Doha: Organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC) at Al Jazeera Media Network, in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the international conference on the protection of journalists in armed conflict zones commenced on Wednesday. The event aims to address critical issues surrounding the safety of journalists in conflict areas and the impunity of crimes committed against them.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference was inaugurated by HE NHRC Chairperson Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, who emphasized the need for enhanced protection of journalists and the necessity to establish a safe environment for them to operate. Her Excellency highlighted the NHRC’s ongoing commitment to monitoring the conditions of journalists in conflict zones and following up on previous conference outcomes, particularly the recommendations from the first Doha Declaration issued in January 2012.
HE Al Attiyah expressed pride in the reference to the Doha Declaration in various Human Rights Council resolutions, observing that some recommendations have already been translated into action, such as establishing a unit dedicated to journalists’ safety within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. She stressed the importance of moving beyond condemnation to take broad action involving governments, national human rights institutions, and UN agencies to hold violators accountable and prevent future occurrences.
HE Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al-Thani reiterated the network’s commitment to journalist safety, highlighting the loss of 22 Al Jazeera journalists, including ten during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. He called for the UN Security Council to prioritize journalist safety and for global solidarity to prevent the killing of journalists and end impunity.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Dr. Tawfik Jelassi reinforced the significance of journalist safety as a pillar of democracy, stressing that free and independent media are crucial. He outlined UNESCO’s efforts in coordinating the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, aiming to create safe environments for journalists globally.
Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights highlighted the Commission’s dedication to journalist protection in Africa, urging states to ensure journalist safety and prosecute perpetrators of attacks. She noted the Commission’s ability to take urgent measures against attacks on journalists, underscoring the need for accountability.
The opening session concluded with a moment of silence for journalists who lost their lives in conflict zones, followed by a photo exhibition featuring journalists’ equipment and images of those martyred in Gaza and Iraq.