Warnings from independent UN-designated rights experts, including United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, citing “multiple reports” that journalists have been “targeted, tortured, kidnapped, attacked and killed, or denied safe passage” from cities and regions. besieged area”.
Latest UN data points out that seven journalists have been confirmed to have been killed in Ukraine since the February 24 Russian invasion; The last time so many media professionals lost their lives in Ukraine, was in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.
The sound of media silence
Russia’s war against Ukraine has been made easier by “the silence of critical voices… for a long time”, rights experts say, pointing to the blocking of streaming platforms Social media and news sites in Russia, and the disruption of foreign media services.
Equally concerned is “mass labeling “for independent media as” foreign agents“, experts said, before denouncing the new Russian law that threatens 15-year prison sentences for journalists “for spreading ‘fake’ information about the war in Ukraine “, questioning the so-called is the special military operation in Ukraine,” or even refer to the word ‘war'”.
They added: “We welcome the systematic crackdown about political opponents, independent journalists and media, human rights activists, protesters and many others protesting the actions of the Russian government. All these measures lead to the creation of a state monopoly on information, a flagrant violation of Russia’s international obligations.
After condemning Russia’s alleged use of “war propaganda” against Ukraine, rights experts maintain that Misinformation is also spread about Ukraine in Russian state media.
EU ‘disproportionate’ sanctions
But they dismissed the European Union’s recent decision to ban two Russian media companies as “disproportionate”.”, adding that the move was used “as an excuse… for the closure of more independent media outlets” in Russia.
“Promoting access to diverse and verifiable information, including ensuring access to pluralistic, independent and free media, is a more effective response to with false information.
“We call on the Russian government to fulfill its international human rights obligationsinclusiveness by respecting, promoting and protecting the freedom to seek, receive and impart information across borders, and by ensuring a safe working environment for independent media journalists, and members of civil society. ”
Concerns about cyber attacks
In Ukraine, rights experts also warn that the possibility of Cyberattacks on Ukraine’s internet and communication infrastructure by Russian forces cause deep concernin a joint statement with African Human Rights Commission, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe.
In armed conflict, journalists must be treated like civilians and any attempt to kill them is a war crime, rights experts stress, adding that States has a “duty and obligation” to respect international humanitarian law.
Independent point of view
Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expressionis an independent member appointed by the United Nations Dong Nhan Quyen Association‘S Special procedure section.
Special procedure is the collective name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address country-specific situations or topical issues in all parts of the world.
Experts working on a voluntary basis as Independent Experts or Special Rapporteurs; they are not employees of the UN and do not receive a salary for their work.
