UNESCO, IJS Work Together for Press Freedom

The project will aim, among other goals, to educate journalists on generally-recognized essential standards of practice for professional journalists, the parallels between reliable journalism and conflict mediation, the essential role of objectivity and truth-seeking in reporting on conflict, and the usage  of correct language and framing, important to conflict sensitive reporting.

Overall, initiatives under the agreement will address the safety of journalists and address the issue of impunity of acts of violence against them in the context of the ‘UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity’.  With their focus on enhancing the capacity of media professionals to provide conflict-sensitive, non-partisan information to the public, UNESCO and IJS believe that they will contribute to conflict resolution, peace and democracy in Iraq.

It is increasingly challenging for journalists in Iraq to verify events on the ground and to ensure non-partisan reporting.  In this context, media can play an unintended role in aggravating sectarian disputes.  At times the media itself has been portrayed as a contributor to the stigmatization and incitation of violence through inaccurate and biased reporting, which has further jeopardized the lives of journalists as they are often viewed as parties to the conflict.

Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, 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.

(Source: UN)