Doha: The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC) at Al Jazeera Media Network have announced the organization of an international conference focused on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts. The event, scheduled for October 8-9, is set to feature extensive participation from international and regional organizations dedicated to promoting press freedom and safeguarding journalists.
According to Qatar News Agency, NHRC Chairperson Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah highlighted that the conference was convened in response to the intentional targeting of media professionals in conflict areas worldwide. She emphasized that such acts necessitate a unified response from human rights organizations globally to condemn and combat this violence. Al Attiyah remarked that the assassination of journalists is not only an infringement on their right to life but also a denial of the public’s right to access truthful information.
Al Jazeera Media Network’s Director General, Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al-Thani, urged the global press community and human rights advocates to protect journalists operating in high-risk environments. He noted that Al Jazeera has suffered significant losses, with ten journalists killed and five injured in the past two years in the Gaza Strip alone. Al-Thani called on the international community to oppose these systematic attacks and ensure that journalists can work without the threat of violence.
The conference aims to galvanize actions from stakeholders and policymakers to improve the safety of journalists. It seeks to enhance accountability and legal mechanisms to address crimes against media workers, especially in areas like the Gaza Strip, and to ensure justice and compensation for victims and their families.
The event will delve into the broader humanitarian and social impacts of attacks on press freedom, exploring ways to strengthen international protection efforts. This includes proposals for international fact-finding committees to investigate abuses against journalists in conflict zones and support initiatives from special rapporteurs and other international bodies.
With seven plenary sessions planned, the conference will address crucial topics such as the dual role of journalists as witnesses and victims, legal protections for media personnel, and the roles of international and national entities in safeguarding journalists. It will also examine state and organizational initiatives, challenges in ensuring justice, and the importance of partnerships between media entities and international organizations.