Share a common interest in creating conditions conducive to journalistic safety.

 

The UN’s action in the area of the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity is based on the premise that its component institutions share a common interest in creating conditions conducive to journalistic safety. The rationale is that this safety is an important prerequisite for achieving freedom of expression, democracy, social development and peace – which are all central to UN bodies fulfilling their mandates. Multiple factors determine whether citizens can exercise the right to freedom of expression without fear of harassment, intimidation or physical danger. It is in this context that the derivative right to press freedom has special relevance. The safe exercise of press freedom impacts on how other sectors of society can enjoy and benefit from free expression. Journalists1 play a particularly prominent role in society: when they are threatened, attacked or killed, information flows shrink and entire communities are cowed. Citizens are deprived of the necessary information to develop their own opinions and take informed decisions about their lives and development. For these reasons, the work of each UN organization is made easier when journalists can work without fear. Many UN bodies also work directly with the media, and have an immediate interest in the safety of those to whom they provide stories, training or other services. The UN Plan recognises that the safety of journalists, and the combating of impunity for crimes against their use of freedom of expression, can only be effectively addressed through a holistic approach. This is because the Plan perceives safety as a broad category that extends from preventive, protective and pre-emptive measures, through to combating impunity and promoting a social culture which cherishes freedom of expression and press freedom. Notably, the Plan also acknowledges that safety spans both online and offline worlds, and that solutions require informed action at global, regional, national and local levels whilst at the same time responding to contextual specificities in each case. The Plan is also gender-sensitive. The Implementation Strategy and Work-Plan reflect all these aspects of the UN Plan.

This document provides the United Nations Implementation Strategy 2013-2014 of the UN Plan of Action on The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity (hereafter referred to as the UN Plan). In addition to the Strategy, there is a detailed Work-Plan to put the Strategy into place. These follow upon the endorsement of the UN Plan by the UN Chief Executives Board on 13 April 2012, and widespread consultation among stakeholders.

Implemenation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the issue of impunity.