I condemn the killing of Khaled Al-Madhoun and call for a thorough and transparent investigation. I reiterate my call to respect UN Security Council Resolution 2222 unanimously adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict, a status recently reaffirmed in the UN Pact for the Future.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Khaled Al-Madhoun worked as a journalist for Palestine TV. He was reportedly killed by a tank strike while he was filming food distribution.
UNESCO has reported the deaths of at least 63 journalists and media workers in the line of work in Palestine since October 2023, which does not include deaths in circumstances unrelated to their profession. UNESCO provides emergency assistance to journalists in the Gaza Strip, including psychosocial assistance, access to working equipment, and capacity-building.
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.
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About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
