BRUSSELS – 2009 was one of the worst for the targeted killing of media workers, with 113 lives lost, a leading watchdog said Thursday and called on governments to do more to protect reporters.
The Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) designated the Philippines, Mexico and Somalia the most dangerous countries for media staff, following a spate of killings in recent months.
“The devastating massacre of 31 journalists and media staff in the Philippines in November and fresh violence against colleagues in Mexico and Somalia have made this a year of terrible bloodshed for media,” IFJ President Jim Boumelha said.
The group said a total of 137 media personnel were killed in 2009 –24 of them in accidents at work – up from 109 in 2008, despite a UN Security Council pledge three years ago to do more to protect people in the industry.
“The question is whether governments are listening or ready to take their responsibilities seriously,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.
“There is no room for complacency and indifference. The crisis facing media threatens innocent lives and democracy itself,” he said in a statement.
The highest single national toll was 38 in the Philippines. Thirteen fatalities happened in Mexico, nine in Somalia, seven in Pakistan and six in Russia.
Killings in Iraq, long the most dangerous country for media staff, fell from 16 last year to five in 2009. –Agence France-Presse
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
