Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has reiterated countries' obligation to protect journalists following the killing of reporter Essam Abdullah in an airstrike in northern Syria on 20 November.
I condemn the killing of Essam Abdullah. Journalists have a duty to provide news and information of public interest, including covering risky environments. Their safety and protection must be guaranteed by the relevant authorities.Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General
Abdullah, a reporter for Hawar News Agency (ANHA), had been reporting in northern Syria since 2013. He was killed while interviewing residents after an initial airstrike a few hours before.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
See also: UNESCO observatory of killed journalists
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