UNSC resolution on protection of journalists in conflict zones

In International Affairs
May 29, 2015

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution to protect journalists, who are working in conflict zones. The council has condemned abuses committed against journalists in armed conflict. The 15-member body said journalists in areas of armed conflict shall be considered as civilians and shall be respected and protected as such, provided that they take no action adversely affecting their status as civilians.

The UNSC resolution has urged member nations, governments and armed groups to take necessary steps. The resolution also called for the immediate and unconditional release of reporters who are held as hostages in conflict zones.

As per the estimates, a total of 66 journalists were killed in 2014 alone and 25 journalists were killed since January 2015. Last year U.S. journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were beheaded by the ISIS, which triggered condemnations on killings and abuses committed against journalists worldwide. In the last one decade, 700 media workers were killed in the conflict zones just because of their profession. Iraq and Syris have become the most dangerous places for Journalists.