UNESCO Calls for Protecting Freedom of Expression

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, November 4,  2021: UNESCO in collaboration with the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights, the European Union Delegation to Pakistan, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of the Netherlands, High Commission of Canada, and British High Commission Islamabad, marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI).

In the context of increasing and emerging threats to journalists, this year’s IDEI focused on the institutional gaps and respond to the safety of journalists. In addition, harassment of women journalists, and misinformation were also discussed as factors impeding their safety. Media workers, journalists, civil society, and human rights activists have constantly been highlighting the need to strengthen mechanisms ensuring the safety of journalists.

Being organized under UNESCO’s multi-donor program on freedom of expression and safety of journalists, the event was attended by around 60 participants. In 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to commemorate IDEI every year to raise awareness on journalists’ safety. According to UNESCO, in Pakistan, 81 journalists have lost their lives in the line of duty since 2004, while independent research highlights extremely low levels of convictions against the killings of these journalists. This day recognizes the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists in limiting fundamental freedoms. 

Ms. Patricia McPhillips, Country Representative and Director of UNESCO, welcomed the participants and stressed that the threats and violence against journalists not only indicate a shrinking space for democratic discourse but also highlight the weakening of important institutions such as the rule of law and the judicial system.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Wouter Plomp, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, said journalists should be able to report without fear, adding the Netherlands continues to strive for improving the conditions in which journalists work, both at the national as well as at the international level.

During the event, Ms. Gharida Farooqi, a journalist, said the safety of media workers should be ensured to work independently. Mr. Saqib Sultan, Director of the National Police Bureau, stressed the need for developing and strengthening mechanisms that report and monitor crimes against journalists.  Human rights expert, Mr. Chaudhry Shafique, highlighted gaps in existing avenues for legal aid and institutional support for the safety of journalists. DG Information and Broadcasting Mr. Manzoor Memon elaborated on efforts by the government to ensure the safety of journalists.

UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists strengthens UNESCO’s work at global, regional, and national levels by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression. It enables UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector to address complex issues through the design and implementation of holistic media and long-term interventions. This mechanism enables UNESCO and its partners to achieve greater impact and sustainability while reducing fragmentation of activities in the same field.