The ACHRS attends the UN Panel Discussion on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

By Martin Caforio 2 November 2023

On 2 November 2023, the Amman Centre for Human Rights Studies attended the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights’ panel discussion commemorating the 10th annual International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

Panelists underscored the new and emerging threats to journalistic freedoms and intersectional, overlapping harms faced by journalists around the world, particularly the precarious state of free and independent media today. The discussion touched on the role played by cybercrime and counterterrorism legislation in increasing state silencing of civic space. Participants described violence against journalists, including their killing, as existing in an “online-offline continuum” which extends from cyberthreats and online harassment into the physical world.

Various UN speakers, including ambassadors and former Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Fionnuala Ní Aoláinula, were joined by civil society leaders from around the world, including speakers from the Southern Africa region and the Arab world. Contributions highlighted various facets of the causes of violence against journalists and how impunity can be opposed through legal mechanisms, adequate oversight mechanisms and strong institutions.

This event’s discussions were influenced by the ongoing violence against civilians – including journalists – in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank; 33 journalists have been killed in Palestine, the occupying power Israel, and Lebanon to date since October 7th, making this the deadliest period for journalists on record, per the Centre for the Protection of Journalists.

Speakers, including Ms. Rawan Damen from Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism and representatives from the State of Palestine, Indonesia, Turkiye, and Qatar highlighted the direct relevance of the ongoing occupying force’s violence in Gaza to the topic of ending impunity against journalists and protecting the freedom of speech.

In closing, journalist Maria Ressa delivered a video message wherein she emphasised the transformative impact of digital technologies, including algorithms, artificial intelligence, and social media are playing in the media and civic landscape. This drew attention to considering non-state stakeholders in the protection and defence of human rights and free speech.

ACHRS was encouraged by the productive discussion on this important topic and the anniversary of Resolution 68/163 of 2013 establishing this International Day. Freedom of speech as promoted and enriched by strong media protections and the defence of journalistic freedoms is a core principle for the Centre and for healthy democratic society.

ACHRS underscores the need to pay particular attention to the role of cybercrime and antiterrorism legislation in curbing freedom of speech. These restrictions are increasingly relevant to the curbing of freedom of expression in the Middle East and North Africa; ACHRS will continue to monitor and work on this critical issue, taking inspiration from the leadership of OHCHR and related human rights advocacy on civil society freedoms.