UN Security Council passes a resolution on journalists' protection

Reporters Without Borders welcomes the unanimous adoption of Resolution 1738, protecting journalists operating in conflict areas, by the UN Security Council today. The international press freedom organization acknowledges the efforts of the French Foreign Minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy, and of French diplomats in initiating and securing the passage of the resolution. Reporters Without Borders is glad its collaboration with the French Foreign ministry has resulted in such a quick adoption of the resolution. Reporters Without Borders submitted the first draft of the resolution to the French foreign minister on 16 October 2006. Reporters Without Borders wants to highlight the instrumental role played by Pierre Lellouche and Francois Loncle, members of the French Parliament, who recently issued a report on risks faced by reporters in war zones. At a time when reporters and media assistants are facing increasing risks -110 of them have been killed so far this year - this resolution is a necessary reminder to all States of their obligations under the international law. It is also a call to governments to fight against impunity too often enjoyed by those committing crimes against journalists. . Resolution 1738, introduced by France and Greece, draws upon the fundamental principles of press freedom and reasserts the necessity of preventing violence against journalists and bringing to justice those responsible for these crimes.