même pas eu le temps de crier, de comprendre que c'était un tremblement de terre", raconte Gaëlle Alexis, qui a passé plus de dix heures sous les décombres avant d'être secourue. "Le plafond nous est tombé sur la tête."

L'opérateur qui était à ses côtés, Ronald Duplessis, est mort sur le coup, transpercé par le micro.
Une des coanimatrices de Lekol Lage, Sarah Delinces, a succombé à ses blessures cinq jours plus
tard. Jean-Robert François, l'un des journalistes qui préparaient le bulletin d'information de 5
heures et qui a été piégé par les poutres en béton de l'immeuble, est mort dix jours plus tard,
après une opération chirurgicale.

Quant au chauffeur de la radio, Djimps Diomettre, il a été écrasé dans son véhicule professionnel
sous les décombres d'un immeuble effondré dans les rues encombrées du centre-ville. Faute
de tracteur pour le dégager, il est mort après trois jours d'agonie.

La station de télévision Canal 11, qui avait ses studios dans le même immeuble, s'est aussi
éteinte sous les décombres, mais sans pertes humaines. Son directeur Jean-Paul Elie a été l'un des héros de la soirée. Ne perdant pas son sang-froid, il a passé toute la nuit à sauver des vies dans le complexe immobilier, qui abrite une quinzaine d'entreprises.

Grâce à lui, une vingtaine de personnes ont eu la vie sauve.

De la chaine de télévision Canal 11, comme de la radio Magik 9, il n'est rien resté. D'autant
que des pillards sont immédiatement arrivés pour rafler les équipements même endommagés,
pendant que les responsables s'activaient pour emmener les blessés dans les hôpitaux.

L'immeuble qui hébergeait Radio Télé Guinen, également dans le quartier de Delmas, s'est
lui aussi effondré dès les premières secousses. Ce bâtiment de trois niveaux a été comme
amputé de ses jambes. Les deux derniers étages ont écrabouillé le rez-de-chaussée. Pour Jean-
Lucien Borges, le directeur de ce grand média, l'un des rares à couvrir tout le territoire, le coup
a été rude. Un des cameramen, Belot Sénatus, a perdu la vie sur le-champ. La femme du directeur et plusieurs de ses employés sont restés coincés pendant des heures sous les gravats. Malgré des pertes financières qui se chiffrent à des centaines de milliers de dollars américains, RadioTélé Guinen s'est remise sur pied moins de deux semaines plus tard. Les décombres du bâtiment ont été nettoyés par des tracteurs et on a installé des studios de radio et de télévision en plein air, avec une régie installée dans un container. Les émissions ont repris 24 heures sur 24.

Bilan des autres medias: • Radio Télé SUPERSTAR Building fissuré. Equipements endommagés.• Radio RCH 2000 Locaux endommagés. Equipements endommagés. Deux morts:
Mario Dauphiné et Clément Frankel.• Radio Télé ANTILLES et CANAL DU CHRIST Les bâtiments au centre-ville endommagés. Equipements endommagés.• Radio Télé ECLAIR Bâtiment fissuré. Console etautres matériels endommagés.• Radio NATIONALE Equipements endommagés. Au moins 1 animateur décédé.• Radio GALAXIE 3 employés décédés Lustin Murray Junior, Waner Fils, et un autre collaborateur de la station (en dehors des locaux). Bâtiment très touché. Equipements sévèrement touchés. Source énergétique hors service.• Radio KISKEYA Locaux endommagés.• Radio Télé LUMIERE Locaux endommagés. Quelques équipements à Boutilliers endommagés. Trois employés morts : Marlene Joseph, Ing Ginor Deplume et Jude Marcellus.• Radio STÉRÉO 92 Pas de dommage grave.• Radio INSPIRATION FM Local sévèrement endommagé. Antenne STL hors service.• Radio IBO Bâtiment sévèrement touché. Equipements endommagés.• Radio MAGIK 9 Bâtiment Effondré. Equipements totalement endommagés. 4 morts: Djimps Diomette, Sarah Delinces, Ronald Duplessis, Jean Robert Jean François.• Radio Télé CARAIBES Bâtiment fissuré.
• Radio RFM Bâtiment fissuré. Aucun dommage important reporté. • Radio SKY FM Bâtiment fissuré. Aucun dommage important reporté.• Radio HORIZON 2000 Bâtiment fissuré. • Radio UNIVERS FM Aucun dommage important reporté.• Radio SCOOP FM Bâtiment fissuré. • RADIO ONE Aucun dommage reporté. 1 animateur mort (en dehors des locaux)• Radio Télé GINEN Locaux totalement détruits. Equipements endommagés. Un cameraman mort : Belot Sénatus.• Radio VOIX DE L'EVANGILE Locaux totalement détruits. Equipements endommagés.• Radio COMMERCIALE D'HAÏTI Locaux totalement détruits. Equipements endommagés.• Service de presse de la MINUSTAH
Locaux endommagés. Trois morts: Riquet Michel, Mario Bazile, Panel Beauvoir.• Canal 11 Local effondre. Equipements totalement endommagés. Un cameraman porté disparu.• Radio Télé MÉGASTAR Un mort Gabriel Jean Baptiste• Radio VASCO STÉRÉO Un mort : Paul G. Barbara• Journal LE MATIN Presses endommagées. Un mort : Yvenot Formilus• Journal LE NOUVELLISTE Presses endommagées. Locaux endommagés. (bilan dressé par les journalistes du Nouvelliste, Port-au-Prince)

A UN MES DEL TERREMOTO, HACE LLAMADO A NO CESAR AYUDA A PERIODISTAS HAITIANOS

Al cumplirse un mes del devastador sismo que azotó Haití el último 12 de enero, la Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC) hace un llamado a no cesar en la ayuda y atención a la comunidad haitiana y, en particular, a los comunicadores sociales del país, quienes tras haberlo perdido todo, vienen realizando esfuerzos encomiables por seguir realizando su labor informativa, a pesar de que los medios de comunicación prácticamente han desaparecido.

La FEPALC ha tomado conocimiento que a la fecha son 25 los periodistas fallecidos a consecuencia del movimiento telúrico. La situación actual del país, sin embargo, nos hace temer que bajo los escombros aún se encuentren enterrados cuerpos de más colegas. No hay un registro oficial más allá del listado de los fallecidos y la identificación de 10 colegas heridos dispersos en diferentes hospitales.

Alimentos no perecibles, agua, medicinas, frazadas y lonas para dar sombra a los familiares y enfermos, son las demandas más urgentes de los periodistas. Se suma a esto la urgente necesidad de construcción de un centro donde periodistas y trabajadores de la comunicación social, junto a
sus familias, puedan cobijarse. Estos hoy por hoy pernoctan al aire libre.

Por ello, reiteramos el llamado a todas las organizaciones de periodistas d'América Latina y el Caribe a expresar su solidaridad a través de la cuenta de la FEPALC con base en República Dominicana. Este es el momento, además, en que los periodistas haitianos más nos necesitan. Los días pasan y en una tragedia, más que mejorar, las cosas tienden a empeorar. Mediáticamente el caso es menos visible y, consecuentemente, la frecuencia de la ayuda empieza a disminuir lo que genera un clima de desesperación, impotencia y desesperanza.

Inspirada en los valores que le dieron nacimiento y que son comunes a todos los sindicatos miembros de la FEPALC nos toca ahora redoblar esfuerzos para materializar un acompañamiento solidario a nuestros colegas. Tenemos en el presente y en el futuro una situación difícil que
enfrentar, pero como lo hemos hecho antes, seguiremos dando muestras de nuestra acción militante.

12 de febrero del 2010
Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria Derechos Humanos FEPALC

Periodistas muertos
Jean Robert Francois, Rianet Michel, Henry Claude Junior, Sarah Delyus,
Mario Bazile, Bellst Cenatus, Joseph Marlene, Grinor Desplume, James
Diomette, Gabriel Baptiste, Paul Globe Barbara, Achica Wilkens, Panel
Fils, Ronald Duplessis, Yves Formilus, Mario Dauphine, Clement Franckie,
Leiva Jasmin, Francklin Laurent.

***03.02.2010. PEC STATEMENT: NGO COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS AT THE UNITED NATIONS (en français et espagnol ci-dessous)

GENEVA (PEC) – THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) IS HEARTENED FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE UN BASED NGO COMMITTEE’S POSITIVE DECISION TO RECOMMEND THE PEC FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC) SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY ECOSOC IN ITS NEXT SESSION.
THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN JOURNALISTS IN CONFLICT ZONES AND IS
AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PEC AND ITS WORK. FROM THE BEGINNING OF 2010 AT LEAST 8 JOURNALISTS WERE KILLED IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES, AND 2009 SAW A RECORD FIGURE OF 122 JOURNALISTS KILLED IN MISSIONS RELATED TO THEIR WORK.
THE PEC WAS OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED AMONG A GROUP OF JOURNALISTS IN GENEVA ON 4 JUNE 2004.
THIS IMPORTANT DECISION BY THE ECOSOC NGO COMMITTEE WILL ALLOW THE PEC, WHEN ENDORSED BY ECOSOC FOR CONSULTATIVE STATUS, TO INTENSIFY ITS EFFORTS TO REACH ITS GOALS TO IMPROVE THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS IN ZONES OF CONFLICT AND CIVIL UNREST.
BY TAKING THIS DECISION, UN MEMBER STATES HAVE CLEARLY EXPRESSED THEIR BELIEF IN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ISSUE OF THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS, AND THE PEC APPLAUDS THIS MOVE.
THIS ENDORSEMENT OF THE PEC BY THE NGO COMMITTEE OPENS THE WAY TO A CONSTRUCTIVE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PEC AND UN MEMBERS STATES, ESPECIALLY MEMBERS OF ECOSOC AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.
THIS NEW LEVEL OF COOPERATION WILL DEFINITELY LEAD TO MORE CONCRETE STEPS FOR THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS.
THE PEC WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY BY MEMBERS OF THE NGO COMMITTEE. THE PEC BOARD WISHES TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF THE NGO COMMITTEE FOR THEIR UNANIMOUS APPROVAL AND ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE PEC SINCE ITS INCEPTION ON THE 4TH OF JUNE 2004.

Communiqué de la PEC: le comité des ONG de l'ECOSOC recommande le statut
consultatif à l'ONU pour la Presse Emblème Campagne

Genève, 3 février (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) se félicite de la décision prise par le comité des ONG du Conseil économique et social de l'ONU (ECOSOC) de recommander l'octroi du statut consultatif spécial à la PEC.

C'est un tribut payé aux journalistes tombés dans les zones de conflit et un développement important pour la PEC et son travail. Depuis le début de cette année, au moins 8 journalistes ont été tués dans plusieurs pays. L'an dernier, en 2009, un record de 122 journalistes ont
payé de leur vie leur mission d'information.

La PEC a été officiellement créée par un groupe de journalistes à Genève le 4 juin 2004.

Cette décision importante du comité des ONG de l'ECOSOC, une fois adoptée officiellement par l'ECOSOC, va permettre à la PEC d'intensifier ses efforts pour améliorer la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit et de violences internes.

En prenant cette décision, les gouvernements ont clairement exprimé leur conviction que la protection des journalistes est une question importante, et la PEC applaudit cette évolution.

La décision du comité des ONG de l'ECOSOC ouvre la voie à une coopération constructive entre la PEC et les Etats membres de l'ONU, en particulier les membres de l'ECOSOC et du Conseil des droits de l'homme. Ce niveau plus élevé de coopération conduira certainement à davantage de mesures
concrètes pour la protection des journalistes dans le monde.

L'octroi du statut consultatif a été approuvé à l'unanimité par les membres du comité des ONG.
Le comité de la PEC souhaite remercier les membres du comité des ONG pour
cette approbation ainsi que tous ceux qui ont soutenu la PEC depuis sa création le 4 juin 2004.

lien - link: www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo (then click left on Committee on NGO)
ref. communiqué de presse ECOSOC/6409/ONG/689 (français)
press release ECOSOC/6409/NGO/689 (english)

COMUNICADO DE LA PEC -
EL COMITÉ DE LAS ONG DEL ECOSOC RECOMIENDA EL ESTATUS CONSULTATIVO A LA CAMPAÑA EMBLEMA DE PRENSA

Ginebra, 3 feb (PEC) La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) se regocija de la decisión adoptada en New York por el Comité de las NGO del Consejo Económico y Social (ECOSOC) de recomendar a ése órgano rector de Naciones Unidas le conceda el estatus consultivo.

           La recomendación del Comité deberá ser aprobada por el ECOSOC en su próxima sesión, según los procedimientos habituales.

           La decisión del Comité de las ONG constituye un tributo a los periodistas caídos en las zonas en conflicto y un importante desarrollo para la PEC y su trabajo.

           Desde el inicio de 2010 por lo menos 8 periodistas han sido asesinados en diversos países, y 2009 cerró con una cifra récord de 122 periodistas muertos en el ejercicio de la profesión.

            La PEC fue establecida oficialmente por un grupo de periodistas en Ginebra el 4 de junio de 2004.

            Esta importante decisión del Comité de las ONG del ECOSOC, una vez aprobada por el ECOSOC, permitirá a la PEC intensificar sus esfuerzos para obtener una mejor protección de los periodistas en las zonas de conflicto y de violencia interna.

           Al tomar esta decisión, los gobiernos han expresado claramente su convicción de que la protección de los periodistas es una cuestión de importancia, y la PEC aplaude esta evolución.

           La posición asumida por el Comité de las ONG abre las vías para una cooperación constructiva entre la PEC y los Estados Miembros de la ONU, especialmente los miembros del ECOSOC y del Consejo de Derechos Humanos.

           Este nivel de cooperación conducirá ciertamente a obtener más medidas concretas para la protección de los periodistas en el mundo.

           La concesión del estatuto consultivo fue aprobada por unanimidad por los miembros del Comité de las ONG.

           El Comité de la PEC desea agradecer a los miembros del Comité de las ONG por su aprobación unánime, así como también a todos los que han apoyado a la PEC desde su creación el 4 de junio de 2004.

***JAN 2010. EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI. THE PEC EXPRESSES ITS SOLIDARITY WITH THE HAITIAN JOURNALISTS - SEISME EN HAÏTI. LA PEC SOLIDAIRE DES JOURNALISTES HAITIENS (last news, dernières nouvelles sur "Other NEWS") 

Please note that the number of journalists killed in 2009 has been revised to 122 - one more journalist has been confirmed dead in the Philippines massacre (32 not 31)

***05.01.2010. PEC annual report - 2009 a dark year: 121 journalists killed representing an increase of 33 percent over 2008 // 2009 année noire pour les medias : un record de 121 journalistes tués, en hausse de 33% par rapport à 2008 // 2009 un año negro para los medios: un récord de 121 periodistas asesinados, un alza del 33% en relación con 2008
(French and Spanish texts after English) (For the list of victims, click left on TICKING CLOCK)

2009 a dark year:
121 journalists killed representing an increase of 33 percent over 2008

   GENEVA January 5 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) in its annual report announced Tuesday that 121 journalists were killed in 2009 in 25 countries, an increase of 33 percent over the numbers of 2008, a dark year described by the PEC. 

   On the 31st of December 2009, the last casualty fell in Afghanistan, Ms. Lang -- a Calgary Herald health reporter who had volunteered for a six-week assignment in Afghanistan for Canwest News Service -- was struck by a powerful, improvised bomb that had been buried by insurgents.

   PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said that on average 10 journalists were killed per month by armed groups, criminal groups, governments and in terrorist acts. He added, while presenting the report, that others were kidnapped or exiled and in many cases silenced while impunity continues.
 
  In conflict zones journalists face great difficulties in accessing information and in some cases it becomes impossible in places like Gaza, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen, Chad and the Caucuses. 

  In 2008 the number of journalists killed stood at 91, in 2007 the figure stood at 117, while 96 were killed in 2006. Six countries represent two thirds of the casualties in 2009, a total of 81 journalists out of 121.

   2009 was marked by the single worst massacre of journalists in history when on 23 November 2009 an electoral convoy in the Philippines including journalists was attacked, 31 journalists were killed. In the Philippines alone the total of journalists killed rose with this massacre to 38, the Philippines leads the world in media casualties. 

  No progress has occurred in Mexico which witnessed the loss of 13 journalists in the battle against drugs and trafficking.
 
   Somalia came third in rank as the most dangerous country, 9 journalists were killed many others were kidnapped for long periods by Islamic militias, in the cross fire as well as due to terrorist attacks.
 
  The situation in North-West Pakistan continues to deteriorate due to the continued conflict between radical Islamic groups and the Pakistani government, which resulted in the killing of 8 journalists and thus placing Pakistan in 4th place. 

   Russia came 5th in line as the most dangerous country with 7 journalists killed mostly related to the conflict in the Caucuses. 

  Improvements continue in Iraq; however the death of 6 journalists there keeps Iraq in the list of the most dangerous countries for media work.
 
   Afghanistan, Columbia follow with 5 journalists killed in each country, followed by Honduras 4 journalists killed and then Gaza another four. 

  At the 11th place comes Kyrgyzstan with 3 journalists killed in an atmosphere of systematic repression.
 
  Two journalists were killed in Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, and one in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Salvador, and Turkey. 
 
 The Geneva based NGO denounced the detention of at least 150 journalists worldwide without due process, and those detained in Iran during the recent unrest in strange circumstances, and called for their release. 
 
   Lempen commented by saying that the freedom of expression is at risk due to the continued conflicts, radicalization of groups, escalation of terrorist acts, in addition, he said the suppression of thousands of jobs in the media because of the financial crisis adds to this deteriorating climate. Never before, said Lempen, was the insecurity so profound in the media community.

   PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi announced that the PEC and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) will relaunch their call to UN member states in the Human Rights Council to convene a special event in the Council on the issue of the protection of journalists and major risks facing the profession because of growing and mutating threats. 

2009 année noire pour les medias : un record de 121 journalistes tués, en hausse de 33% par rapport à 2008

Genève, 5 janvier 2010 (PEC) Un nombre record de journalistes a été tué en 2009, a annoncé mardi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC). Dans son rapport annuel, l’ONG indique que 121 journalistes ont été tués en un an dans 25 pays, soit une augmentation de 33% du nombre de victimes en 2009 par rapport à 2008.

« Dix journalistes par mois en moyenne ont été tués en 2009 par des groupes armés, des réseaux criminels, des gouvernements et lors d’attentats terroristes. 2009 a été une année noire pour les medias dans le monde. Beaucoup d’autres journalistes ont été enlevés ou contraints au silence ou à l’exil et l’impunité reste la règle», a affirmé le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Comparativement, 91 journalistes avaient été tués en 2008, 117 en 2007, 96 en 2006, selon le décompte de la PEC.

Dans les zones de conflit, l'accès des medias a été très difficile, sinon impossible en 2009 à Gaza, au Sri Lanka, en Afghanistan, au Pakistan, en Somalie, au Yemen, au Tchad, dans le Caucase. Six pays à eux seuls cumulent les deux tiers des victimes (81 sur 121).

L’année a été marquée par le plus grand massacre de journalistes de l’histoire en une seule journée, le 23 novembre dans le sud des Philippines : 31 journalistes ont été exécutés sommairement alors qu’ils accompagnaient un candidat à des élections locales de la province de Mindanao. Au total, 38 journalistes ont péri aux Philippines en un an, le bilan le plus lourd dans un seul pays après l’Irak des années 2003 à 2007.

Aucune amélioration n’a été enregistrée au Mexique, deuxième pays le plus dangereux, avec 13 journalistes tués en 12 mois. Ils ont été les victimes de la lutte entre réseaux de trafiquants de drogue et autorités locales.

La Somalie a été le troisième pays le plus dangereux, avec neuf journalistes tués ainsi que plusieurs enlèvements de longue durée, victimes de milices islamiques, de balles perdues et d’attentats terroristes.

La détérioration s’est poursuivie dans le nord-ouest du Pakistan, au 4e rang, en raison des affrontements entre les groupes islamiques radicaux et l’armée gouvernementale : huit journalistes y sont morts dans le conflit.

La Russie a été le 5e pays le plus dangereux, avec sept victimes, en majorité liées aux conflits du Caucase.

Une lente amélioration s’est poursuivie en Irak, mais avec six journalistes tués, ce pays est resté l’un des pays les plus risqués pour les employés des medias.

Suivent au 7e rang l’Afghanistan et la Colombie, avec cinq tués dans chacun de ces pays, puis le Honduras et la bande de Gaza, avec quatre tués chacun.

Au 11e rang, avec trois victimes, est apparu l’an dernier dans cette liste le Kyrgiszistan, où les voix dissidentes sont la cible d’une répression systématique.

Suivent avec deux tués chacun le Guatemala, le Népal, le Sri Lanka, le Venezuela. Enfin, un journaliste a été tué dans les pays suivants, selon la PEC : Bangladesh, Brésil, Inde, Indonésie, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigéria, République démocratique du Congo, Salvador, Turquie.

La PEC a aussi dénoncé l'emprisonnement d'au moins 150 journalistes dans le monde, dont la récente vague d'arrestations en Iran, et demandé leur libération.

 « La liberté d’expression a rarement été aussi menacée, en raison de conflits récurrents, de l’escalade du terrorisme aveugle, du mépris de la vie des civils, de la radicalisation de groupes armés et criminels », a constaté Blaise Lempen. « Il faut y ajouter des milliers de suppressions
d’emplois dans les medias provoquées par la crise économique : l’insécurité n’a jamais été aussi répandue dans la profession », a-t-il conclu.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a annoncé que la PEC et l'International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) vont relancer leur appel aux membres du Conseil des droits de l'homme de l'ONU pour la convocation d'un événement spécial afin de discuter de la protection des journalistes et des risques croissants qu'affrontent les
medias en raison de nouvelles menaces. 

2009 un año negro para los medios: un récord de 121 periodistas asesinados, un alza del 33% en relación con 2008.

Ginebra, 5 ene 2010 (PEC) Una cifra récord de periodistas fue asesinado en 2009, ha anunciado el martes la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC). En su informe anual, la ONG indica que 121 periodistas fueron asesinados durante un año en 25 países, lo que significa un aumento del 33 por ciento del número de víctimas en 2009, en relación con 2008.
 
“Un promedio de diez periodistas por mes han sido asesinados en 2009 por grupos armados, redes criminales, gobiernos y durante atentados terroristas. El 2009 ha sido un año negro para los medios de comunicación en el mundo. Numerosos otros periodistas han sufrido secuestros, forzados al silencio u al exilio, y la impunidad ha sido la regla”, según afirma el Secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

 En las zonas de conflicto, el acceso de los medios ha sido muy difícil, sino imposible durante 2009, en particular en Gaza, Sri Lanka, Afganistán, Pakistán, Somalia, Yemen, Chad, y en el Cáucaso. 
 
Comparativamente, 91 periodistas habían sido asesinados en 2008, 117 en 2007, 96 en 2006, de acuerdo con el computo de la PEC. Seis países acumularon los dos tercios de las víctimas (81 sobre 121) en 2009.

El año estuvo marcado por la mayor gran matanza de periodistas de la historia en un solo día. El pasado 23 de noviembre en la región sur de Filipinas 31 periodistas fueron ejecutados sumariamente cuando acompañaban a un candidato a las elecciones locales de la provincia de Mindanao. En total, 38 periodistas han perecido en Filipinas en un año, el balance más pesado en un solo país después del Iraq de los años 2003 a 2007.
 
Ninguna mejoría se ha observado en México, el segundo país de mayor peligrosidad, con 13 periodistas asesinados en 12 meses, víctimas mortales de la lucha entre las redes de traficantes de droga y las autoridades locales.

El tercer país de mayor peligrosidad ha sido Somalia, con un total de nueve periodistas asesinados así como numerosos secuestros de larga duración, víctimas de milicias islámicas, de balas perdidas y de atentados terroristas.
 
La deteriorada situación se mantiene en el noroeste de Pakistán, país que ocupa el 4to lugar de peligrosidad, a causa de los enfrentamientos entre los grupos de islamistas radicales y el ejército, que han provocado la muerte de ocho periodistas en ese conflicto.

Rusia ha sido considerado el 5to país de mayor peligrosidad, con siete víctimas mortales, en su mayoría vinculadas al conflicto de la región del Cáucaso.
 
Aún cuando se observa una lenta mejoría en Iraq, donde seis periodistas fueron asesinados, este país sigue siendo uno de los de mayor riesgo para los trabajadores de los medios de comunicación.

El séptimo lugar lo comparten Afganistán y Colombia, con cinco periodistas asesinados en cada uno de estos países. Luego siguen Honduras y la banda de Gaza, con cuatro muertos en cada uno.
 
En la lista negra de países de alta peligrosidad, aparece en el onceno puesto el pasado año Kirguizistán, donde las voces de los disidentes son el objetivo de una represión sistemática.
 
Seguidamente, con un registro de dos muertos en cada uno, están Guatemala, Nepal, Sri Lanka y Venezuela. Finalmente, el informe de PEC señala el asesinato de un periodista en Bangladesh, Brasil, India, Indonesia, Kenia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Républica Democrática del Congo, Salvador y Turquía.
 
La PEC ha denunciado tambien el encarcelamiento de al menos 150 periodistas en el mundo, asi como la reciente ola de detenciones en Iran, al tiempo de demandar su liberacion.
 
"La libertad de expresión rara vez ha sido tan amenazada, en razón de los conflictos recurrentes, de la escalada del terrorismo ciego, del desprecio a la vida de los civiles, de la radicalización de los grupos armados y criminales”, ha denunciado Blaise Lempen. “A ello hay que agregar la supresión de miles de empleos en los medios provocada por la crisis económica: la inseguridad jamás había estado tan expandida en la profesión”, ha concluido Lempen.

 La presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, por su parte, ha anunciado que la PEC y el Convenio Internacional para la Protección de los Periodistas (ICPJ) van a reiterar su llamamiento a los miembros del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU para la convocatoria de una sesión especial, destinada a discutir sobre la protección de los periodistas y de los crecientes riesgos que enfrentan los medios en razón de nuevas amenazas.

***09.12.09. SOMALIA. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joined twenty-six other organizations in condemning the brutal suicide bombing that killed three journalists

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - We, the undersigned members of the International Freedom of Expression
eXchange (IFEX) network join the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in condemning the brutal suicide bombing that took place in Mogadishu on 3 December 2009, killing more than 25 people, including three journalists.

An explosion went off at Hotel Shamo in Mogadishu, where a graduation ceremony for medical students from the Banadir University was underway.

Radio Shabelle reporter Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Al-Arabia TV cameraman Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan and freelance fixer and cameraman Yaasir Mario perished in the attack. Three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, including the health, education and higher
education ministers, along with more than nine students who were attending
the ceremony, were also killed.

Five other journalists covering the event were wounded.

With these three deaths, the number of journalists killed in Somalia in 2009 has risen to nine, making it another deadly year for media professionals in the country. Radio Shabelle journalists have again been victims of violence with four being killed - two directors and two journalists, since 2007.

We condemn this attack in the most serious terms and consider it not only a tragedy for the journalists killed in the line of duty but an assault on the peace and security of Somalia and its people.

We join NUSOJ in calling for greater efforts by the international community to ensure the protection of Somali citizens, including journalists, who face grave and on-going danger in the context of civil war and terrorism. Somali journalists repeatedly face threats, terror and
human rights violations while carrying out their work in a country that foreign reporters refuse to visit. They need support and protection from the international community.

We join NUSOJ in condemning the widespread impunity in Somalia and call for justice in this brutal crime. We denounce the violent nature of these attacks, which suppresses free expression and violates Somali citizens' human rights.

We call for the African Union Mission for Somalia, the United Nations and the world community to robustly and quickly restore a secure and stable environment to protect and promote freedom of expression and press freedom, which have completely disappeared in Somalia.

***29.11.09. PEC statement:  The massacre of 59 civilians, including 31 journalists, in the Philippines highlights the need to act against private militias and warlords angered by stories uncovering corruption. President Arroyo’s decisions so far not enough to fight impunity, said the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) (click left on OTHER NEWS for our Special reactions on Maguindanao Massacre)

Geneva (PEC, Nov 29) According to the latest information, 31 journalists and media workers have een confirmed killed in Maguindanao Massacre and 59 bodies identified. A deep sense of mourning prevailed among the members of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) after the worst massacre committed against media employees in history. The Government of Philippines must take immediate steps not only against those responsible, but also to fight impunity all over the country.
 
For too long, clan violence has been tolerated.
 
The massacre of civilians and journalists that occurred on Monday in the Philippines is a shocking symptom of the country’s climate of impunity and the government’s inability to protect freedom of expression, to fight warlords angered by stories uncovering corruption, said the PEC.
 
PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen stressed that the pattern currently prevailing in the Philippines is also a dominant feature in Mexico, Columbia, Russia, Iraq, Somalia: paramilitary forces, private militias, unlawful armed groups are tolerated.
 
“Governments must act against these groups and criminals who are targeting civilians and journalists with impunity”, said Blaise Lempen.

“We don’t trust the promises of the Government. Killings of journalists, human rights defenders, and other activists have increased dramatically, and in the majority of cases, these crimes have gone unpunished”, added PEC Secretary-General.
 
The Government of the Philippines must disarm and disband all clan-led armed civilian groups, launch a full independent inquiry not just into the massacre but into the role, chain of command and lack of accountability of armed groups operating outside the framework of the official security forces, in order to phase out private armed groups. 

“Extrajudicial killings will continue to be a serious problem until they are competently, transparently, and impartially investigated, and perpetrators including members of security forces are fully prosecuted”, said Blaise Lempen..

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), since 2001, when President Arroyo took office, hundreds of left-wing political party members, human rights activists, journalists, and outspoken clergy have been killed or forcibly disappeared, but only six cases have been successfully prosecuted. Although the military has been implicated in many of the crimes, none of the 11 persons convicted in these cases were active military personnel at the time of the killing. 

PEC president Hedayat Abdel Nabi noted that now is the time to react by the Human Rights Council and respond to the PEC calls to convene a special meeting on the protection of civilians and the protection of journalists with the objective of reaching concrete recommendations.

Abdel Nabi added, that if the Council fails to address this problem, the PEC is launching today a call to all media organizations and global human rights associations to convene a conference in Geneva in 2010.

The Human Rights Council, said Abdel Nabi, is not a forum for intellectual debates and exchanges between states benefiting each other, it is a serious forum to alleviate the suffering of civilians and to combat human rights violations against them across the globe, regardless of religion, gender or creed. 

***26.11.09. PEC UPDATE: PHILIPPINES
According to various sources, so far 29 journalists were killed in the Philippine massacre (57 dead in total) bringing the tally of journalists killed since the beginning of the year to 103

UP TO 18:00 HRS PHILIPPINE TIME 29 JOURNALISTS WERE CONFIRMED DEAD AND IDENTIFIED AFTER THE MONDAY MASSACRE.
 
THE CENTER FOR MEDIA FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY IN MANILA has informed the PEC that 34 JOURNALISTS WERE IN THE AMBUSHED CONVOY OF MONDAY AND SO FAR THERE ARE NO CONFIRMED REPORTS ABOUT THE FATE OF THE REMAINING 5. IT APPEARS THAT THE JOURNALISTS WERE USED AS AN "ESCORT" BY THE LOCAL POLITICIANS.
 
   The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemned tuesday in the strongest possible manner the horrific worst massacre in the history of journalism when a convoy including journalists was ambushed and slaughtered by gunmen in the Maguindanao province of Southern Philippines.
  The convoy was attacked by 100 armed men. 

***23-24.11.09. AT LEAST 12 JOURNALISTS KILLLED - DEEPLY SHOCKED, THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONDEMNS AN APPALLING MASSACRE IN THE PHILIPPINES: THE PEC EXPRESSES ITS SOLIDARITY WITH THE VICTIMS OF ONE OF THE BIGGEST MASSACRES OF JOURNALISTS EVER SEEN, CALLS FOR A FULL INVESTIGATION. There is no word strong enough to describe this barbarism (Read below the reports) (click also left on PRESS for more info, have a look on OTHER NEWS for more reactions)

PEC Statement: Calls for an urgent investigation for massacring more than 12 journalists
in the Philippines
Deserves a timely response from the Human Rights Council

 GENEVA, November 24 (PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns in the strongest possible manner the horrific worst massacre in the history of journalism when a convoy of 36 persons including journalists was ambushed and slaughtered by gunmen in the Maguindanao province of Southern Philippines.
  The convoy was attacked by 100 armed men; among the victims were more than 12 journalists.
  According to the website GROUND REPORT: a radio announcer in the Philippines said today that up to 34 journalists and broadcasters were traveling in the convoy and presumed dead. The number 37 comes from the list of those reporters who signed up to cover the event.
  The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, a partner of the PEC in the Philippines, in a telephone call with the PEC said that the final tally will be released Wednesday on the exact number of journalists killed. 
 It is a horrifying development in the inability to protect civilians as well as journalists and gives strength to the arguments of the PEC to clarify the Geneva Conventions for reinforcing them in the face of new threats and dangers.
  This crime against humanity, that surpasses all imagination, underscores the repeated calls of the PEC for an additional protocol or convention to protect journalists.
  The convoy in the Philippine was ambushed Monday morning by around 100 armed men, who took them to a remote location before massacring them all. Most were shot; some were beheaded and driven over by vehicles. This is a massacre that requires a quick response from the Human Rights Council, because has surpassed all limits acceptable in international humanitarian
law, it is of an unprecedented scale that crosses all borders.
  The PEC today expresses deep hope that this event will echo an interest from member states of the Human Rights Council to respond to its repeated call for holding a special event on the issue of protection of the protection of journalists.
  This tragic massacre of journalists en masse steps up the figure of journalists killed in 2009 to 88 since January.
  The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) joins the PEC in condemning this event that brings a new dimension to the issue of protection.
  The ICPJ says that if this pattern continues it will turn those types of threats into the possibility of mutating into a pattern of genocide-like acts.
  The PEC and the ICPJ have warned repeatedly and urged the Human Rights Council to respond. This massacre deserves a timely response from the Council, it is the moment to act.

Statement of the PEC partner in the Philippines: the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility

Politics is writ large in the November 23 abduction and killing of over 40 people, at least 12 of them journalists.
The brutality and the sheer senselessness of the attack in Maguindanao represent a new low, even in the country’s shameful record of violence. It calls for collective outrage and condemnation and the strongest demand for the immediate apprehension, trial and punishment of those
responsible.

The violent attack struck at the heart of the country’s democratic forces—local politicians, lawyers, women and journalists. The call for justice must come from all both here and abroad who believe that democracy must be strengthened in the Philippines.

At least twelve of the over 40 people killed were journalists. Several of them were tortured. The women among them were raped. These murders have increased the number of journalists killed in the line of duty this year from 3 to 15 and added so many more to the 81 already killed in
the Philippines since 1986.

The journalists were covering the wife, sisters, and followers of a local politician, a vice-mayor seeking to run for a gubernatorial seat, who were on their way to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) in the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak town.
Local elections are as hotly contested as the national ballot and violence in the 2010 elections have already been flagged for all journalists who will be covering them.

These killings are likely to trigger a cycle of reprisals and counter-reprisals that will raise even higher the levels of violence in Maguindanao, quite possibly in the rest of Mindanao, and even the
entire Philippines itself. Violence has a way of begetting further violence, as Philippine experience demonstrates.

Indeed, the Maguindanao attack was not only an attack on a local politician, on his supporters, and on journalists. It was also an attack on what’s left of Philippine democracy, in which free and
peaceful elections have never been as urgent an imperative as today. Only the quickest and most decisive response in terms of arresting and bringing the perpetrators to court can prevent the November 23 killings from turning into one more incident to inspire the killers—of journalists, political activists, local officials, priests, lawyers and judges—who roam this country with impunity to keep on killing.

But President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, in tacit admission that neither the military nor the Philippine National Police can cope with the situation without being armed with special powers.

We reject that supposed solution as an invitation to further violence as well as to the further abuse of the citizenry. The local military and police are widely known to be partial to certain groups, and are likely to harden that partisanship as elections in May 2010 nears. Indeed policemen are said to have been part of the group of 100 that waylaid the convoy the slain journalists were accompanying. A state of emergency will provide a convenient cover for military and police partisanship, among other reasons because it will provide them a legal basis for preventing the media from covering the impact on the citizenry of the political rivalries, based on clan disputes, that haunt Maguindanao and other areas of Mindanao as well as the overall
conduct of the elections there.

We affirm that it is the media’s crucial task to provide the citizenry the information it needs so it can make such decisions as to who to vote for as well as others related to its well-being and safety. We reiterate, however, that no story is worth the life of a single journalist. Journalists must take the greatest care to assure their own safety, and to evaluate the risks involved before covering any event of public relevance anywhere.
Journalists must thus take care to steer clear of partisanships likely to transform them into
casualties of the clash between political parties and feuding clans, and to affirm
through their work and actions their sole loyalty to the professional and ethical imperatives of fairness and truth telling.

We mourn the death of our countrymen and colleagues in the hands of the barbaric horde that’s likely to be under the pay of the local politician’s rivals. But we must also remind the living never to
underestimate the reality of the threats to their lives and well-being that have become common place in a country ruled by political forces who are unable to discharge, for both journalists and ordinary itizens, that most basic of State responsibilities, protecting every
man, woman and child’s right to life and to a life without fear.

——
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
2/F Ateneo Professional Schools 130 H.V. dela Costa St. Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227 Philippines
Telephone Numbers: (+63 2) 894-1314/894-1326/840-0903 Telefax: (+63 2) 840-0889
E-mail address: staff@cmfr-phil.org

***11.11.2009. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes statements on protection of journalists at the international conference on « 60 years of the Geneva Conventions and the decades to come » - supports Kofi Annan's call “to undermine the culture of denial”

A conference of 500 experts and goverment's delegates organized by Switzerland in colllaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) entitled "60 years of the Geneva Conventions and the decades to come" took place in Geneva on Monday and Tuesday 9-10 November 2009. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger and the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan (photo PEC) attended the opening ceremony. The PEC welcomes the condemnation by Kofi Annan of the "culture of denial" and other statements asking for greater respect for IHL.

“Let us be clear. It is not the rules that are to blame for the callous disregard for civilian life we see. It is the rulers who disregard them, or allow or encourage those under their command to do so”, said Kofi Annan. 
 
Annan firmly stated that “we have to ask ourselves why they take these decisions to flout internationally-agreed rules and standards. They do so because they calculate they have little to fear and little to lose from their defiance. Our challenge is to alter the balance of the calculation they make”.
 
“I believe those in charge are able to ignore the rules, in large part because they, and their supporters, can deflect charges that war crimes are being committed. They manufacture, or rely on, a culture of denial. In many cases, leaders, their allies and whole population deny even the most documented abuse”, said Annan.
 
He added that “we can’t expect, of course, those with so little regard for human suffering to readily accept responsibility for their conduct. Indeed, the murder of journalists and human rights defenders exposes their brutal determination to hide the truth. We urgently need to build the legitimacy of the factual record to undermine the culture of denial and force acknowledgement of crimes”, said Kofi Annan.
 
The PEC warmly supports this vigorous call of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
 
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Swiss presidency, represented by Ambassador Paul Seger, director of the legal department at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Bern said in response to a question by the President of the PEC at a press conference: “We would be ready to have a meeting on the Protection of Journalists. We do not deny the situation of journalists in conflict zones”.
 
Philip Spoerry, director of IHL at ICRC confirmed that the question of access for media in conflict zones was discussed at the Geneva conference. However, no concrete initiative has been launched on this occasion. The PEC calls all participants to give the highest priority to this question. Journalists must have a safe access to conflict zones in order to fight against the “culture of denial” and ensure greater respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
 
ICRC Jakob Kellenberger spoke of the urgent need for effective mechanisms capable of ensuring greater respect for IHL, notably with regard to non-international armed conflicts. Today IHL is confronted by developments and challenges that were scarcely heard of when Geneva Conventions were adopted in 1949, said the Swiss Presidency. Conventional wars between sovereign states have to a great extent given way to internal conflicts, combat zones are the domain of non-state actors, and a new panoply of military technology undreamed of in 1949 raises questions as to its conformity with IHL. ICRC President recognized the need to clarify and develop the existing Conventions. According to the PEC, in view of the increasing dangers faced by journalists, article 79 of the first protocol to the Geneva Conventions concerning journalists in dangerous missions must seriously be enriched to undermine the culture of denial.   
 
The Press Emblem Campaign calls for a quick follow-up to the Geneva conference.

Philip Spoerry, director for IHL at the ICRC, and Ambassador Paul Seger, director of the legal departement of the Swiss Ministry for Foreign Affairs at the final press conference in Geneva (photo PEC)

Statement by the President of ICRC Jakob Kellenberger on: www.icrc.org

***02.10.09. More than 70 journalists killed since the beginning of the year – PEC welcomes Council resolution calling for free unfettered access for journalists in
conflict zones (FRENCH AND SPANISH VERSIONS BELOW) (Read Comments on page Other News) 

Geneva, 2 October (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) denounces and condemns the continued targeting of journalists which has moved the figure up to 72 journalists killed in 9 months in 22 countries, a slight increase compared to the same period of 2008.

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi, in a related development, congratulates the Human Rights Council and the sponsors of the resolution on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Egypt and the USA, especially in regards to its firm position on free and safe access of journalists in armed conflicts.

The resolution calls “on all parties to armed conflict to respect 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, whose provisions 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”.

The PEC, while expressing its satisfaction calls upon the Council to move from words to deeds, and believes that a reasonable first start is to convene a panel discussion on the protection of journalists in armed conflict.

Abdel Nabi noted that passage of this important resolution is one concrete step towards bridging the gap between North and South and thus helping to unlock the deadlock concerning the issue of protection for journalists.

She described the resolution as a comprehensive, well crafted one that responds to many issues of concern to journalists and different from previous ones that came short with no content.

“The only aspect lacking is a wide range discussion on the issue of protection of journalists inside the Council,” Abdel Nabi added and expressed her hope and belief that such a discussion is doable in 2010.

Mexico and Pakistan the most dangerous countries

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen, who joined Abdel Nabi in congratulating the two sponsors, said access to media in conflict zones remained difficult in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Gaza, Sri Lanka, DRC and Russia (the Caucuses).

He added that there was a marked deterioration in Honduras while the assassination of journalist Christian Poveda in Salvador is a very disturbing and condemnable act.

The toll of killed journalists is growing in Pakistan and Mexico, representing currently the two most dangerous countries, 8 killed in Pakistan and 9 in Mexico from the beginning of the year. Mexico at the end of September tops the world in casualties among
journalists.

The Philippines is in third position, where 7 journalists were killed. Somalia and Russia follow with 6 killed in each country. Blaise Lempen said that 36 journalists, half the global toll, were killed in total only in those five countries and called for a need to respect
access to information in those countries and fight impunity.

In the order of danger, Iraq (5 journalists killed), followed by Gaza (4 during the Israeli offensive), Honduras (4), Colombia (4), Afghanistan (3). While 2 journalists were killed in each of the following countries: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Guatemala, and Venezuela.
One journalist was killed in India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Salvador, Nigeria and Kyrgyzstan.

Comparing the figures of 2008 with 2009 during the same period that is from January to September and applying the same criteria, 71 journalists were killed in the first 9 months of 2008, while 72 in 2009.

Plus de 70 journalistes tués depuis janvier - La PEC salue l'adoption d'une résolution du Conseil des droits de l'homme sur la liberté d'expression

Genève, 2 octobre (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) dénonce et condamne la poursuite des assassinats visant des journalistes à travers le monde. En neuf mois, depuis janvier, 72 journalistes ont été tués dans 22 pays, une légère augmentation par rapport à l'an dernier.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi s'est en même temps félicitée de l’adoption d'une résolution sur la liberté d'expression au Conseil des droits de l'homme, parrainée par les Etats-Unis et l'Egypte, réaffirmant en particulier la nécessité d'un accès libre et sans entraves
des journalistes aux zones de conflit.

La résolution appelle notamment « toutes les parties à un conflit armé à respecter le droit international humanitaire, y compris leurs obligations en vertu des Conventions de Genève du 12 août 1949 et, quand ils sont applicables, les protocoles additionnels du 8 juin 1977, dont les dispositions étendent leur protection aux journalistes dans des situations de conflit armé, et à permettre, dans le cadre des règles et procédures applicables, l’accès des medias et la couverture par les médias, de manière appropriée, dans les situations de conflit armé international et non international »

Abdel Nabi a souligné que l'adoption de cette résolution importante est un pas concret pour surmonter le fossé entre le Nord et le Sud et débloquer les débats sur la liberté d'expression au Conseil. Le texte est complet, répond à de nombreux problèmes rencontrés par les journalistes et diffère à cet égard de précédentes résolutions sans contenu, a-t-elle souligné.

La PEC, tout en exprimant sa satisfaction, demande au Conseil des droits de l'homme de passer des discours aux actes. Elle propose d'organiser une réunion-débat sur la protection des journalistes dans les zones de conflit.

 « Un large débat sur cette question essentielle devrait avoir lieu en 2010 », a déclaré la présidente de la PEC.

Mexique et Pakistan pays les plus dangereux

Le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen a souligné que l'accès des medias aux zones de conflit est resté très difficile ces derniers mois au Pakistan, en Afghanistan, au Yemen, à Gaza, au Sri Lanka, en RDC et en Russie dans le Caucase.

Il a déploré la détérioration marquée de la situation au Honduras et condamné comme un développement très inquiétant l'assassinat du journaliste Christian Poveda au Salvador.

Le Mexique est le pays le plus dangereux pour les journalistes, avec 9 victimes depuis le début de l'année, devant le Pakistan (huit tués), indique la PEC. Les Philippines sont au troisième rang (7 journalistes tués), devant la Somalie (6 tués) et la Russie (6 tués).

La moitié des victimes (36) a été recensée dans ces cinq pays seulement, a observé Blaise Lempen. « Il faut faire respecter en priorité le droit à l'information dans ces pays », a-t-il demandé.

L'Irak suit dans la liste avec cinq victimes depuis janvier, devant Gaza (quatre tués lors de l'offensive israélienne), le Honduras (quatre), la Colombie (quatre) et l'Afghanistan (trois).

Deux journalistes ont été tués dans chacun des pays suivants: Sri Lanka, Népal, Guatemala et Venezuela. Un journaliste a été tué également en Inde, Indonésie, à Madagascar, au Kenya, en République démocratique du Congo, au Salvador, au Nigéria et au Kyrgyzstan.

Par rapport aux neuf premiers mois de 2008, et en appliquant les mêmes critères, la PEC constate qu'il n'y a pas d'amélioration de la situation d'une année sur l'autre, mais au contraire une légère augmentation du nombre de victimes: soit 72 journalistes tués contre 71 au cours des neuf premiers mois de 2008.

Mas de 70 periodistas asesinados desde enero – La PEC saluda la adopción de una resolucion sobre la libertad de expresion efectuada por el Consejo de los Derechos Humanos de la ONU

Ginebra, 2 octubre.- La Prensa Emblema Campaña (PEC) denuncia y condena la
continuación de los asesinatos de periodistas a lo largo de todo el orbe. n 9 meses, desde enero de este año, 72 periodistas han sido asesinados en 22 países, lo que representa un ligero aumento con relación al año pasado.

La presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, al mismo tiempo se dijo satisfecha por la adopción de una resolución sobre la libertad de expresión efectuada por el Consejo de los Derechos Humanos de la ONU, apadrinado por los Estados Unidos y Egipto, reafirmando en particular la necesidad de un libre acceso y sin entrabas de los periodistas a las zonas
de conflicto.

La resolución llama especialmente “a todas las partes involucradas en un conflicto armado a respetar el derecho internacional humanitario, incluyendo sus obligaciones en virtud de las Convenciones de Ginebra del 12 de agosto de 1949 y, cuando son aplicables, los protocolos adicionales del 8 de junio de 1977, cuyas disposiciones se extienden a la protección
de los periodistas en situaciones de conflicto armado, y a permitir, en el marco de reglas y procedimientos habituales, el acceso de los medios y la cobertura, por parte de los medios, de manera apropiada, en las situaciones de conflicto armado international y no internacional.”

Abdel Nabi señaló que la adopción de esta resolución importante es un paso concreto para sobrepasar la brecha Norte y Sur, y desbloquear los debates sobre la libertad de expresión en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos. “El texto es completo, responde a numerosos problemas encontrados por los periodistas y difiere, a este respecto, de las precedentes resoluciones
sin contenido”, señaló.

La PEC, al expresar su satisfacción, solicitó al Consejo de los Derechos Humanos pasar de los discursos a los actos. Ella propuso organizar una reunión debate sobre la protección de los periodistas en las zonas de conflicto.

“Un amplio debate sobre esta cuestión esencial deberá tener lugar en el 2010 », declaró la presidenta de la PEC.

México y Paquistán, los países mas peligrosos

El secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, señaló que el acceso de los medios a las zonas en conflicto siguió siendo muy dificil estos últimos meses en Afganistán, Yemén, Gaza, Sri Lanka, República Democrática del Congo y Rusia.

Deploró la situación marcada en Honduras y calificó como “un desarrollo muy inquietante” el asesinato del periodista Christian Poveda, en El Salvador.

México es el país mas peligroso para los periodistas, con 9 víctimas desde comienzos del año, delante de Paquistán (8 muertos), indica la PEC. Las Filipinas están en el tercer lugar (7 periodistas asesinados), delante de Somalia (6) y Rusia (6).

La mitad de las víctimas fueron registradas únicamente en estos 5 países, observó Blaise Lempen. “Hay que hacer respetar en prioridad el derecho a la información en estos países », solicitó.

Irak continúa en la lista con 5 víctimas desde enero, delante de la franja de Gaza (4 muertos durante la ofensiva israelí), Honduras (4), Colombia (4) y Afganistán (3).

Dos periodistas fueron asesinados en cada uno de los siguientes países: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Guatemala y Venezuela. Un periodista fue igualmente asesinado en la India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Kenya, República Democrática del Congo, El Salvador, Nigeria y Kyrgistan.

Con respecto a los 9 primeros meses de 2008, y aplicando los mismos criterios, la PEC constata que no hay una mejora en la situación, de un año con respecto al otro. Pero, al contrario, se dá un ligero aumento del número de víctimas, 72 contra 71, en el transcurso de los 9 primeros meses de 2008. 

***02.10.09. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes resolution on Freedom of Expression at the twelfth session of the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/12/L.14/Rev1) sponsored by United States of America and Egypt - la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) se félicite de la présentation d'une résolution sur la liberté d'expression par les Etats-Unis et l'Egypte à la 12e session du Conseil des droits de l'homme. Final text of the resolution adopted by consensus - texte final de la résolution adopté par consensus:

"The Human Rights Council,

Recalling Human Rights Council Resolution 7/36 and all previous resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights on the right to freedom of opinion and expression,

Recognizing that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society; is enabled by a democratic environment which, inter alia, offers guarantees for its protection; is essential to full and effective participation in a free and democratic society; and is instrumental to the development and strengthening of effective democratic systems,

Recognizing also that the effective exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression is an important indicator of the level of protection of other human rights and freedoms, bearing in mind that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated,

Deeply concerned that violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression continue to occur, including increased attacks directed against, and killings of, journalists and media workers, and stressing the need to ensure greater protection for all media professionals and for journalistic sources,

Stressing the need to ensure that invocation of national security, including counter‑terrorism, is not used unjustifiably or arbitrarily to restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression,

Stressing also the importance of full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, including the fundamental importance of access to information, to democratic participation, to accountability and to combating corruption,

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

Recalling that the exercise of the right of freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities, in accordance with article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

Recalling also that States should encourage free, responsible, and mutually respectful dialogue,

1.  Reaffirms the rights contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights regarding the right of everyone to hold opinions without interference, as well as the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art or through any other media of their choice, and the intrinsically linked rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, peaceful assembly and association and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs;

2.  Takes note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression (A/HRC/11/4), as well as his presentation and the interactive dialogue thereon at the 11th session of the UN Human Rights Council;

3.  Expresses its continuing concern that:

(a) Violations of the rights referred to in paragraph 1 above continue to occur, often with impunity, including extrajudicial killing, arbitrary detention, torture, intimidation, persecution and harassment, threats and acts of violence and of discrimination, including gender‑based violence and discrimination, increased abuse of legal provisions on defamation and criminal libel as well as on surveillance, search and seizure, and censorship, against persons who exercise, seek to promote or defend these rights, including journalists, writers and other media workers, Internet users and human rights defenders;

(b) These violations are facilitated and aggravated by abuse of states of emergency;

(c) Threats and acts of violence, including killings, attacks and terrorist acts, particularly directed against journalists and other media workers in situations of armed conflict, have increased and are not adequately punished, in particular in those circumstances where public authorities are involved in committing those acts;

(d) High rates of illiteracy continue to exist in the world, especially among women, and reaffirms that full and equal access to education for girls and boys, women and men, is crucial for the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression;

(e) Media concentration is a growing phenomenon in the world, and can limit a plurality of views;

4. Also expresses its concern that incidents of racial and religious intolerance, discrimination, and related violence, as well as of negative racial and religious stereotyping continue to rise around the world, and condemns, in this context, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges States to take effective measures, consistent with their obligations under international human rights laws, to address and combat such incidents;

5.  Calls upon all States:

(a) To respect and ensure the respect for the rights referred to in paragraph 1 above;

(b) To take all necessary measures to put an end to violations of these rights and to create conditions to prevent such violations, including by ensuring that relevant national legislation complies with their international human rights obligations and is effectively implemented;

(c) To ensure that victims of violations of these rights have an effective remedy, to investigate effectively threats and acts of violence, including terrorist acts, against journalists, including in situations of armed conflict, and to bring to justice those responsible to combat impunity;

(d) To ensure that persons exercising these rights are not discriminated against, particularly in employment, housing, the justice system, social services and education, with particular attention to women;

(e) To facilitate the full, equal and effective participation and free communication of women at all levels of decision‑making in their societies and in national, regional and international institutions, including in mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts;

(f) To enable children to exercise their right to express their views freely, including through school curricula that encourage the development and respect for different opinions, and to have their views taken into account in all matters affecting them, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child;

(g) To respect freedom of expression in the media and broadcasting, in particular the editorial independence of the media;

(h) To promote a pluralistic approach to information and multiple points of views through encouraging a diversity of ownership of media and of sources of information, including mass media, through, inter alia, transparent licensing systems and effective regulations on undue concentration of ownership of the media in the private sector;

(i) To create and permit an enabling environment in which training and professional development of the media can be organized in order to promote and protect the right to freedom of opinion and expression and can be carried out without threat of legal, criminal or administrative sanction by the State;

(j) Consistent with their humain rights law obligations, to refrain from the use of imprisonment or the imposition of fines for offences relating to the media, which are disproportionate to the gravity of the offence;

(k) To adopt and implement policies and programmes that aim to effectively raise awareness of, and disseminate information and education on, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other diseases through effective and equal access to information and all appropriate means, including through the media and availability of information and communication technologies, and targeted at specific vulnerable groups;

(l) To adopt and implement laws and policies that provide for a general right of public access to information held by public authorities, which may be restricted only in accordance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

(m) To facilitate equal participation in, access to and use of, information and communications technology such as the Internet, applying a gender perspective, and to encourage international cooperation aimed at the development of media and information and communication facilities in all countries;

(n) To review their procedures, practices and legislation, as necessary, with a view to ensure the full and effective implementation of all their obligations under international human rights law, including to ensure that any limitations on the right to freedom of opinion and expression are only such as are provided by law and are necessary for the respect of the rights and reputations of others, or for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public) or of public health or morals;

(o) To refrain from using counter‑terrorism as a pretext to restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression in ways that are contrary to their obligations under international law;

(p) While noting that article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities, to refrain from imposing restrictions which are not consistent with paragraph 3 of that article, including on:

                                                                 (i) Discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights, government activities and corruption in government; engaging in election campaigns, peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief, including by persons belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups;

                                                               (ii) The free flow of information and ideas, including practices such as the banning or closing of publications or other media and the abuse of administrative measures and censorship;

                                                              (iii) Access to or use of information and communication technologies, including radio, television and the Internet;

6. Stresses that condemning and addressing, in accordance with their obligations under international human rights laws, including those regarding equal protection of the law, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, is an important safeguard to ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, including persons belonging to minorities;

7.  Calls on all parties to armed conflict to respect 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, whose provisions 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;

8. Recognizes the moral and social responsibilities of the media, and the importance that the media’s own elaboration of voluntary codes of conduct can play in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; 

9. Recognizes the positive contribution that the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, particularly by the media, including through information and communication technologies such as the Internet, and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, can make to the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and to preventing human rights abuses, but expresses regret about the promotion by certain media of false images and negative stereotypes of vulnerable individuals or groups of individuals, and about the use of information and communication technologies such as the Internet for purposes contrary to respect for human rights, in particular the perpetration of violence against and exploitation and abuse of women and children and disseminating racist and xenophobic discourse or content;
 
10. Reaffirms the positive role that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information can play in strengthening democracy, combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in line with relevant provisions of international human rights law;

11. Recognizes that the open public debate of ideas, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue at the local, national, and international levels, can be among the best protections against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance, and can play a positive role in strengthening democracy and combating national, racial, or religious hatred;
 
12. Invites the Special Rapporteur, within the framework of his mandate, to carry out his activities in accordance with its resolution 7/36 and all relevant Human Rights Council resolutions and decisions, in particular his cooperation with other mechanisms and human rights treaty bodies and organizations, including regional organizations and non-governmental organizations;

13. Appeals to all States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his tasks, contained in its resolution 7/36, to provide all necessary information requested by him and to consider favourably his requests for visits and for implementing his recommendations;

14. Invites once again the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the working groups, representatives and special rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council and human rights treaty bodies to pay attention, within the framework of their mandates, to the situation of persons whose right to freedom of opinion and expression has been violated;

15. Reminds States of the possibility of seeking technical assistance if needed, including from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to better promote and protect the right to freedom of opinion and expression;

16. Again requests the Secretary‑General to provide the assistance necessary to the Special Rapporteur to fulfil his mandate contained in its resolution 7/36 effectively, in particular by placing adequate human and material resources at his disposal;

17. Requests the Special Rapporteur to submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council and to the United Nations General Assembly covering activities relating to his/her mandate; 

18. Decides to continue its consideration of the issue of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in accordance with its programme of work." (END)

***22.07.09. PEC Statement: Increase in the number of journalists killed during the first
six months of 2009 : 53 journalists killed compared to 45 for the same period in 2008//Hausse du nombre de journalistes tués au cours des six premiers mois de 2009, annonce la PEC: 53 journalistes tués au lieu de 45 au cours de la même période en 2008 // Aumenta el número de periodistas asesinados durante los primeros seis meses de 2009. La PEC informa de 53 periodistas asesinados contra 45 en el mismo periodo de 2008. 

 (French and Spanish after English)

GENEVA, July 23 (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said Thursday that he number of journalists killed during the first six months of 2009 has increased. From January to June, 53 journalists in 18 countries have been illed as compared to 45 journalists during the same period in 2008.

PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen said that the increase in the current tally reflects the humanitarian crisis during the reporting period due to conflicts in Gaza, Somalia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Lempen added that in other countries where open conflict is absent like Mexico, the Philippines and Russia violence against journalists became an endemic feature.

PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi noted that this rise in the media tsunami flects negatively on objective reporting and kills the chances of veiling the truth to the world. Abdel Nabi added that though a body is in place to look into gross human rights violations, the UN Human Rights
Council, it stands impotent when the issue comes to the protection of journalists.

Pakistan the most dangerous country

The PEC notes that Pakistan is the most dangerous country for media work so far this year with 6 journalists killed, followed by Iraq: 5, Mexico: 5, Philippines: 5 and Somalia: 5.

Gaza and Russia share the 6th place with 4 journalists killed in each country.

Three journalists were killed in Colombia, 2 in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Honduras, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. According to the PEC Ticking Clock, one journalist was killed in India,
Indonesia, Kenya and Madagascar.

In addition targeted killings of journalists have not stopped during the first two weeks of July with six additional deaths among journalists: 2 in Honduras, one in Kyrgyzstan, 2 in Mexico and one in Russia where the militant journalist, human rights defender Natalya Estemirova has been
killed on 15 July in Grozny.

The post presidential election unrest in Iran was another worrying situation impacting negatively on freedom of opinion and expression where not less than 40 journalists were arrested.

In July, Al-Jazeera Satellite network was banned from operations in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) by the Palestinian Authority over a controversial report on an internal power struggle. This development is highly condemned and the PEC is pleased to note that the banning of Al-Jazeera from covering the events in the oPt did not last except for a few days.

The PEC announcing the tally of media victims in 6 months call upon all UN member states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to take positive steps to stop this bloodbath against journalists with appropriate measures.

Hausse du nombre de journalistes tués au cours des six premiers mois de 2009, annonce la PEC: 53 journalistes tués contre 45 au cours de la même période de 2008

Genève, 23 juillet (PEC) Le nombre de journalistes tués est en hausse pour les six premiers mois de l'année. Depuis janvier jusqu'à la fin juin 2009, 53 journalistes ont été tués dans 18 pays, a annoncé jeudi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC).

Comparativement, au cours des six premiers mois de 2008, 45 journalistes avaient été tués, selon le décompte de l'ONG de défense des journalistes basée à Genève.

"Cette tendance à la hausse reflète le grand nombre de crises humanitaires au cours du premier semestre de l'année, en raison des conflits à Gaza, en Somalie, au Pakistan et au Sri Lanka. Simultanément, dans d'autres pays qui ne connaissent pas de conflit ouvert, comme le Mexique, les Philippines, la Russie, la violence visant les journalistes est devenue endémique", a commenté le secrétaire général de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a noté que cette augmentation des victimes a des conséquences négatives pour le reportage indépendant et réduit les possibilités de témoigner de la réalité des pays en conflit. Abdel Nabi a ajouté que bien qu'un organe de l'ONU existe pour
traiter des violations des droits de l'homme, le Conseil des droits de l'homme, celui-ci est resté inactif face aux violations de la liberté de la presse.

Le Pakistan pays le plus dangereux

Le Pakistan a été le pays le plus dangereux pour les journalistes jusqu'ici cette année, avec six tués. Suivent la Somalie (cinq tués), l'Irak (cinq), le Mexique (cinq) et les Philippines (cinq). Gaza se place au 6e rang avec quatre tués, à égalité avec la Russie (quatre).

Trois journalistes ont été tués en Colombie. La mort de deux journalistes a été recensée dans chacun de ces pays: Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Népal, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela. Enfin, un journaliste a été tué en Inde, en Indonésie, à Madagascar et au Kenya.

Le rythme des assassinats ne s'est pas ralenti au cours des deux premières semaines de juillet, avec six morts supplémentaires: deux au Honduras, un en Somalie, deux au Mexique, un au Kyrgystan et un en Russie, la militante Natalya Estemirova, tuée à Grozny le 15 juillet.

La situation en Iran, où plus de 40 arrestations de journalistes ont été recensées depuis l'élection présidentielle du mois de juin, est un autre sujet d'inquiétude.

En juillet, le réseau de télévision par satellite d'Al-Jazeera a été interdit de diffuser dans les territoires palestiniens occupés. Bien que cette interruption ait été levée après quelques jours, la PEC condamne fermement ce développement.

La PEC appelle tous les gouvernements, organisations internationales et ONG à réagir à cette détérioration continue des conditions de la liberté de la presse par des mesures appropriées

Aumenta el número de periodistas asesinados durante los primeros seis meses de 2009.
La PEC informa de 53 periodistas asesinados contra 45 en el mismo periodo de 2008. 

Ginebra, 23 julio (PEC) El número de periodistas asesinados ha estado al alza durante los primeros seis meses del año. Desde enero hasta fines de junio de 2009, 53 periodistas asesinados en 18 países, anunció el jueves la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC).

Comparativamente, en el curso de los seis primeros meses de 2008, 45 periodistas fueron asesinados, según el recuento de la ONG de defensa de los periodistas basada en Ginebra.

“Esta tendencia al alza refleja el gran número de crisis humanitarias durante el primer semestre del año, a causa de los conflictos en Gaza, en Somalia, en Pakistán y en Sri Lanka. Simultáneamente, en otros países en los cuales está ausente el conflicto abiertamente, como por ejemplo en México, Filipinas y Rusia, la violencia dirigida hacia los periodistas se ha tornado endémica”, según ha comentado el Secretario General de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, por su parte, ha hecho hincapié en que “este tsunami en los medios de comunicación se refleja negativamente en la posibilidad de una información objetiva y mata las posibilidades de testimoniar la realidad en los países en conflicto”. Abdel Nabi ha añadido que a pesar de que existe un órgano de la ONU encargado de tratar las violaciones de los derechos humanos, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos, éste se ha mantenido impotente frente a las violaciones de la libertad de prensa.
 
Pakistán es el país de mayor peligrosidad
 
Pakistán ha sido el país de mayor peligrosidad para los periodistas en lo que va de año, con seis asesinados. Le siguen Somalia (cinco asesinados), Iraq (cinco), México (cinco) y Filipinas (cinco). Gaza se ubica en la 6ta posición con cuatro periodistas asesinados, al igual que en Rusia.
 
En Colombia, tres periodistas fueron asesinados. La muerte de dos periodistas ha tenido lugar en cada uno de estos países: Afganistán, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Honduras, Guatemala y Venezuela. Asimismo, un periodista fue asesinado en la India, en Indonesia, en Madagascar y en Kenia.
 
El ritmo de los asesinatos no ha disminuido en el curso de las dos primeras semanas de julio, con seis muertos adicionales, de los cuales dos ocurrieron en Honduras, uno en Somalia, dos en México, uno en Kyrgystan y uno en Rusia, la activista de derechos humanos Natalia Estemirova, asesinada en Grozni el 15 de julio.
 
La situación en Irán, donde más de 40 periodistas fueron detenidos desde la elección presidencial del pasado mes de junio, es también motivo de inquietud.
 
En julio, fue prohibida la difusión la cadena de televisión por satélite Al-Jazeera en los Territorios Palestinos Ocupados. Aún cuando esta interdicción haya sido levantada días más tarde, la PEC condena firmemente esa medida.
 
La PEC hace un llamamiento a todos los gobiernos, organizaciones internacionales y ONG a que reaccionen y enfrenten con medidas apropiadas ante el continuo deterioro de la libertad de prensa.

***04.06.09. 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 //  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 // PRIMER PREMIO DE LA PEC POR LA PROTECCION DE LOS PERIODISTAS CONCEDIDO CONJUNTAMENTE AL CENTRO PALESTINO PARA EL DESARROLO Y LA LIBERTAD DE LOS MEDIOS (MADA) Y AL EMBAJADOR MEXICANO ANTE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS EN GINEBRALUIS ALFONSO DE ALBA

For the PEC statement, speeches delivered for the award ceremony in Geneva, go to our new page: PEC AWARD (click left)

***02.06.09. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes and supports the conclusions and recommendations of the first report of the new Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Frank La Rue (A/HRC/11/4) to the Eleventh Session of the Human Rights Council (report available on: www.ohchr.org/HRC/11session/reports) Read below conclusions on Safety and protection of media professionals

64. The Special Rapporteur reiterates the recommendations of his predecessors that
Governments should translate their formal concerns about the safety of journalists,
elaborated in international forums and treaty law, into concrete measures for enhancing
the safety of journalists and other media personnel including at the legislative,
administrative and judicial levels. Measures should be taken to protect all media personnel
regardless of their professional and political affiliation. The protection of journalists and
media workers must be ensured at all times, particularly during armed conflicts, states of
emergency and public disorder and electoral processes. Governments are also urged to
ensure the protection of other groups at risk, such as trade unionists, social workers,
students and teachers, writers and artists.

65. Creating a culture of safety for journalism adds to the capacity of media to contribute
to building prosperous and confident democracies. The Special Rapporteur urges
Governments and State institutions to provide support and an assurance that all acts of
violence against journalists are fully investigated. Limiting impunity for the perpetrators of
crimes against media professionals will function as an important deterrent against the
repetition of these crimes.

66. The Special Rapporteur encourages Governments to develop protection schemes for
media personnel. News associations should be supported in promoting actions that secure
the safety of journalists, including safety training, health care, life insurance, and equal
access to social protection for freelance employees and full-time staff.

67. The Council may wish to consider the opportunity, as previously suggested by his
predecessor, of entrusting the Special Rapporteur with the preparation of a study on the
causes of violence against media professionals, based, inter alia, on information from and
the experiences of Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and including a comprehensive set of conclusions and recommendations and the drafting of guidelines for the protection of journalists and other media professionals. This study could represent the first step towards a debate, within the Human Rights Council, on this crucial issue, following the discussions held by other bodies, including the Security Council.  (end quote)

***30.04.09. Marking World Press Freedom Day 2009 - PEC announces its first annual prize, June 4 as a day for the remembrance of journalists who fell in the line of duty (FRENCH and SPANISH texts after English)

GENEVA, April 30 (PEC) Marking World Press Freedom Day 2009 the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) announces its first annual prize, and also announces its dedication of June 4 as a day of remembrance for journalists who fell in the line of duty.

 The first PEC prize for the protection of journalists will be awarded in June to mark the 5th anniversary of the launch of the PEC.

 The award will go every year to an individual or an organization who has contributed in a unique manner to strengthen the protection of journalists and media organizations in conflict zones and in situations of internal violence or civil unrest.

 The Prize Jury is composed of the Executive Board of the PEC.
 
 The PEC was established on 4 June 2004 by a group of journalists in Geneva to find ways and means to better the protection of journalists in conflict zones. This call is supported by 35 press associations and NGOs in the media field around the world.

 PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi called upon all PEC members and supporters in the PEC call across the globe to mark June 4th as the day for remembrance of journalists killed and media organizations attacked by armed forces, non-state actors or crime organizations.

Abdel Nabi added it is also a day to recognize outstanding service for the protection of journalists by dedicating its Award for that cause.

 "The person or organization chosen for the prize would have shown during the course of a year activities and concrete deeds to improve the protection of journalists in dangerous missions and the public right to information", stressed the PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen.

 39 journalists killed since January

 39 journalists were killed during the first four months of this year while carrying out their work, according to the PEC Media ticking clock.

 The figure for the year 2008 stands at 91 journalists killed and for 2007 stands at 115.

 Since the establishment of the Human Rights Council in June 2006 some 306 journalists were killed while carrying out their work, an average of nine per month.

 Since January, Pakistan represents the most dangerous country for media work with 6 journalists killed. Gaza comes second with four journalists killed during the Israeli invasion.

  Iraq shares the second ranking with Gaza with four journalists killed, Mexico follows with three killed , Russia : 3, Somalia : 2, Sri Lanka : 2, Nepal :2, Venezuela : 2, Afghanistan : 2, Honduras : 2, Colombia : 2.

 One journalist was killed in Kenya , the Philippines , Madagascar , Guatemala and India.

 The PEC re-iterate its call for the liberation of American freelance journalist Roxana Saber from Evin prison in Iran, and the liberation of reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee from a North Korean prison where they have been in detention from 18 March 2009.

 The two reporters were detained while they were covering the situation of North Korean refugees on the China border.

  Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse 2009

  La PEC crée un Prix pour la protection des journalists et propose le 4 juin comme Journée en mémoire des journalistes tués

 Genève, PEC (30 avril) A l'occasion de la Journée mondiale de la liberté de la presse 2009, la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) annonce la création d'un Prix pour la protection des journalistes. Elle propose de faire de la Journée du 4 juin un jour de commemoration des journalistes tués dans l'exercice de leur métier.

 Le premier Prix PEC pour la protection des journalistes sera décerné en juin, pour marquer les cinq ans du lancement de la Campagne par un groupe de journalistes de plusieurs pays à Genève.

 Il récompensera chaque année une organisation ou un individu qui a oeuvré de manière exceptionnelle pour renforcer la protection des journalistes et des medias dans les zones de conflit et de violences internes. Le jury du Prix est constitué des membres du
comité directeur de la PEC.

 La PEC a été fondée le 4 juin 2004 par un groupe de journalists à Genève afin de trouver le moyen de renforcer la protection des medias dans les zones de conflit. Cet appel est soutenu par 35 associations de journalistes et ONG actives dans le secteur des
medias dans le monde.

 La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a demandé aux members et aux partenaires de la Campagne partout dans le monde de commémorer le 4 juin le sacrifice des journalistes tués par des forces armées, des acteurs non étatiques ou des réseaux criminels.

 "L'individu ou l'organisation récompensé par le prix PEC doit avoir démontré par des actes concrets pendant l'année en cours son engagement à renforcer la protection des journalistes en mission dangereuse et le droit à l'information du public", a expliqué
Blaise Lempen, le secrétaire général de la PEC.

 39 journalistes tués depuis janvier

 En quatre mois, depuis le 1er janvier, 39 journalistes ont été tués, selon le décompte de la Media ticking clock 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 la création du Conseil des droits de l'homme par l'ONU en juin 2006, 306 journalistes ont payé de leur vie l'exercice de leur profession, soit près de neuf par mois en moyenne.

 Depuis le début de 2009, le Pakistan est la zone la plus dangereuse pour les medias, avec six tués. Ce pays est suivi par Gaza, lors de l'offensive d'Israël (quatre), et l'Irak (quatre). Viennent ensuite le Mexique (trois), la Russie (trois), la Somalie (deux), 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.

 La PEC demande une nouvelle fois la libération immédiate de la journaliste américaine freelance Roxana Saber détenue à la prison d'Evin à Téhéran en Iran ainsi que des reporters Laura Ling et Euna Lee emprisonnées depuis le 18 mars en Corée du Nord alors qu'elles enquêtaient sur les réfugiés nord-coréens à la frontière chinoise.

Jornada Mundial de la Libertad de la Prensa 2009

 La PEC crea un premio por la protección de los periodistas y propone el 4 de junio como Jornada en memoria de los periodistas asesinados.

 Ginebra, PEC (abril 30) En ocasión de la Jornada Mundial de la Libertad de la Prensa 2009, el próximo 3 de mayo, la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) anuncia la creación de un Premio por la protección de los periodistas, y propone que el 4 de junio sea el
día de conmemoración de los periodistas asesinados en el ejercicio de su profesión.

 El primer premio PEC por la protección de los periodistas sera entregado en junio, para marcar el quinto año del lanzamiento de la Campaña por un grupo de periodistas de numerosos países basados en Ginebra.

 La PEC recompensará cada año a una organización o a una persona que haya obrado de manera excepcional en el reforzamiento de la protección de los periodistas y de los medios de comunicación en las zonas de conflicto y de violencias internas. El jurado del
Premio queda constituido por miembros del comité director de la PEC.

 La Campaña Emblema de Prensa fue fundada el 4 de junio de 2004 por un grupo de periodistas basados en Ginebra con el objetivo de encontrar el medio de reforzar la protección de los profesionales de los medios de comunicación en las zonas en conflicto. Este llamamiento ha sido respaldado por 35 asociaciones de periodistas y ONG activas en el sector en todo el mundo.

 La presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, ha pedido a los miembros y a los asociados a la Campaña en todo el mundo que conmemoren el 4 de junio a los periodistas asesinados por fuerzas armadas, actores no-estatales o redes criminales.

 Por su parte, el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen, ha subrayado el individuo o la organización recompensada con el Premio de la PEC debe haber demostrado con actos concretos durante el año en curso su compromiso en el reforzamiento de la protección de los periodistas que cumplen misiones peligrosas y el derecho del
público a la información.

 39 periodistas asesinados desde enero

 Durante los cuatro primeros meses del año, 39 periodistas han sido asesinados, según el sistema de monitoreo de la PEC, el Minutero de la PEC (Media ticking clock). El pasado año, 91 periodistas perdieron la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión, y en
el precedente, en 2007, fueron 115.

 Desde la creación del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, en junio de 2006, un total de 306 periodistas han pagado con sus vidas el ejercicio de su profesión, lo que significa un promedio de nueve por mes.

 Desde el inicio del año 2009, Pakistán representa el país de mayor peligrosidad para los medios de comunicación, con un total de seis periodistas asesinados. En el nivel de peligrosidad le siguen Gaza, con cuatro periodistas fallecidos durante la ofensiva militar
israelí, e Iraq (cuatro).

 En orden decreciente están México (tres), Rusia (tres), Somalia (dos), Sri Lanka (dos), Nepal (dos), Venezuela (dos), Afganistán (dos), Honduras (dos) y Colombia (dos). En Kenia, Filipinas, Madagascar, Guatemala y la India, también se han reportado víctimas mortales, una en cada uno de esos países, según el Minutero de la PEC.

 La PEC reitera su llamamiento para la liberación inmediata de la periodista norteamericana independiente Roxana Saber, encarcelada en la prisión de Evin, en Teherán, la capital del Irán, así como de las reporteras Laura Ling y Euna Lee, detenidas desde el 28 de marzo en Corea del Norte, cuando reportaban sobre la situación de los refugiados norcoreanos en la frontera china.

***02.04.09. PEC monthly report March - in three months 35 journalists killed in 16 countries - Pakistan the most dangerous country // Rapport mensuel de la PEC - en trois mois, 35 journalistes tués dans 16 pays - le Pakistan pays le plus dangereux // PEC informe mensual - en tres meses, 35 periodistas asesinados en 16 paises - Pakistan el pais de mayor peligrosidad (FRENCH and SPANISH after ENGLISH) (FOR THE LIST OF VICTIMS, GO TO: TICKING CLOCK) (Read also press reports on PRESS)

 In three months, 35 journalists killed in 16 countries - Pakistan the most dangerous country

 GENEVA, 2 April 2009 (PEC) - From the beginning of the year, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) has recorded the death of 35 journalists, 15 in January, 12 in February and 8 in March, all in incidents related to their work.
   
 For the same period in 2008, 20 journalists were killed (7 in January, 9 in February and 4 in March). The PEC described this increase in numbers as a sign of serious deterioration in media work and media protection.
   
 The figure of casualties for 2008 stands at 91 journalists killed.
   
 During March 2009 media employees paid a heavy toll in four conflict zones: two journalists died in Afghanistan, two in Iraq, one journalist was killed in Assam, India, and one in Pakistan. Another journalist died after being attacked in Moscow (Russia) and one in Honduras.
   
  Pakistan is the deadliest zone for media work since the beginning of the year with 5 journalists killed, followed by Gaza and Iraq with 4 journalists killed in each country, then by Mexico (3), Russia (3), Somalia (2), Sri Lanka (2), Nepal (2), Venezuela (2), Afghanistan (2), and one in each of the following countries: Kenya, Philippines, Madagascar, Columbia, India, Honduras.

Journalists abducted
   
 The PEC condemns the killings of media colleagues all over the world in all circumstances and deplores the hostage taking of journalists in Somalia and Pakistan. The Geneva based organization calls upon the abductors to immediately release the abducted journalists whose only task was to inform the general public.

 Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Geoffrey Brennan who were abducted on 23 August 2008 are still in captivity in Somalia.
   
 Another Canadian journalist Khadija Abdul Qahaar has been abducted in Pakistan sine 11 November 2008.
   
 In February, two other Pakistani journalists were abducted in Baluchistan (Pakistan) and four other women journalists abducted and beaten on 12 February in Sierra Leone.

 The PEC calls for the immediate release of the American freelance journalist Roxana Saber still detained in the central Tehran Evin prison in Iran and reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee taken into custody March 18 in North Korea on the Chinese border
while reporting on the fate of North Korean refugees.
   
 The PEC called upon the members of the Human Rights Council to devote a panel discussion on this global human rights problem in the Council during its June session this year.

 Moving towards that direction, the PEC re-iterates its call to discuss binding legal rules for media protection be it in the form of a convention or an additional protocol to current existing conventions.

  En trois mois, 35 journalistes tués dans 16 pays - Le Pakistan pays le plus dangereux

 Genève, 2 avril 2009 (PEC) - En trois mois, depuis le 1er janvier, 35 journalistes ont été tués dans 16 pays: 15 en janvier, 12 en février et 8 en mars, a affirmé la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC), tous dans des incidents liés à leur travail.

 Lors de la même période de l'an dernier (janvier à mars 2008), 20 journalistes avaient été tués (sept en janvier, neuf en février et quatre en mars), soit une nette détérioration d'une année sur l'autre dans le travail des medias. En 2008, 91 journalistes ont perdu la vie dans l'exercice de leur métier, rappelle la PEC.

 En mars, les employés des medias ont payé un lourd tribut dans quatre zones de conflit: l'Afghanistan (deux victimes), l'Irak (deux victimes également); un journaliste a été tué dans le nord de l'Inde, en Assam, et un au Pakistan. Un autre journaliste est décédé des suites d’une agression à Moscou (Russie) et un au Honduras.

 Depuis le début de l'année, le Pakistan est la zone la plus dangereuse pour les medias, avec cinq tués. Ce pays est suivi par Gaza, lors de l'offensive d'Israël (quatre), et l'Irak (quatre). Viennent ensuite le Mexique (trois), la Russie (trois), la Somalie (deux), le Sri Lanka (deux), le Népal (deux), le Venezuela (deux), l'Afghanistan (deux). Une victime a en outre été recensée au Kenya, aux Philippines, à Madagascar, en Colombie, en Inde, au Honduras.

Journalistes enlevés

 La PEC condamne l'assassinat de journalistes en toutes circonstances. Elle dénonce également le fait que plusieurs journalistes sont détenus en otages en Somalie et au Pakistan depuis plusieurs semaines. Elle appelle les ravisseurs à relâcher immédiatement et sans conditions ces confrères dont le seul but était d'informer l'opinion publique.

 La journaliste canadienne Amanda Lindhout et le photographe australien Nigel Geoffrey Brennan, enlevés le 23 août sur la route reliant Mogadiscio à Afgoye, à 25 km à l'ouest de la capitale, sont toujours détenus par leurs ravisseurs en Somalie.

 Au Pakistan, la journaliste canadienne Khadija Abdul Qahaar est détenue depuis le 11 novembre dans les zones tribales. Deux autres journalistes pakistanais ont été kidnappés fin février dans le Baluchistan (Pakistan). Quatre journalistes femmes ont été enlevées
et battues le 12 février au Sierra Leone.

 La PEC demande la libération immédiate de la journaliste américaine freelance Roxana Saber détenue à la prison centrale d'Evin à Téhéran en Iran ainsi que des reporters Laura Ling et Euna Lee emprisonnées depuis le 18 mars en Corée du Nord alors qu'elles
enquêtaient sur les réfugiés nord-coréens à la frontière chinoise.

 La PEC a demandé au Conseil des droits de l'homme de consacrer un débat à ce problème global de protection des journalistes lors de sa session de juin.

 La PEC réitère son appel aux Etats membres de l'ONU pour qu'ils entament des discussions sur un projet de convention internationale ou un protocole additionnel aux conventions existantes, destiné à renforcer la protection des medias dans les zones de conflit et autres situations dangereuses.

  En tres meses, 35 periodistas asesinados en 16 países. Pakistán el país de mayor peligrosidad.

 Ginebra, 2 abril 2009 (PEC). - En tres meses, desde el inicio del año, 35 periodistas han sido asesinados en 16 países, según ha constatado la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC), al dar a conocer su informe del mes de marzo. De ellos, 15 perdieron la vida en enero, 12 en febrero y 8 durante el mes de marzo.

 La mayoría de estos profesionales ha fallecido en incidentes en zonas de conflicto armado o situaciones internas de violencia, según las denuncias de la PEC.

 La Campaña indica asimismo- que en 2008 durante el mismo período del año (enero-marzo), 20 periodistas fueron asesinados (siete en ejero, nueve en febrero y cuatro en marzo), lo que significa un serio deterioro en las condiciones de trabajo, la protección, y la seguridad de los medios de comunicación.

 La PEC recuerda que el año pasado 91 periodistas perdieron la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión.

 En marzo de 2009, los trabajadores de los medios han pagado un fuerte tributo en cuatros zonas de conflicto: Afganistán (dos víctimas mortales), Iraq (igualmente dos víctimas en el transcurso de un atentado). Además, un periodista fue asesinado en el norte de la India, en Assam, y otro en Pakistán. Un otro periodista fue asesinado en Rusia y otro en Honduras.

 Desde el inicio del año, Pakistán es el país de mayor peligrosidad para los medios, con cinco periodistas asesinados. En orden de peligrosidad le siguen Gaza, donde cuatro periodistas perecieron durante la ofensiva militar israelí, e Iraq (cuatro). Les siguen México (tres), Rusia (tres), Somalia (dos), Sri Lanka (dos), Nepal (dos), Venezuela (dos), Afganistán (dos).

 En otros seis países se reportó asimismo la muerte de un periodista en cada uno de ellos: Kenia, Filipinas, Madagascar, Colombia, Honduras y la India.

Periodistas secuestrados

 La PEC condena el asesinado de periodistas en todo el mundo. La Campaña denuncia también el hecho de que numerosos periodistas sean mantenidos como rehenes durante varias semanas en Somalia y Pakistán. La PEC hace un llamamiento a los secuestradores a que liberen inmediatamente y sin condiciones a sus colegas, quienes tenían el único objetivo de informar a la opinión pública.

 La periodista canadiense Amanda Lindhout y el fotógrafo australiano Nigel Geoffrey Brennan, raptados el 23 de agosto ultimo sobre la ruta que une Mogadiscio con Afgoye, a 25 kilómetros al oeste de la capital somalí, son mantenidos aún bajo cautiverio por
sus secuestradores en Somalia.

 Otra periodista también canadiense, Khadija Abdul Qahaar, sigue secuestrada desde el 11 de noviembre de 2008 en zonas tribales de Pakistán. Otros dos periodistas paquistaníes fueron raptados en febrero pasado en la región de Baluchistán. Cinco periodistas mujeres fueron también secuestradas y golpeadas el 12 de febrero en
Sierra Leona.

 La PEC pide igualmente la liberación inmediata de la periodista norteamericana independiente Roxana Saber, detenida en la prisión central de Evin, en Teherán, Iran, así como de las reporteras Laura Ling y Euna Lee, encarceladas desde el último 18 de marzo en Corea del Norte, cuando informaban sobre la situación de los refugiados norcoreanos en la frontera china.

 La Campaña Emblema de Prensa demanda al Consejo de Derechos de la ONU que dedique una mesa redonda para debatir sobre este problema global de la protección de los periodistas, durante su sesión de junio próximo.

 En ese sentido, la PEC reitera su llamamiento a los Estados miembros de la ONU con vistas a la celebración de una conferencia para discutir las normas legales para reforzar la protección de los periodistas en las zonas de conflicto y otras situaciones de
peligrosidad, bien mediante una convención específica o un protocolo adicional a las convenciones ya existentes. 

***10.03.09. La PEC nomme un représentant pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et centrale

Dans cet objectif, M. Cissé travaillera avec les associations de journalistes, ONG (Organisation Non gouvernementales) de défense de la liberté de la presse, ainsi que les medias d’Afrique de l’Ouest et d’Afrique centrale.

Créée en 2004 par des journalistes de plusieurs pays, la PEC veut renforcer la protection des journalistes dans les contextes de violences dans le monde. L'an dernier, 91 journalistes ont été tués dans l'exercice de leur métier dans plus de 30 pays, et, depuis le début de cette année, 28 autres ont déjà été les victimes de violences.

Parmi les membres fondateurs de la PEC se trouvent le syndicat irakien des journalistes, l'association des journalistes des Emirats, l'Union des journalistes de Somalie, le syndicat des journalistes palestiniens, la Fédération suisse des journalistes (Impressum), l'Union internationale de la presse francophone. Elle regroupe environ 35 organisations représentant près de cent mille journalistes dans le monde.

Dans la future convention internationale, la PEC propose un emblème de presse de couleur orange, très visible, avec le mot PRESS, en lettres noires, internationalement reconnu. Les gouvernements et les forces belligérantes peuvent être intéressés à mieux identifier les travailleurs des medias.

La PEC a deux présidents d’honneur: le Pr Jean Ziegler, expert de l'ONU au Conseil des droits de l'homme, et M. Georges Gros, Secrétaire général de l’Union des Journalistes de la Presse de Langue Française (UJPLF). La présidente de la PEC est la journaliste égyptienne Hedayat Abdel Nabi et son secrétaire général le journaliste suisse Blaise Lempen, tous deux correspondants à l'ONU. La PEC compte aussi trois vice-présidents, Daniel Favre, chargé des relations avec la Francophonie, Alexandre Curchod, avocat, chargé des questions juridiques et Maria Simon Rodriguez, responsable pour l'Amérique latine.

Agé de 54 ans, M. Ibrahima Cissé connait bien les difficultés des journalistes en mission dans des zones de violence interne ou externe, en tant que correspondant de presse depuis 24 ans. Depuis 1985, il couvre pour des médias internationaux, tous les évènements internationaux (guerres, coups d’état, révoltes populaires, entre autres) en Afrique, particulièrement en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale. Il a été collaborateur du CICR (Comité international de la Croix-Rouge).

"Her Excellency
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
US Secretary of State 

Dear Madame Secretary, 
 
On the occasion of your short visit to Geneva the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) would like to underline that it regards your presence at the helm of the State Department as a new dawn in America’s Foreign Policy. 
 
It is a very welcome dawn, and a very encouraging one for all the peoples of the world, for the victims of human rights’ violations, and for the media whose members have become a constant target and casualty globally. 
 
The PEC is a Geneva based organization, which views the renewed vivid engagement of the US administration under your direction in human rights and on the level of the Human Rights Council as an important and impressive decision on the part of the US administration, continuing the path of Eleanor Roosevelt and thus strengthening and consolidating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
 
Now it is not might which is speaking, it is what is right, coupled with the most powerful country in the world, the country that all peoples look to as the example of freedom, democracy and the rule of law and the rule of rights. 
 
The PEC has been working for more than four years for the protection of journalists in zones of conflict. Among the ideas the PEC is exploring is guidelines for member states of how to deal with the dangerous situation facing journalists in the field during military engagements.
 
Another idea is to hold a special event on the level of the Council that would lead to a resolution on the protection of journalists, and we would hope that the United States would support this initiative. 

A third idea is that of developing a convention for the protection of journalists, and it is our hope that the United Sates, the beacon of freedom and democracy, would lead with others this process. 
 
However, the PEC is flexible and would adopt a step by step approach that would be most comfortable to member states. 

We would like to add that the PEC holds your courage and your dedication to human rights on a very high pedestal. 

Please accept, Madame Secretary, the assurances of the PEC’s highest consideration". 
                                           
Hedayat Abdel Nabi                                                        Blaise Lempen
PEC President                                                                 PEC Secretary-General

GENEVA
4 March 2009 

***02.03.2009. La crise de protection des journalistes s'amplifie : 26 journalistes tués depuis le début de l’année - la PEC lance un appel au Conseil des droits de l'homme // Media protection crisis: 26 journalists killed since the beginning of the year - a call to the Human Rights Council to react //La crisis de proteccion de los perdiodistas se amplia: 26 periodistas asesinados desde el inicio del ano. La PEC hace un llamamiento al Consejo de Derechos Humanos (English and Spanish after French) (Consult also PRESS and TICKING CLOCK) 

 Genève, 2 mars (PEC) La crise globale de protection des journalistes s'amplifie. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) a demandé lundi au Conseil des droits de l’homme, réuni jusqu’au 27 mars, de réagir à cette crise. Depuis le début de l'année, 26 journalistes ont été tués dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions, dont onze en février et 15 en janvier.

 Lors de la même période de l'an dernier (janvier et février 2008), 16 journalistes avaient été tués, selon le décompte de la PEC, soit une augmentation de plus de 50%. "Loin de s'améliorer, la situation se détériore", a déploré le secrétaire général de la PEC Blaise Lempen. L'an dernier, 91 journalistes ont perdu la vie dans l'exercice de leur métier.

 En février, deux journalistes ont été tués au Mexique, deux sont morts en Irak, un en Somalie, un à Madagascar, un au Sri Lanka, un au Pakistan, un au Népal, un aux Philippines, un en Colombie (Equateur). "La mort des journalistes est clairement liée à des situations de conflit interne", a souligné Blaise Lempen.

 Depuis le début de 2009, le plus grand nombre de victimes ont été recensées à Gaza, lors de l'offensive d'Israël (quatre), au Pakistan (quatre), en Somalie (deux), en Russie (deux), au Mexique (deux), au Sri Lanka (deux), au Népal (deux), au Venezuela (deux), en Irak (deux). Une victime a été recensée au Kenya, aux Philippines, à Madagascar, en Colombie.

 La présidente de la PEC Hedayat Abdel Nabi a lancé un appel au Conseil des droits de l’homme, réuni dès lundi pour sa session de haut niveau, pour qu'il réagisse à cette crise. La PEC souhaite que le Conseil organise un événement spécial sur la protection des journalistes, lors de sa prochaine session en juin, présidé par le rapporteur spécial de l’ONU pour la liberté d’expression Frank La Rue et suivi de son rapport. Elle appelle tous les Etats à soutenir cette initiative qui devrait permettre un large dialogue et déboucher sur des recommandations concrètes pour améliorer la protection des journalistes dans le monde.

Media protection crisis : 26 journalists killed since the beginning of the year – a call to the Human Rights Council to react 

   GENEVA, March 2 (PEC) – The global media crisis is worsening. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) called Monday upon the Human Rights Council convening today till 27 March in Geneva to react to the growing media casualties, 11 in February, 26 from the beginning of the year.

   According to the PEC for the same period last year (January-February 2008) 16 journalists were killed thus the toll from the beginning of the year represents more than a 50 percent increase.

   PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen stressed that the situation so far has deteriorated for media work in many parts of the world and deplored that in 2008 91 journalists were killed while carrying out their job. The killing of journalists is clearly linked with situations of internal conflict, said Lempen.

   During the month of February 2 journalists were killed in Mexico, 2 died in Iraq, one in Madagascar, one in Sri Lanka, one in Somalia, one in Pakistan, one in Colombia, one in the Philippines, and one in Nepal. 

   Since the beginning of 2009, journalists were hardly hit in Gaza with 4 journalists killed during the Israel offensive, Pakistan (4), Somalia (2), Russia (2), Mexico (2), Nepal (2), Venezuela (2), Iraq (2), Sri Lanka (2), Kenya (1), Philippines (1), Madagascar (1), Colombia (1).

   PEC president Hedayat Abdel Nabi called upon the Council to be engaged with this global problem and to organize a special event during its June session which would be presided and followed by the report of the Special Rapporteur for freedom of Expression Frank La Rue.

   The Geneva based organization calls upon all member states to support this initiative during the March session so that a broader dialogue can take place in the June session for improving with concrete measures the protection of journalists.

La crisis de protección de los periodistas se amplia: 26 periodistas asesinados desde el inicio del ano. La PEC hace un llamamiento al Consejo de Derechos Humanos.

Ginebra, mar 2 (PEC) La crisis de falta de protección para los periodistas se ha ampliado en el mundo. Así lo ha constatado el lunes la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC) en su informe mensual. Cuando el Consejo de Derechos Humanos se reúne para su sesión de alto nivel, la PEC ha formulado un llamamiento urgente al órgano de la ONU para que pase a la acción. 
 
Desde el inicio del año, 26 periodistas han muerto en el ejercicio de su profesión, de los cuales 11 en el mes de febrero.
           
Durante el mismo periodo del año anterior (enero y febrero de 2008), 16 periodistas fueron asesinados, lo que significa un aumento de más del 50 por ciento, según el balance de la PEC. “Lejos de mejorarse, la situación se deteriora”, ha deplorado el secretario general de la PEC, Blaise Lempen. El año pasado, 91 periodistas perdieron la vida en el ejercicio de su profesión.
 
En febrero, dos periodistas fueron asesinados en México, dos en Iraq, uno en Somalia, uno en Madagascar, uno en Sri Lanka, uno en Pakistán, uno en Nepal, uno en Colombia y uno en Filipinas. “La muerte de estos periodistas está claramente vinculada a situaciones de conflictos internos”, según ha subrayado Blaise Lempen.
 
Desde el inicio de 2009, el mayor número de víctimas se ha reportado en Gaza, durante la ofensiva militar de Israel (cuatro), en Pakistán (cuatro), en Somalia (dos), en Rusia (dos), en México (dos), en Sri Lanka (dos), en Nepal (dos), en Venezuela (dos), en Iraq (dos). Una víctima mortal ha sido empadronada en Kenia, Filipinas, Colombia y Madagascar, respectivamente.
 
La Presidenta de la PEC, Hedayat Abdel Nabi, hizo un llamamiento al Consejo para que se comprometa con este problema global y organice un evento especial durante su sesión de junio próximo, la cual deberá estar presidida y seguida por un informe del Relator Especial para la Libertad de Opinión y de Expresión, Frank La Rue.
 
La ONG exhorta a todos los Estados a respaldar este proyecto que deberá permitir un diálogo sobre esta grave cuestión y desembocar en recomendaciones concretas para mejorar la protección de los periodistas en todo el mundo.

***02.02.09.  A bad start for the media community: 14 journalists killed in one month - L'année 2009 a très mal commencé, déplore la PEC, avec 14 journalistes tués - 2009 – Mal comienzo para los medios de comunicación: 14 periodistas muertos (texts in French and Spanish after English - read also OTHER NEWS) 

 GENEVA, 2 February (PEC) The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) reports today that 2009 has fell upon the media community with a very negative record, 14 journalists killed during the month of January.

 Accordingly, the PEC calls upon the International Community to react to this heavy toll and work to do more for a better protection of media and journalists in dangerous situations. 

 The PEC media ticking clock which registers the number of journalists killed on the PEC website: www.pressemblem.ch , has registered the killing of 91 journalists in 2008, around 2 per week. The January 2009 figure of 14 journalists killed in 7 countries is surpassed only by the August 2008 figure (15 killed).

Conflict in Gaza

 The war in Gaza renews the need to discuss the issue of access of media in conflict zones.

 The PEC and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) firmly believe that OP 6, calling for safe media corridors, included in resolution A/HRCS/S-9/L.1/REV.2 of the Special Session of the Human Rights Council of 12 January 2009 is a
good basis to build on. 

 It is also important to add the question of reparations for media casualties and media installations and to include the need to bring the perpetrators of those crimes against media to trial.

 The two campaigns call for a special event of the Human Rights Council on the issue of the protection of journalists in conflict zones, followed by the establishment of a working group to discuss legal guidelines to improve the working conditions of media in dangerous situations. 

 Four journalists were killed in Gaza during the Israeli offensive against Hamas: Omar Silawi, Basil Ibrahim Faraj, Eyhab Al Whidi and Ala Hammad Murtaja.

 In addition, the PEC condemned intensive shelling of AlShorouk tower, where media offices resided, the destruction of AlAqsa TV and the shelling of AlResala newspaper, and blocking Gaza from media coverage during the war, when Israel refused to allow non-resident journalists to enter.

 The PEC renews its call for an independent impartial enquiry to look into attacks against journalists and media installations in Gaza.

Lack of access in Sri Lanka 

  Sri Lanka was also a main concern in January. The NGO based in Geneva express its deep concern for the lack of access in northern Sri Lanka for independent and impartial outside observers, including journalists.

 The killing in Colombo of the newspaper editor Lasantha Wrickrematunge was the latest blow to the free expression of dissent in Sri Lanka, said in a statement on January 29 the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

 In Venezuela two journalists were killed, Jacinto Lopez and Orel Zambrano.

  In Pakistan, two died accidentally in a suicide attack in North West Province Muhammed Imran and Tahir Awan, and another journalist, Aamir Wakil, was assassinated in Rawalpindi.

 In Russia two journalists were killed: Shafig Amrakhov, at Murmansk, and Anastasia Baburova, during an attempt on the life of the Russian lawyer Stanislav Markelov in Moscow.

 In Nepal, Uma Singh was shot by unidentified gunmen.
 
 In Somalia, Hassan Mayow Hassan, of Radio Shabelle, was the first journalist killed this year.

     
L'année 2009 a très mal commencé, déplore la PEC, avec 14 journalistes tués

 Genève, 2 février (PEC) L'année 2009 a très mal commencé, a déploré lundi la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC), qui a recensé la mort de 14 journalistes dans l'exercice de leur métier en janvier. L'ONG demande à la communauté internationale de faire davantage pour
faire respecter le travail des medias et des journalistes en mission dangereuse.

 Quatorze journalistes ont été tués dans sept pays en exerçant leur métier depuis le 1er janvier, selon la Media ticking clock qui recense les victimes sur le site web de la PEC: www.pressemblem.ch. Le mois de janvier 2009 est ainsi le plus tragique depuis août 2008, qui avait culminé avec un record de 15 journalistes tués. L'an dernier, 91 journalistes sont morts dans leurs fonctions, soit près de deux par semaine.

Evénements de Gaza

 Les événements de Gaza ont une nouvelle fois démontré la nécessité de discuter du problème de l'accès des medias aux zones de conflit.

 La PEC et le Pacte international pour la protection des journalistes (ICPJ) soulignent que le paragraphe 6, appelant notamment à l'ouverture de corridors pour les medias, de la
résolution A/CDH/s-9/L.1/REV2 adoptée par le Conseil des droits de l'homme le 12 janvier est une bonne base.

 Il est aussi important d'ajouter la question des dédommagements pour les victimes parmi les journalistes et pour les dégâts causés aux installations des medias et d'inclure la nécessité de traduire en justice les responsables de ces crimes.

 Les deux ONG demandent l'organisation d'un événement spécial dans le cadre du Conseil sur la protection des journalistes, suivi par la création d'un groupe de travail afin de discuter de principes directeurs améliorant les conditions de travail des medias dans des situations dangereuses.

 Quatre journalistes ont été tués lors de l'offensive israélienne contre le Hamas à Gaza: Omar Silawi, Basil Ibrahim Faraj, Eyhab Al Wahidi, Ala Hammad Murtaja. En outre, la PEC condamne les attaques contre plusieurs installations de medias et par l’armée israélienne et déplore l'interdiction faite par Israël aux journalistes non résidents d'accéder pendant les trois semaines du conflit à Gaza.

 La PEC renouvelle son appel à une enquête impartiale et complète sur les attaques dont les medias ont été victimes pendant le conflit à Gaza. 

Manque d'accès au Sri Lanka

 L'escalade des combats au Sri Lanka a été un autre sujet d’inquiétude en janvier. L'ONG basée à Genève exprime sa grave préoccupation sur le manque d'accès dans le nord de l'île aux observateurs indépendants et impartiaux, dont les journalistes.

 L'assassinat à Colombo du journaliste Lasantha Wrickrematunge a été le coup le plus récent contre la liberté d'expression au Sri Lanka, a déclaré la Haut Commissaire de l'ONU aux droits de l'homme Navi Pillay dans un communiqué le 29 janvier.

 Ailleurs dans le monde, deux journalistes ont été tués au Venezuela, Jacinto Lopez et Orel Zambrano. 
 
Au Pakistan, deux journalistes sont morts accidentellement dans un attentat-suicide dans la province du nord-ouest, Muhammed Imran et Tahir Awan, et un autre journaliste, Aamir Wakil, a été assassiné à Rawalpindi.

 Deux journalistes ont été tués en Russie, Shafig Amrakhov, à Murmansk, et Anastasia Baburova, lors de l'attentat contre l'avocat Stanislav Markelov à Moscou.

 Au Népal, Uma Singh est tombée sous les balles de tueurs non identifiés.
 
 Un journaliste a été tué en Somalie, Hassan Mayow Hassan, de Radio Shabelle, le 1er janvier.

2009 – Mal comienzo para los medios de comunicación: 14 periodistas muertos
 
GINEBRA, 2 feb (PEC) El año 2009 ha tenido un mal comienzo para los medios de comunicación, según ha informado este lunes la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC), tras reportar la muerte de 14 periodistas en el ejercicio de su profesión durante el mes de enero. La ONG pide a la comunidad internacional mayores esfuerzos para hacer respetar el trabajo de los medios de comunicación z de los periodistas en misiones peligrosas.
 
Catorce periodistas fueron asesinados desde el 1° de enero en siete países mientras ejercían sus funciones, según el “media ticking clock”, el sistema de monitoreo de PEC, que hace un recuento de las victimas sobre el sitio web de la ONG: www.pressemblem.ch. El mes de enero se ha convertido en el más trágico desde agosto de 2008, que terminó con un total de 15 periodistas asesinados. El pasado año, 91 periodistas hallaron la muerte en el ejercicio de sus funciones, lo que es igual a cerca de dos por semana.
 
Conflicto en Gaza
 
La guerra en Gaza pone al relieve una vez más la necesidad de discutir el problema del acceso de los medios a las zonas de conflicto.
 
La PEC y el Pacto Internacional para la protección de los periodistas (ICJP*) tienen la firme convicción de que el párrafo 6, de la Resolución A/CDH/s-9/L.1/Rev2, adoptado por el Consejo de Derechos Humanos el 12 de enero, donde se exhorta a la apertura de corredores para los medios, es una buena base para esas discusiones.
 
Asimismo, es importante agregar la cuestión de las indemnizaciones para las víctimas entre los periodistas, así como para los desgastes ocasionados a las instalaciones de los medios y la inclusión de la necesidad de llevar ante la justicia a los responsables de los crímenes.
 
Las dos ONG exigen la organización de una reunión especial del Consejo de Derechos Humanos sobre la protección de los periodistas, seguida de la creación de un grupo de trabajo a fin de discutir los principios legales para mejorar las condiciones de trabajo de los medios en las situaciones de peligro.
 
Durante la ofensiva israelí en Gaza contra Hamas, cuatro periodistas perdieron la vida: Omar Silawi, Basil Ibrahim Faraj, Eyhab Al Wahidi, Ala Hammad Murtaja. 

La PEC, además, ha condenado los ataques contra numerosas instalaciones de los medios, en particular, la destrucción de la TV Al AAqsa y la voladura del periódico AlResala, así como la interdicción hecha por Israel para impedir a periodistas no residentes la entrada en Gaza durante las tres semanas del conflicto.
 
La PEC renueva su llamamiento para que se realice una investigación imparcial y completa sobre los ataques contra los periodistas y las instalaciones de los medios en Gaza.

Falta de acceso en Sri Lanka
 
La escalada de los combates en Sri Lanka ha sido otro de los motivos de preocupación durante el mes de enero. La ONG, basada en Ginebra, expresa su profunda preocupación ante la falta de acceso en el norte de la isla a los observadores independientes e imparciales, incluidos los periodistas. 

El asesinato en Colombo del periodista Lasantha Wrickrematunge ha sido el último golpe a la libertad de expresión en Sri Lanka, afirmó el Alto Comisionado de la ONU para derechos humanos, Navi Pillay, en un comunicado difundido el 29 de enero.
 
En Venezuela, dos periodistas fueron asesinados, Jacinto López y Orel Zambrano. En Pakistán, dos fallecieron accidentalmente en un ataque suicida en la provincia del noroeste, Muhammed Imran y Tahir Awan, y otro periodistas, Amir Wakil, fue asesinado en Rawalpindi.
 
En Rusia, dos periodistas fueron asesinados: Shafig Amrakhov, en Murmansk, y Anatasia Babukova, durante el atentado contra el abogado Stanislav Markelov en Moscú.
 
En Nepal, Uma Singh cayó muerto al ser baleado por matones desconocidos.
 
En Somalia, el periodista Hassan Mayow Hassan, de Radio Shabelle, fue la primera víctima mortal este año. 

***15.01.09 GAZA - PEC ICPJ condemn strongly shelling a building hosting media offices (read also PRESS and OTHER NEWS)
 
GENEVA, January 15 (PEC-ICPJ) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) condemned today strongly the shelling of a building in Gaza hosting several media offices which resulted in the injury of two media workers.

The two Geneva based organizations call upon the international community to act and to put an end to such military actions which are clear violations of international humanitarian law.

Call upon the Human Rights Council to quickly move to the stage of implementation of resolution adopted last Monday, which, among other matters calls for safe corridors for media workers in Gaza and a free acces to do their work. The international independent enquiry must include an investigation on all attacks on media in Gaza and take the necessary measures to prosecute those responsible. Four journalists have been killed in 20 days of fighting in Gaza.

***12.01.09. GAZA - The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes Human Rights Council's call for free access to media through media corridors - la Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) salue la décision du Conseil des droits de l'homme d'appeler à faciliter le libre accès des medias à Gaza par l'intermédiaire de couloirs pour les medias (read also under PRESS and OTHER NEWS)

 GENEVA, January 12 (PEC-ICPJ) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) welcome the Human Rights Council's (HRC) resolution (A/HRC/S-9/L.1) adopted Monday, which, among other matters calls for safe corridors for media workers in Gaza.

   Operative paragraph (OP) 6 calls for "including the immediate establishment of Humanitarian corridors and insuring free access of media to areas of conflict through Media corridors." 

   "OP six is a historic turning point in the attention of the Human Rights Council to journalists and their work and should be highly commended for attending to the plight of media workers clearly flagged in Gaza", said PEC president and ICPJ coordinator Hedayat Abdel Nabi.     

 The situation in Gaza speaks for itself, bombardment and destruction of Al Aqsa TV, bombardment of Al Resala newspaper, shelling a building where journalists operate from, killing and wounding journalists as well as denying access to non-resident journalists to cover the war, another sort of blockade surrounding media work denying free access.       

  The PEC and the ICPJ commend the sponsors of the resolution for tabling OP 6 and its endorsement. The two organizations also thank other HRC member states who have voted for the resolution.

    They also commend the High Commissioner for Human Rights for her speech to the special session of HRC. "The press and nongovernmental organizations should be allowed access into the affected areas in order to inform and assist the public (...) Indeed, it is in times of conflict that rights and freedoms must be kept in sharp focus", said the High Commissioner Navi Pillay on Friday.

   OP 6 is an important reference for media organizations to build on towards development of legally binding guidelines. The PEC and the ICPJ believe also that the adoption of the resolution including OP 6 will be a good basis for fruitful results on the level of the informal consultations underway between UN member states in Geneva and the two organizations towards ways and means of improving the conditions of media work and the protection of journalists. 

  The PEC and the ICPJ had called upon the Special Session and for an independent commission of inquiry on 5 January. On 7 January they asked the Human Rights Council to endorse their call for safe corridors in Gaza for media workers as well as free access to Gaza for non-resident journalists.     

   Since the beginning of this year 9 journalists have already been killed in 5 countries (Gaza, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia).

***07.01.09. PEC-ICPJ Call upon the Council's Special Session to request safe media corridors (read also our pages "Other News" and "Press")
 
  GENEVA, January 7 (PEC-ICPJ) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) call upon the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on Friday to endorse in its final resolution the call for media corridors, like those applied to humanitarian workers, and that those corridors be respected by the parties to the conflict in Gaza.

   The PEC and the ICPJ request the parties to the conflict to agree on a moratorium on military activities. Hostilities shall be suspended during an agreed period of time to allow all media professionnals to do freely their job.
 
 The PEC, supported by the ICPJ, suggested those measures in a draft convention circulated to UN member States in December 2007 in order to facilitate access to medias in zones of conflict. Once again, the situation in Gaza reinforces the PEC-ICPJ call to UN Member States to open a serious discussion on a new international convention for the protection of journalists in conflict zones.
 
  The draft said that during the military conflict and in case of a military attack a specific warning shall be given in due time and by efficient means to media without exception.

   The two Geneva based organizations lend their support to journalists covering the Gaza conflict and particularly share the concerns voiced by the Palestinian Syndicate of Journalists which has organized a March in Ramallah today to condemn attacks against media installations in Gaza and the inability of non-resident reporters to access Gaza.

   The PEC and the ICPJ also believe that a distinctive emblem for journalists in the Gaza conflict recognized by both parties could help strengthen their protection. 

***05.01.2009. The Press Emblem Campaign Condemns Israeli attacks against Palestinian media installations, calls for media access to cover the Gaza conflict, calls for an independent commission of enquiry (texte en français après l'anglais, read also our pages "Other News" and "Press")

   GENEVA, 5 January (PEC) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the attacks committed by the Israeli forces against Palestinian media in Gaza.

   In addition, the PEC, in a statement issued today from Geneva, said that it also deplores the fact that Israel is not allowing non-resident media in Gaza to cover the current conflict.

   The PEC calls upon Israel to implement UN Security Council resolution 1738 that forbids any attacks against journalists or media installations.

   According to MADA, the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms , as well as based on additional sources of information, the Israeli army has targeted several Palestinian media installations among them Al Aqsa TV which was destroyed by Israeli bombardment on 28 December 2008 and Al-Resalah newspaper which was also bombarded on 3 January 2009.

  Two Palestinian journalists were killed one in previous attacks by Israel, photographer Hamza Shahin,who died on 26 December 2008, and another during the current military round on 3 January, Omar Silawi.

   The current attacks against Palestinian journalists remind the media comminuty of the attacks that were committed by Israel against Lebanese media in the July-August war 2006.

   The PEC denounces firmly the act of denying coverage to non-resident media in Gaza, and in subjecting journalists in Israel to military censorship, a matter which questions their ability to cover objectively the conflict from the Israeli side.

   Without independent impartial witnesses on the ground it becomes very difficult to monitor human rights violations and that of humanitarian law.

   Subsequently, the PEC calls upon the Human Rights Council to quickly take action and establish an independent international enquiry to shed objectively and impartially light on the developments of the conflict. 

La PEC condamne les attaques contre les medias palestiniens à Gaza, demande un accès libre des medias au territoire palestinien et la création d'une commission d'enquête indépendante

 Genève, 5 janvier (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) condamne les attaques commises par les forces armées israéliennes contre les medias palestiniens à Gaza. L'ONG déplore également
qu'Israël continue d'empêcher les journalistes non résidents à Gaza d'avoir accès au territoire palestinien.

 La PEC demande à Israël de se conformer à la résolution 1738 du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU qui interdit les attaques contre les journalistes et installations des medias.

 Selon les informations du correspondant local de la PEC, le Centre palestinien pour le développement et la liberté de presse (MADA), basé à Ramallah, ainsi que d'autres sources, l'armée
israélienne a visé plusieurs installations de medias palestiniens.

 Deux employés des medias sont morts en raison d'attaques israéliennes: Hamza Shahin, un photographe de la Shehab News Agency, le 26 décembre, ainsi qu'un cameraman Omar Silawi, le 3
janvier.

 Les bureaux d'Al Aqsa Television ont été détruits par un bombardement aérien israélien le 28 décembre. Les bureaux du journal Al-Resalah à Gaza city ont été bombardés le 3 janvier ainsi que la radio Sawt Al-Aqsa le 4 janvier. Ces attaques rappellent celles déjà commises par Tsahal contre des medias libanais lors de la guerre du Liban en juillet-août 2006.

 La PEC dénonce fermement le refus persistant des autorités israéliennes d'autoriser les journalistes non palestiniens à entrer dans la bande de Gaza. Les journalistes résidents en Israël
sont en outre soumis à la censure militaire israélienne, ce qui pose de sérieuses questions quant à leur possibilité de couvrir de manière objective le conflit.

 Sans témoins indépendants et impartiaux sur le terrain, il est très difficile de documenter les violations des droits de l'homme et du droit humanitaire. En conséquence, la PEC appelle le Conseil
des droits de l'homme à décider rapidement de la création d'une commission internationale indépendante pour faire toute la lumière sur le déroulement du conflit.

***01.01.2009. PEC-ICPJ report the first media casualty in Somalia for 2009 - Condemns strongly the killing of the Radio journalist

GENEVA, 1-1-2009 (PEC-ICPJ) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of journalists (ICPJ) condemns the ongoing casualties among media workers, the first to fall on the first day of 2009 is a Somali Radio journalist.

Fire was opened today on Hassan Mayow Hassan by a well known militiaman in Afgoye district who shot the journalist twice in the head. Mayow worked for Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu as the Afgoye Correspondent.
 
The PEC and the ICPJ as they start a new year with good wishes to all, is again confronted with the rest of the media community with a new victim in conflict zones.

Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) said that it is a depressing day for Somali journalists and the entire media fraternity since a bold and experienced journalist was killed while carrying out his journalistic duty of seeking to report in the public interest from the country’s conflict.   

“The New Year starts with a outrageous news for journalists and instils fear and discontent in the hearts and minds of Somali journalists that they would be killed for the blood-spattered violence in their country as today’s hostility has claimed a journalist’s life,” added Osman.

He added that the killing of Hassan Mayow Hassan calls national and international
attention to the dangers Somali journalists face in operating the country’s long-standing, bloodthirsty and brutal conflict, and the critical need to act swiftly to protect journalists.   
The media community closed the curtains of 2008 with ninety-one killed in more than 30 countries according to the PEC Media Ticking Clock. The 91 journalists paid with their lives for exercising their profession.

The PEC and the ICPJ will continue in 2009 the process of consultations with UN member states started at the end of 2008 with the aim of reaching an agreement on a concerted effort to improve the conditions of work for media workers in conflict zones and other situations, and to reach legal
guidelines as a first step in this regard along a long path towards the enforcement of existing legal instruments and work on filling the gaps in these instruments.