Category Archives: Viva!

RSF annual round-up: 110 journalists killed in 2015

At least 67 killed while reporting or because of their work; RSF condemns failure to protect journalists, calls for “response to match the emergency”.

A total of 110 journalists were killed in connection with their work or for unclear reasons in 2015, according to the round-up published today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which is in a position to say that 67 of them were targeted because of their work or were killed while reporting.

These 67 deaths bring to 787 the total number of journalists killed in connection with their work since 2005. It has not been possible to clearly establish the circumstances or motives of this year’s 43 other deaths of journalists. Twenty-seven citizen-journalists and seven media workers were also killed in 2015.

This disturbing situation is largely attributable to deliberate violence against journalists and is indicative of the failure of the initiatives so far taken to protect media personnel.

A European country, France, was one of the deadliest countries for journalists in 2015. It ranked third, after Syria and Iraq. The January attack on Charlie Hebdo contributed to a reversal of last year’s trend, when two thirds of the deaths of occurred in war zones. This year, two thirds of the deaths were in countries “at peace.”

The full 2015 round-up can be found here.

The creation of a specific mechanism for enforcing international law on the protection of journalists is absolutely essential,” RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said.

Non-state groups perpetrate targeted atrocities while too many governments do not comply with their obligations under international law. The 110 journalists killed this year need a response that matches the emergency. A special representative of the United Nations secretary-general for the safety of journalists must be appointed without delay.

In his annual report on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity on 6 August 2015, UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said: “I am deeply concerned about the failure to reduce the frequency and scale of targeted violence that journalists face and the near absolute impunity for such crimes.”

In response to the persistence and variety of dangers facing journalists, RSF published a revised and amended version of its Safety Guide for Journalists in partnership with UNESCO on 15 December.

RSF has been producing its annual round-up of violations against journalists for the past 20 years. It is based on precise data gathered by RSF in the course of its monitoring activities. The New York-based “Committee to Protect Journalists” is publishing its own round-up today.

Israeli windsurferes denied visas for contest, Malaysia

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Two Israeli windsurfers and their coach have been refused visas to compete at the Youth Sailing World Championships in Langkawi, Malaysia. In response, the World Sailing said Sunday it will investigate reports that  saying “all international sailors should be allowed to compete,” AP said Monday.

AP added that Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin earlier told the Malay Mail Online website that the visa decision was “guided by the existing policy of the Malaysian government” which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Jamaluddin  also said that “The Israeli youth team decided not to adhere our instructions, so I had to act based on the policies at hand, and I don’t understand why the Malaysian government is seen in a bad light here.”

According to AP, The Israel Sailing Association said windsurfers Yoav Omer and Noy Drihan and coach Meir Yaniv would not attend the event that begins Sunday because they had not received visas.

Amir Gill, chairman of the Israel association, also told local media that Malaysia had placed “unacceptable” demands by forbidding athletes from carrying their country’s flag or wearing any symbol on their attire and surfboards that showed their country of origin.

The youth sailing worlds have been held for 44 years. The Malaysian event, which runs to January 3, is expected to attract about 300 under-19 competitors.

Jeremy Corbyn calls on Cameron to take part in annual televised debates

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Labour leader says yearly debates that provide opportunity for public to hold government to account should not just be held at election time

Jeremy Corbyn has challenged David Cameron to take part in an annual “state of the nation” televised debate with other political leaders to help the public engage more in politics.

The Labour leader urged his rival not to “shrink” from a general election-style public contest. Scottish National party leader Nicola Sturgeon and the Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, would sign up if the prime minister accepted the challenge, the Independent was told.

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