Resolution on "The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity

The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, adopted on the 27th of November 2013, the Resolution entitled “The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”. The submission of the resolution, as an initiative of Greece, along with of Austria, Argentina, Costa-Rica and Tunisia, complemented a series of related activities for the protection of journalists, undertaken by the Permanent Mission of Greece within the context of the United Nations, during the last 3 years. Similarly, Greece was previously actively engaged to the adoption of the Security Council Resolution for the protection of journalists in armed conflicts in 2006.

The Resolution stresses the urgent need to combat impunity of crimes against press representatives, taking into account its worrisome percentage of 90% and, for the purpose of raising awareness in the international community, establishes an International Day against Impunity, on November 2. Furthermore, the UN Member States recognize the need for the realization of the UN Plan of Action on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity.

The adoption of this Resolution for the protection of journalists constitutes the most significant recent step towards ensuring the safe and unimpeded exercise of journalism and it is expected to trigger future action from the international community.

Resolution on "The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity