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
May –
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
“Corruption drains the nation
and victimizes workers who build the nation.
Accountability now!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
May 1 – Labor Day
May 2 – World Freedom Day
May 12 – World Communication Day
May 15 – International Day of Families
May 16 – International Day of Living
Together in Peace
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity
for Dialogue and Development
Monthly Observances:
The Month of the Ocean
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
Volunteerism Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 2: Safe Motherhood Week
Daily Observances:
May 1: Labor Day
May 7: Health Worker’s Day
May 31: National Fisherfolks Day
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