Problem of impunity

Published October 25, 2012

THERE is no doubt that for journalists, this is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Journalists are killed or harassed because of their work or in the line of duty partly because the state has consistently refused to track down the killers or intimidators. Here, journalists are sandwiched between a rock and a hard place: at one end is a shadowy establishment that tries to keep certain information cloaked, and at the other, a war with elements that consider no means too foul to achieve their end. Yet the harassment of journalists, and their killing with impunity is a global problem. The Committee to Protect Journalists estimates that some 49 journalists have been killed around the world so far this year, while Reporters Without Borders’ ‘Press Freedom Barometer’ points out that over 270 people, including journalists and ‘netizens’, have been put in prison during these 10 months. In this tug-of-war between those who seek to expose the truth and those who try to contain it, what is at stake is the citizens’ right to know.

It was in defence of this right that the world media community expressed dismay at the ineffectiveness of UN efforts to ensure the safety of newsmen — the 2006 UNSC Resolution 1738, among other matters, reminded all parties in situations of armed conflict to respect the professional independence of media personnel. At a symposium on ‘Media Responses to Matters of Life and Death’ that took place in London last week, ahead of the second UN Inter-Agency meeting on ‘the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity’ that is to be held in Vienna next month, representatives of 40 media organisations from around the world called upon the UN to persuade member states to create a safer environment for journalists. The symposium has drafted a set of proposals in this regard. This needs to be given due attention. Too many governments, among them the Pakistani government, are guilty of either perpetrating violence against media personnel or standing by as such violence occurs. If the world is concerned about the freedom of speech, here is where it begins.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.