UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

05/14/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2022 04:05

Mourning Shireen Abu Akleh during World Press Freedom Day in Gaza

This has been an exceptionally difficult week for journalists in Palestine and beyond.

Each year, UNESCO officially marks World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of May. It is a day which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, allows us to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

This year, UNESCO Ramallah marked the day with events in both Ramallah and Gaza, with partners from the European Union, the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate and Press House Gaza. On the morning of the 11th of May, as preparations were underway for the event in Gaza, the devastating news broke that veteran Al Jazeera journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, had been fatally shot while covering conflict in Jenin in the West Bank.

The shock and the grief were palpable in Gaza as the news spread. A household name in Palestine and across the region, many of the people present had grown up seeing Shireen on their TV, welcoming her into their homes as she reported on events across Palestine. A number of journalists spoke at the event about how Shireen inspired them and how much they had learned from her - especially women seeking to carve out a space in what can be a male-dominated environment. Many people at the event worked with her, both as fellow journalists and partners in advocating for a free press in a place where freedom of speech comes often comes at a price. Unfortunately, in Shireen's case, she paid the highest price imaginable - as other Palestinian journalists have before her.

First and foremost, UNESCO Ramallah's most sincere condolences are with Shireen's family, friends and colleagues as they process this loss.

The Director General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has issued a statement condemning Shireen's killing and called for a thorough investigation that will lead to accountability.

This sentiment is echoed by all of us at UNESCO Ramallah.

UNESCO Ramallah is committed to continuing to work with our partners in Palestine in pursuit of a free press, and enhanced journalist safety. Palestinian journalists must be free to carry out their duties, hold institutions to account, and ensure that the public has access to reliable, accurate and up to date information.