UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
11/30/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/30/2022 22:44
Director-General condemns killing of journalist Essam Abdullah in northern Syria
Press release
Director-General condemns killing of journalist Essam Abdullah in northern Syria
Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has reiterated countries' obligation to protect journalists following the killing of reporter Essam Abdullah in an airstrike in northern Syria on 20 November.
UNESCO
30 November 2022
I condemn the killing of Essam Abdullah. Journalists have a duty to provide news and information of public interest, including covering risky environments. Their safety and protection must be guaranteed by the relevant authorities.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Abdullah, a reporter for Hawar News Agency (ANHA), had been reporting in northern Syria since 2013. He was killed while interviewing residents after an initial airstrike a few hours before.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.