UN recognizes role of journalists in preventing conflict
The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing for the first time the role journalists can play in preventing conflicts and protecting civilians by providing early warnings of looming crises.
The resolution urges all countries to take steps to ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists during armed conflicts and urges the immediate and unconditional release of media professionals kidnapped or taken hostage during conflicts.
The Lithuanian-drafted resolution, the first in nine years on the protection of journalists, expresses "deep concern at the growing threat to the safety of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel posed by terrorist groups."
It condemns all abuses against journalists and "affirms that the work of a free, independent and impartial media constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society."
