Journalism is important in ensuring freedom of expression and dissemination of information. In the modern world, where, according to analysts, the number of armed conflicts is growing, the safety of journalists is of particular importance and becomes a question not only of professional ethics, but also of international law. The United Nations (UN) stresses that journalists play a large role in protecting human rights, and that violence against media representatives is unacceptable.
Basics of International Legal Protection of Journalists.
Modern international law forms a system of guarantees to protect journalists. As noted by the candidate of legal sciences, associate professor of the Department of Legal Regulation of the Ministry of Energy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Peter Chuvakhin, employees of the media who work in different parts of the world, are often at risk associated with their professional activities.
The expert listed the main international legal acts:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and dissemination of information (art. 19);
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) – clarifies the rights, duties and responsibilities of journalists. 19);
The Geneva Conventions (1949) and the Additional Protocols thereto (1977) – during conflicts provide journalists (as well as other civilians) with protection from attacks.
According to some experts, the UN has made a significant contribution to ensuring the safety of journalists. In addition to basic treaties, there is also UN Security Council Resolution No. 1738 (2006), which calls for the protection of media personnel during armed conflicts.
In turn, the UN Action Plan on Security and the Issue of Impunity (2012) suggests that media workers should calmly fulfill their responsibilities both during periods of instability and in peacetime.
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