Intervention by the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations
November 20
Mr. Chair,
It is my honour to speak today on behalf of the main sponsors - Argentina, Austria, Costa Rica, France, Tunisia and my country Greece -, as well as on behalf of the co-sponsors of the draft resolution "The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity" contained in document L.35/Rev.1.
Over the course of negotiations, we worked extensively to address all the issues and concerns expressed by delegations. We would like to stress our appreciation for all our colleagues for their support, flexibility and constructive engagement towards producing a balanced text that meets the expectations of every delegation involved.
Back in 2013 the General Assembly adopted by consensus the Resolution on “The safety of journalists and the issue of impunity” and proclaimed November 2nd as the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists”.
Four years later, much more needs to be done to put an end to the upward trend in the number of deaths of journalists in recent years and to the increased attempt to silence them. We hope that the text presented today reflects the concerns voiced by both governments and civil society in this regard. Based on the existing international framework, this year’s resolution highlights the need to prevent violence, threats and attacks against journalists, as well as the priority to stop the vicious cycle of impunity. Furthermore, it takes a more gender-sensitive approach in compliance with the relevant report of the Secretary General.
Mr. Chair,
Less than one month after the commemoration of the Fourth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, this year’s Resolution comes in a timely manner to highlight that the international community remains committed to and united in protecting journalists against all human rights violations and abuses.
As we invite all delegations to co-sponsor the Resolution, we sincerely hope that the resolution will once again gather the support of all States and be adopted by consensus.
Thank you.