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Qatar has reaffirmed the call to protect journalists and bring to justice those who commit violent acts against them.
In an intervention at a symposium held here under the title ‘Protecting Journalists in Times of Unrest and Conflict’, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador HE Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Seif al-Thani said, “On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, it is appropriate to renew our commitment to the right of freedom of expression and provide a safe working environment for journalists and the challenges they face during their call of duty.”
Ambassador Sheikha Alia said the event is co-sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), the International Peace Institute and the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations.
She also pointed to the killing of Qatar’s journalist Ali Hassan al-Jaber at the beginning of Arab Spring revolution, 2011, reviewing efforts being exerted by the civil society organisations in Qatar to protect journalists in dangerous situations. The Qatari ambassador singled out the Qatari National Human Rights Committee (QNHRC), which held its first conference of its kind in the Middle East in 2012 for the protection of journalists in dangerous situations.
Sheikha Alia said Dohahouses the Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF), “which plays a significant role in enhancing freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the region and around the world”, adding that the centre supports journalists by organising workshops and conferences on topics related to freedom of the press and the safety of journalists .
Qatar will host the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists to discuss ways to implement effective means for the protection of journalists in times of disputes on 2 November, she said.
