Doha, Qatar: Organized by National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC) at Al Jazeera Media Network and 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 kicked off on Wednesday.
Inaugurated by NHRC Chairperson HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, the conference will discuss ways to enhance the protection of journalists and ensure their safety while covering conflicts, and to address the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them, with the participation of international officials, experts, and media professionals.
In this context, HE Al Attiyah said that organizing this conference comes within the context of the NHRC close monitoring of the conditions of journalists in areas of armed conflict, in addition to its keenness to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the previous conferences, especially the recommendations of the first Doha Declaration, issued by the international conference for the protection of journalists in dangerous situation, held in January 2012.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency added that while the NHRC is proud to note the reference to this declaration in numerous Human Rights Council resolutions, and welcomea the interpretation of a number of its recommendations into practical action, including the establishment of a unit dedicated to the safety of journalists within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the NHRC renews its determination through this conference to move forward in enhancing protection and establishing a safe and enabling environment for journalists.
HE NHRC Chairperson pointed out that while the NHRC recognizes the importance of the media in promoting and protecting human rights, it highly values the role of journalists and the sacrifices they make in highlighting violations in areas of armed conflict and drawing the world's attention to the humanitarian disasters resulting from the suffering of civilians in accessing food, water, healthcare, and other services essential to their survival.
Her Excellency indicated that the escalation of serious violations and the systematic targeting of journalists, their families, and their communities aims to silence their voices, which are recognized under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
HE Al Attiyah emphasized that it is no longer acceptable to limit oneself to mere condemnation. The widening scope of crimes and serious violations against journalists points to the urgent need for broad action involving governments, national human rights institutions, and all stakeholders, along with UN agencies, to activate the rules of international law and implement comprehensive reforms to protection mechanisms. This will enhance their effectiveness in monitoring the implementation of relevant international obligations, end impunity by holding violators accountable, and strengthen guarantees of non-recurrence.
Her Excellency said that the NHRC declares its commitment to following up on the implementation of the outcomes of this conference, in cooperation with various partners. The issue of protecting journalists will remain a top priority, in support of the truth and redress for victims.
For his part, HE Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al-Thani said that while the blood of Al Jazeera journalists in the Gaza Strip has not yet dried in defense of the truth, the profession of journalism is facing tests that threaten its very existence and its humanitarian role.
His Excellency added that Al Jazeera Media Network has made the protection and safety of its journalists a firm priority, developing specialized training programs for its crews working in conflict zones and ensuring the highest standards of professional safety. However, its correspondents have been targeted simply for carrying out their duties. The number of Al Jazeera martyrs has reached 22 so far, 10 of whom were killed during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.
HE the Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network emphasized that the press has never been a party to conflicts. Rather, it has served as a lens for conveying the truth, a voice for victims, and a tool for documenting the suffering of civilians. Respecting this role and ensuring the freedom of journalists to carry out their mission is the natural path to achieving justice. Otherwise, war crimes will remain unwittingly unseen, and humanity will remain memoryless.
His Excellency pointed out that, in light of these challenges, Al Jazeera affirms that the safety of journalists must be a priority for the UN Security Council, calling for the implementation of relevant Human Rights Council resolutions, after hundreds of journalists lost their lives over the past decade amid complete impunity.
Addressing the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflicts, HE Sheikh Nasser stressed that Al Jazeera Media Network calls for unifying initiatives and strengthening solidarity among media institutions, human rights organizations, and nations to halt the killing of journalists and end the policy of impunity for their murderers.
There is confidence that the network's strategic partners in the NHRC, with whom the network is honored to organize this event, will remain, as always, a steadfast support in carrying this noble humanitarian message, he underlined.
Sheikh Nasser highlighted that Al Jazeera has been driving this cause forward for years, with a key milestone being the launch of the Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists in 2016, a document that received the endorsement of the Human Rights Council and UNESCO and stands as the first international document propelled by a media institution for adoption within UN frameworks.
He emphasized that the strong message that must emerge from this conference is that silencing the free word will not stop the truth, rather, it will amplify its presence and power, emphasizing that the shared responsibility is to stand as one united front, institutions, organizations, and governments, to protect journalists as a safeguard for truth itself.
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Dr. Tawfik Jelassi stated in a recorded intervention broadcast during the opening session that free and independent media are an essential pillar of democracy, yet it is equally crucial to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers while performing their vital role.
Journalists around the globe encounter threats, harassment, and censorship, and often lethal violence, while female journalists remain particularly vulnerable to harassment, both online and offline, Dr. Jelassi highlighted.
Dr. Jelassi underlined that UNESCO, as the coordinating body for the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, works to shore up international cooperation, strengthen national protection mechanisms, and build safe environments that enable journalists to carry out their mission without fear.
Journalist safety is not merely about protecting lives but also about safeguarding communities' right to access reliable, sometimes life-saving, information, he stressed.
Dr. Jelassi emphasized that protecting journalists in conflict zones remains a top priority for UNESCO, averring that UNESCO has repeatedly condemned the killing of journalists in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, and other conflict zones, and affirms that journalists are civilians who must be protected under Security Council Resolution 2222.
Finally, Jelassi called for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists, affirming that attacks on media workers will not be tolerated and that perpetrators must be held accountable.
In a recorded intervention, Commissioner at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo emphasized that journalist protection is central to the African Commission's work, which closely monitors violations against journalists across Africa.
In 2019, the Commission adopted the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, she highlighted, affirming that the right to expression through media must not be subject to unjustified legal restrictions. Principle 20 urges states to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers and take legal measures to investigate attacks against them and prosecute the perpetrators.
She added that in 2020, the Commission adopted a resolution on the safety of journalists and media workers in Africa, underscoring the need for investigation, accountability, and effective remedies for victims.
Topsy-Sonoo further explained that the African Commission can take urgent measures upon receiving reports of attacks against journalists, including issuing urgent appeals to the concerned state, demanding protection of the affected journalist, and a detailed report on actions taken.
She stressed that the Commission monitors member states' reports and holds them accountable when cases of attacks on journalists are ignored, noting that Resolution 185 of 2011 reaffirmed journalists' freedom and independence, calling on all conflict parties to respect their profession and ensure their safety in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The opening session concluded with a moment of silence honoring journalists who lost their lives in conflict zones worldwide, followed by the inauguration of a photo exhibition showcasing journalists' equipment and images of those martyred in Gaza and Iraq.
