Video address of UN Resident Coordinator and Ambassadors on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo:

Today is the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The United Nations General Assembly approved this resolution in 2013 that it should be marked on the 2nd of November every year. Why did the General Assembly approve this resolution? It did because even up till now there is significant violence against journalists - more than 100 journalists are killed every year. They are killed in the pursuit of the work to tell a story, to conduct investigations against corruption, against trafficking, essentially to promote accountability in their societies.

The Human Rights Council, in September of last year, approved another resolution that mandates member states do all of their power to investigate, to prosecute all of those who try to impede journalists in the performance of their job. Now, we know that a free, open, plural media is crucial for the success of democracy, for accountability, to ensure a democratic society all over the world. Kyrgyzstan has made significant progress. So, we acknowledge the progress that has happened in creating plural media in Kyrgyzstan. The challenge for us in Kyrgyzstan is to do more, so all of us to unite - to assure journalists that they will not be assaulted, they will not be intimidated, there'll be no violence against them, all measures will be taken to ensure that they can effectively perform their job.

So on this international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists, I would like to encourage all journalists in Kyrgyz Republic that the United Nations system stands with you, that together with the government we will continue to encourage all state institutions, but also non-state actors, to observe the rights of journalists, to allow you the space to do your work, but you should do so with responsibility, but also a sense of accountability on your part.

US Ambassador Donald Lu

• Today, thank a journalist for keeping you informed – because they are the watchdogs holding communities together.
• Journalists risk their lives to report the story, not become the story

UK Ambassador Charles Garrett

• Targetingjournalists and failing to bringthosewhoattackjournalists to justiceisanassaultondemocracy.

EU Ambassador Eduard Auer

• Every case of a journalist or media worker harassed, injured, or arbitrarily detained is a seriousthreat to thepursuit of truth.

German Ambassador Monika Iwerson

• Journalists remind governments of their obligations to society. (Assaultsonindividualjournalists must not go unpunished.)

Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic Véronique HULMANN

• Freedom of the press is an essential element of any democracy because it improves transparency and enhances the accountability of public authorities. Switzerlandreaffirmsitscommitment to defend the independence of the media and ensure the protection of journalists, both men and women

Посол Франции Микаэль РУ

• Свобода слова- это также и Ваша свобода. Пусть живет правда.

UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo

• Independent journalists protect communities from disinformation and fake news.

• When journalists are targeted, society pays the price.

Thank a journalist. Keep truth alive.