Member News: Marking World Press Freedom Day 2009
PEC announces its first annual prize, June 4 as a day for the remembrance of journalists who fell in the line of duty
GENEVA, April 30 (PEC) Marking World Press Freedom Day 2009 the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) announces its first annual prize, and also announces its dedication of June 4 as a day of remembrance for journalists who fell in the line of duty.
The first PEC prize for the protection of journalists will be awarded in June to mark the 5th anniversary of the launch of the PEC.
The award will go every year to an individual or an organization who has contributed in a unique manner to strengthen the protection of journalists and media organizations in conflict zones and in situations of internal violence or civil unrest.
The Prize Jury is composed of the Executive Board of the PEC.
The PEC was established on 4 June 2004 by a group of journalists in Geneva to find ways and means to better the protection of journalists in conflict zones. This call is supported by 35 press associations and NGOs in the media field around the world.
PEC President Hedayat Abdel Nabi called upon all PEC members and supporters in the PEC call across the globe to mark June 4th as the day for remembrance of journalists killed and media organizations attacked by armed forces, non-state actors or crime organizations.
Abdel Nabi added it is also a day to recognize outstanding service for the protection of journalists by dedicating its Award for that cause.
“The person or organization chosen for the prize would have shown during the course of a year activities and concrete deeds to improve the protection of journalists in dangerous missions and the public right to information”, stressed the PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen.
39 journalists killed since January
39 journalists were killed during the first four months of this year while carrying out their work, according to the PEC Media ticking clock.
The figure for the year 2008 stands at 91 journalists killed and for 2007 stands at 115.
Since the establishment of the Human Rights Council in June 2006 some 306 journalists were killed while carrying out their work, an average of nine per month.
Since January, Pakistan represents the most dangerous country for media work with 6 journalists killed. Gaza comes second with four journalists killed during the Israeli invasion.
Iraq shares the second ranking with Gaza with four journalists killed, Mexico follows with three killed , Russia : 3, Somalia : 2, Sri Lanka : 2, Nepal :2, Venezuela : 2, Afghanistan : 2, Honduras : 2, Colombia : 2.
One journalist was killed in Kenya , the Philippines , Madagascar , Guatemala and India.
The PEC re-iterate its call for the liberation of American freelance journalist Roxana Saber from Evin prison in Iran, and the liberation of reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee from a North Korean prison where they have been in detention from 18 March 2009.
The two reporters were detained while they were covering the situation of North Korean refugees on the China border.