STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 55th Session.
Item 4 - General debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, report by the High Commissioner on DPRK.
Statement delivered by Mr Tormod C. Endresen, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations.
Check against delivery
20 Mars 2024
President,
Freedom of expression and access to information is critical to shed light on human rights violations and abuse and in turn to secure accountability.
In situations of armed conflict and civil unrest, journalists and other media workers are at the frontlines to provide timely and reliable news reporting and documenting excessive use of force.
In Gaza, an unprecedented number of journalists have been killed since 7th October last year. Many journalists have been attacked while doing their job. Journalists are civilians. They must be protected. Impunity for crimes against journalists must end.
In Ukraine, Russia’s war of aggression continues to have serious impacts on press freedom. We call on Russia to release all journalists that are imprisoned because of their work, both in Russia and in the occupied territories in Ukraine.
The situation for the many journalists detained in Belarus and Myanmar is of great concern. In China, including Hong Kong, many journalists are persecuted and imprisoned in violation of (their) human rights. We urge these countries to release the detained journalists and media workers and to ensure the right to a fair trial.
Thank you.