UN: Gaza witnesses highest rate of killings of journalists

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that recent years have seen high rates of death in conflict zones - particularly in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in any war in decades, stressing that around the world, an estimated 9 out of 10 killings of journalists go unpunished.

According to the UN Information Center, Guterres said in his message on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, that "a free press is an essential element of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Yet journalists around the world are prevented from doing their job and often face threats, violence and even death in carrying out their mission to reveal the truth and hold those with power accountable."

The UN Secretary-General said that impunity breeds more violence, "and this must change."

Guterres pointed out that the Charter for the Future - adopted in September - calls for respect and protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel working in situations of armed conflict.

He called on governments to implement these commitments by taking urgent steps to protect journalists, investigate crimes against them and prosecute their perpetrators – everywhere.